Urban agriculture in Mexico City: A critical policy analysis

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to critically reflect on the policies of the government of Mexico City regarding urban agriculture. The findings could contribute to a better understanding of similar problems affecting other Latin American and Caribbean cities. In general terms, urban agriculture refers to agricultural activity within the city borders or in its close periphery, which is called “peri-urban agriculture.” The demarcation of the former does not present serious problems, but conceptual and spatial problems emerge when dealing with peri-urban agriculture. Public policy does not differentiate clearly between urban and rural agriculture, and it therefore does not address the specific needs of each one, sometimes rendering policy measures irrelevant or ineffective. A detailed and specific analysis is required to identify the problems and potentiality of each of these two types of urban agriculture.