However, within the ejido , land has been subdivided and allotted individually, and only the grazing lands are exploited communally. This has resulted in overgrazing, as the animals are individually owned s by only a few ejido members who try to maximize their benefits without regard to carrying capacities. Approximately 4,000 people live in the area, dispersed in numerous small settlements. Road access is poor, and even impossible when it rains. This is only one part of a deficient infrastructure, extending from transport and communications to drinking water, electricity, and sanitary, health, and educational services.
Educational standards are correspondingly low.
The majority of houses in the ejidos had only one or two rooms, with four to five persons per room. Tools and implements were few, as were improvements such as watering points and fences. It is through such activities that the peasants survive during droughts. The university has been working in the area since 1972, and since 1975 the operations have been under the control of the Department of Renewable Natural Resources. Dr Nava and his colleagues demonstrated some of their work to the participants.