Abstract

ORELLANA PENA, Jorge Humberto. The coffee growing and its contribution to the human development process in western Honduras. Universidad y Sociedad [online]. 2022, vol.14, n.6, pp. 697-705.  Epub Dec 30, 2022. ISSN 2218-3620.

This research presents an assessment of coffee growing practices and their contributions to the human development of producer families in western Honduras. Data collection was conducted between July 2018 and October 2019 in Copán, Ocotepeque, and Lempira. Information was obtained through interviews, questionnaires, field observations, and focus groups. The population sample consists of 378 coffee producers. The results show inequality in the distribution of economic benefits, favoring the intermediary, the exporter, as well as the Government (through the foreign exchange fees and taxes it collects). Producing families face a series of difficulties ranging from volatility in coffee prices, phytosanitary problems, and climate change, to a lack of access to financing and technical assistance. In terms of human development, producers have become subsidiaries of the Government as they invest their savings in health, education, food, and home improvements. Coffee farming makes significant contributions to human well-being. However, the region has high rates of social inequality. It is necessary to review the premises of intervention and search for alternative strategies that will reduce the social exclusion that western Honduras has historically suffered.

Keywords : Coffee growing; western, human development; producing family; contribution; alternatives, poverty..

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