Spatiotemporal dynamics of crime in Mexican agroecosystems and socioeconomic performance (2006-2022)

Objective: To identify the spatial and temporal dynamics of the types of crime committed in Mexican agroecosystems and their relationship with the economic performance of the federal entities of Mexico during the period from 2006 to 2022. Design/methodology/approach: 1) documentary research; 2) obtaining data through official indicators and a hemerographic study analyzing 292 news articles; and 3) statistical analysis evaluating the collected data. Results: The analysis of news articles indicates that the most frequent crimes in agroecosystems during the period 2006-2022 were homicide, kidnapping, and extortion; the most affected productive components are livestock, avocado, and seed trade; and the states with the highest criminal presence in agroecosystems are Guerrero, Michoacán, and Sinaloa. Statistical analysis indicates that as socioeconomic indicators decrease, crime in agroecosystems increases, and vice versa. Limitations on study/implications: Due to the lack of a statement or document with official figures on the incidence of crime in Mexican agroecosystems, the analyzed information is based on that obtained in news articles. Findings/conclusions: Crimes in agroecosystems increase as economic development indicators decrease, and they decrease as the economy grows, in line with theoretical approaches considering crime primarily as a rational act (of benefits and costs) that can be analyzed from a social and economic perspective.