article

Decentralization of Mexico’s Agricultural Extension Services and the Ongoing Struggle to Alleviate Rural Poverty

Authors

• • José M. Uscanga
  • Oklahoma State University
• • M. Craig Edwards
  • Oklahoma State University

Abstract

Atendencytodecentralizenationalagriculturalextensionsystemsaroundtheworldcaughtmanycountriesunpreparedtorespondeffectivelytotheneedsofitsruralpopulationunderprivatizedapproachestoextensiondelivery,especiallyinregardtopovertyalleviation.MyriadinternalandexternalfactorsledMexicotodismantleitsnationalagriculturalextensionsysteminthe1990s,andadoptamoreprivatizedorcontractor-drivenapproach.Asaresult,significantchangesoccurredinthewayextensionserviceswereofferedtothepublicafterthesystem’sdecentralizationbyMexico’sfederalgovernment,althoughsomesimilaritiesremained.Afteralmosttwodecadesofdecentralization,theeffectivenessofthecurrentsystemhasbeenquestionedregardingitsprovisionofservicestomarginalizedgroupswhorepresentthemostimpoverishedofMexico’scitizens.Thishistoricalnarrativeaimedtounderstandthephenomenonbyexploringthecausesofdecentralization,comparingextensionservicedeliverybeforeandafterdecentralization,includingitsoutcome,privatizationofextensionservices,andsuggestdirectionsforimprovementinthefuture

Keywords: agricultural extension, decentralization, Mexico, rural poverty

How to Cite: Uscanga, J. M. & Edwards, M. C. (2016) “Decentralization of Mexico’s Agricultural Extension Services and the Ongoing Struggle to Alleviate Rural Poverty”, Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education. 23(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.5191/jiaee.2016.23102