HIGH-END COFFEE AND SMALLHOLDING GRO W ERS IN GU AT EMALA

摘要: Coffee production in Guatemala has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last twenty years. Changing tastes among northern consumers have driven new demand for high-quality Strictly Hard Bean coffees that are grown above 4,500 feet. As result, many of large, lower-altitude plantations long synonymous with coffee abandoned production, moving into rubber, African palm, and other crops. At least 50,000 mostly smallholding farmers highlands begun grow- ing to fi ll this market niche. Building on capabilities approach development, article examines how Guatemalan producers' desires better fu- ture orient their engagement market. Most these small producers live very modest circumstances limited resources opportunities. Yet, as they de- scribe it, represents an opportunity context few opportunities, imperfect means marginally life. Over past years, aftermath price collapses 1993 again 2001, trade elsewhere Latin America been dramatically transformed (Murray, Raynolds, Taylor 2006; Bacon, Men- dez, Gliessman 2008). Throughout twentieth century, was highly concentrated industry composed number large producers. These cafetaleros operated privately owned (fi ncas) depended temporary migrant labor deliver high-volume, low-cost commodity product. The traded equally exporters roasters who then completed global value chain; found its way cups around world Folgers, Max- well House, hundreds brands. In largely Maya highland com- munities where recruited, working ncas was, is, seen employment resort because low wages harsh conditions. Today, we nd former laborers subsistence farm- ers supporting families by growing selling own coffee. Guate- mala's varied landscape provides wide range microclimatic variation altitudes produce distinct coffees. rapidly proliferating