The Transformative Effect of Investments in Territorial Capital on Poverty Reduction: Evidence from Rural Mexico

Abstract

Within the rural development debate, there has been increasing call for a stronger territorial focus that emphasizes the utilization and development of local resources along with the demands of community members. This study evaluates the impact of a poverty reduction program on two well-being dimensions: income and consumption in education and health. The empirical analysis uses a primary dataset of 2,234 beneficiary and non-beneficiary households residing in rural areas of Mexico. The results offer valuable insights on how poverty reduction programs can improve the well-being level in the targeted communities through capability-building interventions linked to investments in two forms of territorial capital, namely human capital and productive assets.

Keywords: well-being, capability approach, territorial capital, income, consumption, Mexico