WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN THE COFFEE PRODUCTION SECTOR IN THE HIGH MOUNTAINS REGION, VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Resumen

Objective: To characterize the profile and empowerment level of women in the coffee (Coffea arabica L.) production sector in the High Mountains Region, Veracruz, Mexico.

Design/methodology: The assessment considered two scenarios: women coffee production owners (MDP) and coffee producers’ wives (EFP). The study was conducted in five municipalities with a “non-probabilistic” sample. Eighty questionnaires with a Likert-type scale were applied in the municipalities of Coatepec, Huatusco, Sochiapa, Tlaltetela, and Zentla, Veracruz.

Results: The age of women in both profiles ranged between 41 and 60 years. Marital status for MDP is 20% single and 23% divorced, while 80% of the EFP are married. Education level among MDP is higher than among EFP. Most MDP have two or more jobs (78%), while EFP are mostly housewives (68%). Most MDP (65%) presented a high empowerment level and 35% a medium level. Among EFP, 45% had a high empowerment level and 55% a medium level.

Limitations and implications: Survey on how male producers perceive women’s participation and empowerment within the coffee sector.

Conclusion: Empowerment level is higher among women production owners —since this allows them to show leadership and autonomy in decision-making— than among women who depend economically on a male producer. This dependency limits the role women play in decision-making.