Why do not coffee producers join cooperatives? A qualitative study in the south of the State of Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze the factors that influence the decision of coffee producers not to belong to “Cooperative Organization X” located in the south of the State of Mexico. For this purpose, an ethnographic study was carried out to observe, describe and interpret the factors that determine that coffee growers are not members of the organization. The results indicate that, despite the benefits that the members receive, factors such as economic restrictions, cost of the action, low coffee production, rationality, geographical dispersion among producers and the perception that they have of the cooperative, influence not requesting their membership; however, some small producers choose other forms of organization. For this reason, it is recommended to carry out differentiated public policies aimed at addressing the specific needs of each group of producers based on their characteristics with the purpose of promoting organization among coffee growers so that they can obtain the benefits that this entails.