Local knowledge and perception of coffee growers on ecosystem services in the Volcanica Central Talamanca Biological Corridor, Costa Rica

Development projects should made an effort in the initial implementation stage, to better understand the knowledge of all stake holders on those issues considered essential for the success of the project. Ecosystem services from coffee fields have been revised in the scientific literature; however farmers have different perceptions depending on factors such as environmental risks, age group, previous education, etc. In this study the knowledge and perception of coffee growers on ecosystem services in the Volcanica Central Talamanca Biological Corridor (CBVCT) in Costa Rica, was analyzed using the AKT5 Software. The farmers' perception on tree canopy structure, trees species, coffee-tree interactions, biodiversity in coffee plantations, soil and water quality and other ecosystem services was compared. In the region there are organic and conventional coffee growers, with a wide gradient of socioeconomic conditions. Key informants of each group were interviewed and the information was validated with a larger sample of producers. Correlation between local knowledge and management practices will also determined in the field. (Résumé d'auteur