Peri-urban Social-Ecological Systems and Adaptive Governance. The Case of Milpa Alta, Mexico City

Objective: To evaluate the governance problems of agricultural social-ecological systems in a peri-urban territory, south of Mexico City, based on the adaptive management approach. Theoretical Framework: The approach to social-ecological systems is reviewed, according to adaptive governance categories based on the analysis of social networks, in order to consider their capacities in the face of complexity, uncertainty and change in the development of peri-urban territories. Method: We used the approach of ways of life and generic adaptive capacities, including social structures, norms and institutional settings that facilitate socio-territorial development. Data were obtained through a survey (222 local people), ethnographic fieldwork, structured interviews and participatory workshops. In addition, stakeholder mapping and social network analysis were used. Research implications: 1) Process, structural and contextual variables (power and policies for peri-urban socio-ecological systems); 2) Relationship between local meanings of peri-urban territory of actors and strategic political institutions of governance; and 3) Socio-environmental importance of peri-urban rural activities and the relationships of organizations at different scales. Originality/value: Empirical evidence is provided, through a case study, to the theoretical frameworks on regional adaptive governance performance in peri-urban rural territories based on the thesis of institutional and social capacity building for planning and local human organization.