Context Analysis

In Mexico there are an estimated 2.3 million people working as internal agricultural migrant workers (Conasami, 2020). It is important to highlight that this population is made up largely of indigenous people; 24% of the group speak an indigenous language, a figure which is three times higher than the national average.

This seasonal migration is motivated by a diverse set of factors, principally the lack of local employment that would permit these individuals to cover their basic needs, and the historical exclusion which rural communities in the central and south of Mexico continue to suffer. In addition to severe social deprivation, high indices of marginalization and extreme poverty, many municipalities also face insecurity and the presence of violence.

Veracruz and Oaxaca are part of this growing dynamic within Mexico. Their communities generate both youth and entire families that migrate in search of sustenance. These migrants contribute to the agro-industrial labor force, working under inhumane labor conditions which fall outside of official regulations.

Between June and November of 2022, the Ambulantes partner organizations conducted 85 interviews with internal agricultural migrant workers in 18 communities across both states. The results of these interviews are summarized in this brief context analysis and can be explored in more detail in the Map and Dashboard sections of this platform.

This research was carried out by Ambulantes partner organizations: Centro de Estudios en Cooperación Internacional y Gestión Pública, A.C., Fomento Cultural y Educativo, A.C., and CAMINOS Centro de Acompañamiento a Migrantes, A.C.

Fomento Cultural y Educativo interviewed 46 internal agricultural migrant workers in the Sierra Norte and Huasteca regions of Veracruz. Thousands of people from these regions travel to the city of Huejutla, Hidalgo to begin their seasonal migration and work in ‘los contratos,’ a colloquial term for circular agricultural migration. The majority of these workers are from Nahua, Otomí and Tepehua communities. Those interviewed expressed a desire for improved living and housing conditions, as well as higher wages and a safer working environment. They are worried by the risks associated with the presence of organized crime and prevalence of drugs in ranches, as well as by forced labor conditions and mistreatment by their employers.

CAMINOS Centro de Acompañamiento a Migrantes interviewed 40 internal agricultural migrants from Zapoteca communities located in the Valles Centrales of Oaxaca. According to the National Survey of Internal Agricultural Laborers (Encuesta Nacional de Jornaleros Agrícolas, 2009) 24.4% of internal agricultural migrant workers are of Oaxacan origin. One of the explanations for Oaxaca’s high migrant expulsion rate is the fact that Oaxaca has the third-highest grade of marginalization of all Mexican states (DIGEPO, consulted January 2023). The majority of those interviewed stated their desire for a higher wage as well as educational access for their children.

In general terms the contexts and problems faced by internal agricultural migrants and their families in Oaxaca and Veracruz reflect the reality that affects the internal agricultural migrant population across Mexico. The request for a higher salary demonstrates that migration is a necessity for this population, a survival alternative. Interviewed migrants highlighted the need for decent living conditions in workplaces, access to education and health services, and legal contracting methods. All of these are considered basic legal benefits under Mexican law and demonstrate that the application of labor law must be strengthened. At the same time, it is vital to address the systematic inequalities that have made it difficult for internal agricultural migrants to recognize and demand their rights.

We invite you to read the complete Context Analysis and the explore the interactive Map and Dashboard which demonstrate the results of interviews carried out by Ambulantes.