Key actions for self-management of a grassroots peasant organization: the case of VIDA A.C

Abstract

This analysis examines the organizational process of the association Vinculación y Desarrollo Agroecológico en Café A.C. (VIDA), located in Ixhuatlán del Café, Veracruz, as a case of community self-management based on agroecology and mutual support. Through a participatory workshop with members and founding partners of the organization, key actions implemented in their development plans were identified. A significant finding was that 82% of the participants were women leaders, highlighting their fundamental role in the organization’s processes. The actions were categorized into three stages: initiation, development, and implementation. Among the key factors identified, self-care and collective care stood out as central to achieving buen vivir (a life of dignity and well-being), alongside the strengthening of capacities in management, training, and financing. These elements have been essential for the organization’s sustainability. The workshop also enabled a reflection on intergenerational transition and the importance of creating training schemes that recognize the value of all individuals in the organization’s development. Women leaders emphasized the need to extend the vision of mutual support to external networks as a strategy for institutional strengthening. Lastly, the potential of collective care actions was recognized as a foundation for developing fundraising strategies, by showcasing their positive impact on community well-being. This experience demonstrates how an integrated and participatory approach can strengthen organizational processes in rural contexts.