El paradigma del desarrollo rural sustentable versus las políticas del medio rural centralizadas en México: el caso de Comala, Colima

Abstract

The town of Comala, is located in the state of Colima, Mexico. In 2010, its population was 19,384 inhabitants, at federal level there has been implemented sustainable rural development policies, however, these were not reflected on the territory, nor in the economics and social well being, due to a negative growth rate since 2008. Because of emigration, rural collective towns “ejidos” have remained inhabited by old population, since young people have gone to urban areas or out of the town in search of better work opportunities, often related to different agricultural activities. These trends were reverted by means of sustainable rural development principles set in the Mexican legal framework, such as: diversification of rural economy, enhancement of rural and urban interactions, decentralization policies and local participation of communities, productive networks and the increase of rural opportunities. Therefore, the purpose of the work is the assessment of the sustainable rural development with a territorial approach in Comala between 2005-2009, taking into account social, economic and environmental issues. Results have demonstrated that diversification of rural economy has not launched, there is still centralization of federal resources and community participation hasn’t overcome family organization and its participaton has been reduced to information and consultation levels, but have not reach empowerment.