NON-FARM DIVERSIFICATION, POVERTY, AND GENDER IN RURAL MEXICO.

Abstract

Non-farm activities are studied as part of the labor market, which allows to evaluate their importance as a source of employment and income for rural populations. This is relevant because it allows to determine how women become part of the labor market. The aim of this research was to identify the factors that encourage women to participate in the non-farm sector and its impact on the poverty levels of Mexican rural households. Nonlinear econometrics models were estimated based on data from the National Survey on Mexico’s Rural Households (ENHRUM, 2007 and 2010). The age, educational level, and number of women of working age influence their decision to participate in non-farm activities. The poverty reduction is associated with the following factors: education, ownership of agricultural assets, and employment in non-farm activities. If women had greater access to education, resources, and productive assets, a more equitable economic and social development could be achieved in the rural sector