The land use patterns and the history of coffee in eastern Chiapas, Mexico

The role of coffee in the land use patterns and decisions of eastern Chiapas looms as a key ingredient in the social and political relations of this conflicted area. Data from the municipios of Ocosingo, Altamirano, and Las Margaritas - three districts generally associated with the January 1994 uprising - reveal similarities and distinct differences in land use patterns involving coffee. The introduction and spread of coffee, as well as the market and production changes related to this export-oriented sector can be linked to the colonists who settled this remote region over the past several decades. The dynamics between grassroots campesino producer organizations and the state's now-defunct National Coffee Institute (INMECAFE) helped set the stage for the economic challenges that fell full force upon the residents in the area in 1994 and beyond. © 1997 Kluwer Academic Publishers.