SOCIAL PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS IN THREE MIXTEC COMMUNITIES IN OAXACA, MEXICO

Programs that provide incentives in the form of resources contribute in an essential way to improving quality of life; however, the amount assigned for the development of peoples and communities is not precisely known. Our intention was to evaluate social participation in government programs that operate in three rural Mixtec communities in Oaxaca. The methodologies applied include the evaluation of rural development programs and assessment of rural participation. Research techniques consisted of semi -structured interviews, field trips and direct dialogue. Information was compiled from a sample of 60 beneficiaries of different programs. Spearman correlation and independence tests were applied to the data obtained. In the three communities, there is evident 100% participation in the following programs: Pension para Adultos Mayores (Pension for Older Adults), Becas Jovenes Escribiendo el Futuro (Scholarships for Young people Writing the Future) and Pension para Personas Discapacitadas (Pension for Disabled People), with an average participation time of 9.2 years in follow-up programs and 3.5 in newly created programs. There is a correlation (r=0.55: p<0.0001) between age and number of years participating in social programs. It was apparent that factors such as mistrust and lack of correct documentation limit people's participation. We conclude that social programs are essential for peasant families in rural areas, due to lack of opportunities.