Juba is a powerful example of how tradition, community work, and resilience can
thrive, even in the most challenging environments.
Over six years ago, we arrived in La Montaña Alta de Guerrero—a remote region
often stigmatized and affected by poverty, violence, and insecurity. Our mission
was to introduce the concept of specialty coffee, a completely new idea for the local
producers. This is how Juba was born, named after the Me’phaa word for
“mountain.”
The project started in 2017 with a small group of five Indigenous producers from
the village of Ojo de Agua. Through time and consistent effort in the region, this
network has grown significantly.
Today, Juba is a collective of over 70 producers, also representing neighboring
communities such as Malinaltepec, Paraje Montero, and Iliatenco.
Productive Landscapes of La Montaña
The farms of Juba producers resemble small jungles, each less than one hectare in
size. These farms are filled with timber and fruit trees that provide shade for the
coffee plants.
These agroforestry systems, common in La Montaña Alta, offer crucial
environmental benefits: they protect ecosystems from climate change, conserve
biodiversity, and contribute to ecological balance.
Guerrero stands out for producing nearly 90% of its coffee using natural processes,
in contrast to other Mexican states where washed coffee is more common.
What Challenges They Face
Extreme Poverty: La Montaña Alta is considered one of the most marginalized
and poverty-stricken areas in Mexico.
Migration: Poverty has driven many locals to migrate to the United States or
northern Mexico in search of better opportunities.
Drug Trafficking: These vulnerable territories have been overtaken by drug
trafficking,casting a negative perception on La Montaña that has been difficult to
overcome.
Unethical Trade: Few coffee companies are willing to establish transparent trade
relationships with local producers. This has allowed oligopolies to form, imposing
low prices and showing little interest in supporting coffee cultivation.
Insecurity for Women: The region is particularly unsafe for women due to
entrenched dynamics of machismo and misogyny.
Comentários