Life conditions and family work strategies of coffee harvesters in Yalí (2016-2017)

Abstract

The research topic focuses on life conditions and family work strategies of coffee harvesters in Yalí (2016-2017). For data collected during the research process, the ethnography was the used method. Every daily life components of coffee harvesters were analyzed and described in detail. The harvest period is given once a year, and the duration is between two or three times a month, when each family it is involved in coffee harvest because of this one is the unique source of income during the year. The coffee harvesters’ case is reflected as a complex reality, which, first, it is linked to the macroeconomic indicators, and subsequently, it carries out an approach to the study of their life conditions during the coffee harvest period on their work. The socioeconomic conditions of the coffee harvesters has as starting point the income varying between 6,000 a 7,000 córdobas per month, these must be aligned to the cessation period of the coffee harvest. Related to the food situation, the intake it is based on two types of food: beans and corn. On the other hand, housings are based on perishable materials, and during the coffee harvest period they live in camps of farms. In addition, the education level is between completed and uncompleted primary school. Finally, the strategy family consists on involve each family for social reproduction of itself.