| The rates of urban growth globally continue to rise, especially in small and intermediary cities and urban peripheries, or "peri-urban" areas of the developing world. Communities in these settings reflect dichotomous configurations of space by sharing characteristics with rural areas, in terms of continued connections with agriculture, yet displaying an increasing reliance of non-agricultural employment. These hybrid spaces therefore become increasingly important in terms of land-use for agricultural production and its contribution to household and regional food security.;This study focuses on the Toluca Metropolitan Area, west of Mexico City, a traditional maize production region that also has exhibited high rates of urban growth over the last thirty years. The main questions posed here examine: 1) the underlying political, demographic, cultural and economic factors affecting maize production in the region, 2) the threshold at which a household abandons maize production, and 3) the role and usage of maize for households and communities. Several methods are employed, including semi-structured interviews with government officials and maize production organizations, an examination of secondary data and literature regarding urban growth and agrarian policy, observations and informal interviews, 146 household surveys across three distinct peri-urban communities, and two focus groups with youth who are children of producers.;The findings of this study illustrate that maize production has ceased to be a main economic activity for households in the region, and is mostly used for subsistence or converted into livestock. Households that sell maize are often older and selling to neighbors or family members. Additionally, maize plays an important role in buffering the risk of volatile income sources as well as maintaining tradition and preferences for local grain and handmade tortillas. Despite communities having distinct relationships with maize, reflecting the importance of geographic location, households are grouped into livelihood clusters that exhibit diverse relationships with maize in combination with non-agricultural activities. The results question a linear urban transition occurring in this peri-urban area and instead reflect the importance and continuation of maize production. However, conversations with youth question the future viability of maize production without economic or cultural need combined with capacity building in agricultural knowledge. |
