Rural Mapuches' household economies: From the land question to income diversification

Rural Mapuche population, mainly located in the region of La Araucania, is one of the social groups presenting the highest poverty rates in Chile. Specific policies for this population have been based along the two last decades in the granting of land, as a way to compensate the historical dispossession of these communities. Nevertheless, the evaluation of these policies point out that they are not being effective in poverty reduction. At the same time, some studies indicate an emerging diversification of family incomes. In this context, this article shows how rural Mapuche families are developing three main income strategies, based on out-farm salaries, subsidies and agricultural and forest production. These strategies are related both to internal family and farm variables and to the socioeconomic contexts they are rooted. Historical comparative results show the growth of salaries and subsidies, though agricultural production continues being relevant for those families less connected to labour markets. The research was based upon a survey carried out in the communities of Galvarino, Temuco and Freire. Data were used initially for a descriptive analysis of families and farms, as well as income composition. Then, income strategy typologies were constructed to determine its relationship with families, farms and context. Adapted from the source document.