ABSTRACT
In 1990, one-third of the ejidos in Campeche were in default on loans from Banco Nacional de Credito Rural as a result of the marginal nature of most agricultural activities exacerbated by debt crisis inflation. The debt crisis has forced a new economic realism in agricultural undertakings. The Campeche campesinos are remarkably resilient under stress as can be seen from their responses to the debt crisis—the latest phase in the ongoing agricultural crisis. The majority the debt crisis means a contraction of options wherein return to the milpa appears to be the only feasible solution: We were deceived into believing that there was a better life for the Maya away from the milpa. The debt crisis also means that the cost of clothing keeps many children out of primary school and, together with the increasing expense of room and board in town, has reduced the number of students pursuing secondary education.
