Women's participation in coffee culture in the high mountains of veracruz, mexico

Background: Veracruz is the second largest coffee producer in Mexico and its production is of productive, economic and social importance. Objective: to analyze the participation of women in the coffee production process and decision-making in 11 municipalities in the region of the High Mountains of Veracruz. Methodology: A survey applied through personal interviews was used, with the application of 98 questionnaires to women coffee producers. We worked with two focus groups: coffee plantation owners defined as Women Coffee Producers (MDP, 15) and non-owners of coffee plantations but who participate in family production considered as Family Women Coffee Producers (MFP, 18); A database was created in Excel Microsoft Windows, the data was analyzed with Statistica version 8.0. Results: It was found that the MDPs play a double role (producers and housewives/entrepreneurs/artisans), while the MFPs are exclusively dedicated to the home. Therefore, coupled with the fact that they have land ownership rights, their participation is low. Implications: it is important to carry out research with a gender perspective to recognize the preponderant activity of women, considering men. Conclusions: it is important to encourage women to recognize their work in order to make visible the work carried out on the plots.