Local Economy and Women's Participation in Rural Tourism:

Evidence from the Bacurato Dam, Sinaloa

Abstract

Objective: To analyze women's participation in rural tourism in the Bacurato community, Sinaloa. Methodology: The method was qualitative, using instruments such as semi-structured interviews, field notes, document review, and INEGI (National Institute of Statistics and Geography), which allowed for the conclusion of this article corresponding to the period from January 2024 to February 2025. Results: Field data show that 27 women, representing 25% of the community's economically active population, play an active role in the employment generated by rural tourism. Furthermore, of the 58 households in the community, 13 have a female head of household, indicating that women are more interested in participating in local economic activities that generate employment and income to cover family expenses. Limitations: It was not possible to obtain information on the existence or absence of rural tourism policies implemented by the municipal government, and even less so, historical employment statistics for this segment of the population. However, through semi-structured interviews, relevant data were collected on the jobs performed by women in this community. Conclusions: Rural tourism in this community, since the inauguration of the Gustavo Díaz Ordaz Dam (better known as Bacurato), has generated employment for women. This includes, among other things, the construction of the Bacurato highway to the municipal seat of Sinaloa de Leyva, and the construction of three hotels and a hostel in this mountainous area, which has led to the arrival of more domestic and international tourists who enjoy sport fishing. However, it is necessary to request government support to improve public safety to protect the safety of tourists and residents living near the Bacurato Dam, given the wave of insecurity currently affecting the State of Sinaloa.