Production of Organic Coffee for biodiversity conservation and generation of livelihoods in Chiapas, Mexico
Case Study C0036
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| Date | 2002 |
| Agency | Café de la Selva |
| Donor/support agency | Union Ejidos la Selva & Vinculo y Desarrollo |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Community conserved area |
| Geographic coverage | Mexico |
| Locality | Chiapas region |
| Biodiversity focus | Ecosystem/Landscape |
| Development focus | 1300 families of Chiapas |
| Conservation goals | None |
| Poverty reduction goals | None |
Summary
Mexico is world's third largest producer of organic coffee with small-scale farmers accounting for 80% of its total production. This coffee is mainly shade grown in the forests, which are owned by small landowners or communities. These communities slash the vegetation and set fire to it for the fertilising effect. But the fires have led to the unintentional destruction of prime forests throughout the region leading to soil erosion and habitat loss. The Union Ejidos la Selva, a local community association, has been working with over 1300 families in Chiapas for the past 20 years to grow organic coffee in an ecologically sustainable manner. The Union represents growers and millers who produce coffee. Agronomists from the Union train farmers in organic techniques to increase the quantity and quality of the coffee. They have trained farmers in terrace sloping, pruning, intercropping and establishing the nurseries. Another community organisation, Vinculo y Desarrollo, works with the Union and promotes alternative business models with marginalised social groups in rural and urban areas of Chiapas. They help to market the coffee by promoting the brand and the cultural values associated with the indigenous communities that grow the coffee. The two organisations jointly run a coffee chain known as Café de la Selva, which has 18 outlets in Mexico, Europe and USA. Coffee producers are given a fair price. With good incomes, the nutrition and education level of the community children have improved. Thanks to intercropping, farmers get firewood, medicinal plants, fruits and herbs as additional benefits, which have improved local livelihoods. Minimal use of pesticides and fertilisers, have reduced health risks to farmers. Simultaneously by using certified organic techniques, farmers are able to control erosion, limit pollution, and create a healthier environment for many species.
Conservation impact
Farmers have been able to control erosion, limit pollution, and create a healthier environment for many species.
Poverty reduction impact
Farmers sell coffee at a fair price, which has increased local incomes. With good incomes, the nutrition and education level of the community children have improved. Thanks to intercropping, farmers get firewood, medicinal plants, fruits and herbs as additional benefits, which have improved local livelihoods. Minimal use of pesticides and fertilisers have reduced health risks to farmers.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Ecoagriculture
Facilitating access to markets
Reference 1
http://www.undp.org/equatorinitiative/secondary/equator_prize2002.htm#mexico
Reference 2
http://www.tve.org/ho/doc.cfm?aid=910
More information
David Velasco Samperio, Vinculo y Desarollo, Had. Molino de Flores, #4 Col. Prado Coapa, Mexico D.F., Mexico, Tel 5684 6407, Email: vinculoydessarollo@hotmail.com