Gender Equity and Coffee Agroforestry: The Environmental and Social Impacts of Commodity Production in Latin America

This paper addresses the environmental and social implications of coffee growth and production in Latin America. Women contribute significantly to the ownership of coffee farms and labor of coffee production; however, there is a lack of resources and financial compensation for their work. Chapter One provides both quantitative and qualitative data on the environmental impacts of coffee plantations compared to agroforestry methods of coffee production in Latin America. This chapter defines basic terms, differentiates coffee species and mode of production, and explains the ecosystem services of biodiverse, tropical farms. Chapter Two highlights the patriarchal nature of Latin American agriculture systems that perpetuate male-dominated hierarchies. This chapter addresses important subsects of environmental ethics, including ecofeminism and care ethics. Chapter Three attempts to differentiate between Fair Trade, Organic, and Rainforest Alliance coffee certification meanings and how full-cost pricing can be implemented into the selling of Latin American-produced coffee in the Global North. This chapter also entails first-hand interviews with coffee farmers in Veracruz, Mexico. Chapter Four deals with international policy and regulations regarding the production and value chain of coffee, specifically relating to the Global North’s exploitation of Latin American labor. Furthermore, it seeks to break down the effects of globalization and capitalism on women living and working in the Global South. Lastly, Chapter Five suggests multilateral solutions to unsustainable farming practices and gender inequity along the coffee production supply chain to ensure an ethical cup of coffee.