Factors affecting the sustainability of coffee farms in Colinas Santa Barbara, Honduras.

Abstract

Coffee is one of the most important products in Honduras for the national economy and for many families in particular. The objective of this research is to analyze the critical factors that affect the sustainability of smallholder coffee farms and their impact on the coffee value chain in the municipality of San José de Colinas, Santa Barbara, Honduras. A mixed methodological design was used. A questionnaire was applied to a sample of 124 producers in 24 villages selected from a population of 929 producers in the municipality. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis and interpretation.Among the main results, in environmental terms, 61.6% of the producers practice shade management, which contributes to the conservation of the forest; 71.8% have been affected by pests and diseases. 71.2% expressed that the lack of labor is a critical problem. Economically, there is dissatisfaction among the producers with the price; 45.9% consider that it is not profitable. Some 77.5% of producers find it difficult to market their coffee at fair prices. Only 13.7% believe that financing policies are effective. In conclusion, the coffee activity in the municipality is threatened by the evaluated factors that put its long-term sustainability at risk. It requires immediate attention from the Central Government and the institutions that manage the coffee sector with effective policies that ensure the sustainability of coffee farms and strengthen the participation of small producers in the coffee value chain.