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Rural enterprise in Mexico: a case of necessity diversification

Gary Bosworth (Lincoln Business School, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK)
Gerard McElwee (Huddersfield Business School, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK)
Rob Smith (Aberdeen Business School, The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK)

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy

ISSN: 1750-6204

Article publication date: 12 October 2015

513

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to consider the challenges facing small rural businesses in Mexico in their efforts to be enterprising and sustainable when confronted with severe exogenous pressures. Extant literature on farm diversification has a developed economy focus (Pyysiäinen et al., 2006; McElwee, 2008; McElwee and Smith, 2013), but relatively little has been published in developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers diversification activities of Mexican farmers. It uses case studies, workshops and interviews to determine the barriers facing farmers and farm advisors.

Findings

Farm businesses, particularly those located in drought-prone regions, have benefited from government-sponsored support, but this support needs to now be targeted to develop the entrepreneurial potential of individuals and collectives.

Research limitations/implications

Carried out in one region of Mexico only, and thus, the findings may not be transferable to other regions.

Practical implications

Recruitment of well-qualified, honest farm advisors with entrepreneurial skills is necessary. Farmers need to be given additional training and support to develop both technological and entrepreneurial skills.

Social implications

Encouraging and supporting rural enterprises in Mexico helps to provide opportunities for regions to be economically and socially sustainable.

Originality/value

A first attempt to look at farmers ' diversification strategies using an entrepreneurial framework.

Keywords

Citation

Bosworth, G., McElwee, G. and Smith, R. (2015), "Rural enterprise in Mexico: a case of necessity diversification", Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, Vol. 9 No. 4, pp. 327-343. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-05-2014-0006

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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