The traditional coffee agroecosystem in Chiapas: a systemic analysis of its ecological, productive, and sociocultural relevance

Resumen

Objective: To analyze the traditional coffee agroecosystem in Chiapas from a systemic perspective to understand its ecological, productive, and sociocultural dimensions and to identify the relationships that explain its functioning and resilience.

Design/methodology/approach: A structured documentary review with a systemic and rational–deductive orientation was conducted using 42 scientific sources. The analysis was organized around ecological, productive, and sociocultural criteria and incorporated a SWOT matrix to synthesize the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of shade-grown coffee systems in Chiapas and the Frailesca region.

Results: Three core attributes of the agroecosystem were identified: structural diversity, ecological and productive multifunctionality, and smallholder management supported by local knowledge. These characteristics contribute to productive stability and socioecological resilience. The review also revealed tensions associated with socio-environmental disturbances, phytosanitary vulnerability, and outmigration of young people. The SWOT matrix highlighted opportunities linked to differentiated coffees, the cultural value of the crop, and the role of shade in biodiversity conservation.

Research limitations/implications: The study relies on secondary sources and exposes gaps in systemic analyses of coffee production in the Frailesca region. Nevertheless, the review enabled the development of an integrative conceptualization of the agroecosystem and underscores the relevance of holistic approaches that articulate ecological, productive, social, and economic dimensions to guide future research and public policy.

Findings/conclusions: The traditional coffee agroecosystem constitutes a complex system whose resilience is grounded in the interaction among diversity, multifunctionality, and smallholder management. Ensuring its long-term sustainability requires integrated strategies that strengthen ecological management, cultural preservation, and access to more equitable markets