Remittance outcomes in rural Oaxaca, Mexico: Challenges, options and opportunities for migrant households

In this paper, we investigate the ways in which migrant households in rural Oaxaca, Mexico, use remittances. We use data from a survey and ethnographic research in 12 rural communities in the central valleys of the state to examine three investment strategies: those made in the local (village) commercial economy, those made in the agricultural/dairy sector, and those made in Oaxaca's tourism industry. In our discussion, we examine the challenges that surround such local efforts and ask whether such patterns increase dependency, or create opportunities. Finally, we ask, can the investment of remittances mitigate future migration? Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.