TOWARDS ANOTHER PARADIGM OF THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF COFFEE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN WESTERN HONDURAS

Abstract

This study proposes an alternative debate on the political economy of coffee and human development in western Honduras. It was based on an understanding of the meanings, practices and contributions of coffee growing and development processes. The methodology had a mainly qualitative approach. Some perceptions were translated into the numerical language for its interpretation. Software such as Atlas ti and SPSS was used. Interviews were carried out with coffee producing families, technicians, managers of coffee institutions and other agents involved in development processes. The statistical formula applied was 378 participants, distributed proportionally in Copán, Ocotepeque and Lempira. The study included field visits, participant observation, focus groups and an ethnographic phase.