Jack Bowness

Perspectivas Locales ~ NAFTA in Southern Mexico: An Economic Godsend or Curse?

Introduction

Perspectivas locales ~ nafta in southern mexico: an economic godsend or curse?. Explore NAFTA's impact on Southern Mexico through indigenous voices in Oaxaca. Did it bring growth or increase poverty and emigration? Crucial insights for NAFTA 2.0.

Abstract

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was adopted with the hope that the accord would bring economic growth to Mexico, reducing poverty and social inequality. It is now 24 years later, and these development goals have not been achieved. Using primary source interview material from indigenous people of southern Oaxaca, along with a review of the literature and quantitative data, this article contends that NAFTA has contributed to an increase in rural poverty, regional disparities, and the emigration of campesinos from their native communities. With NAFTA 2.0 negotiations underway, this paper advocates that the voices of indigenous people should be heard at the negotiating table. Their insight on how the trade deal has impacted southern localities is of critical importance moving forward.

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