Characterization of shade-grown coffee production in Totonac communities in the Northeastern Sierra of the state of Puebla, Mexico

Abstract

Puebla is the third largest coffee cherry producer nationwide. At the close of the 2023 agricultural cycle, it produced 223,603.15 tons. Coffee production is the main source of income for farming families in the Sierra Nororiental. The objective was to characterize shade-grown coffee (Coffea arabica L.) production in Huehuetla, Ixtepec, and Zongozotla. The study was conducted from January to June 2024. 93 semi-structured interviews were conducted, including: a) general information, b) socioeconomic and productive aspects, and c) agronomic management. Sixty-nine percent of the participants were men and 31% were women. Twelve coffee varieties are grown in these municipalities, associated with 50 plant species, 16 of which are used for shade. Producers identified coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix) and coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) as the main diseases and pests, respectively. Parchment coffee yields are lower than the state average (≤8 qq/ha). The most common practices are weed control, coffee tree pruning, shade management, and soil fertilization. However, foliar fertilization and the application of insecticides and fungicides are less widely implemented and therefore require attention. Based on the results obtained, it is suggested that agricultural activities be increased, government agencies should promote the coffee sector, and design management plans that, in addition to considering the biological requirements of coffee cultivation, also incorporate the socioeconomic and cultural context.