Cacao and Caring for the Earth
The Sustainability and Lived Realities of Q’eqchi’ Agroforestry
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2025
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Master Thesis
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Abstract
This Master thesis examines the sustainability and relational dynamics of Q’eqchi’ cacao agroforestry systems, integrating both system-analytical and ethical approaches. Grounded in the concept of relationality, I challenge binary distinctions like ”nature versus culture” and adopt a perspective that emphasizes the interconnections between ecological, economic, social, and cultural dimensions. The research is guided by the following research questions:
(1) To what extent do Q’eqchi’ cacao agroforestry systems contribute to maintaining or breaching planetary boundaries?
(2) How do relational dynamics influence farming practices?
(3) What personal values motivate Q’eqchi’ farmers?
To answer the first research question, I apply the planetary boundaries framework, which defines nine critical Earth system processes, to quantitatively assess the sustainability of cacao agroforests. Quantitative methods employed include the measuring of non-cacao trees using the variable-area transect method and a farmer survey. To answer the second research question, I constructed a theoretical framework based on the the College of Menominee SDI model, defining four important human dimensions influencing the farmers’ realities: economy, institutions, community & culture, and technology. To investigate how these societal dimensions, as well as the participants’ values, shape their agricultural practice, I conducted semi-structured interviews with the cacao farmers and engaged in participant observation. The study area spans the Petén and Alta Verapaz regions. Thirty-three cacao agroforestry farmers, all indigenous Q’eqchi’, participated in the study.
Results reveal that cacao agroforestry systems contribute to sustainability through high tree densities, cropland reforestation, and low agrochemical use. The mean shade tree density corresponds to 412 trees/hectare. In 70% of the farms, there were no trees on the land before the cacao agroforest was introduced. Only a minor portion of the participants use agrochemicals, with 88% of farmers practicing chemical-free agriculture and 48% certified organic. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity index varies widely, ranging from 0 - 2.79 for shade trees and 0.31 - 2.72 for productive species. Gliricidia sepium dominates non-cacao tree species with a relative abundance of 55%. Technification has changed how cacao is produced, as pruning, grafting and shade thin- ning has been introduced. Participants cite numerous benefits of cacao agroforestry, including income, cultural significance, firewood and timber provision, soil regeneration, and fresh air. They also note challenges like high initial investment costs, fluctuating cacao prices and irregular production. Economically, most participants feel supported by cacao farming, yet many emphasize that it does not lift them out of poverty. Rising prices of basic food necessities exacerbate their financial struggles, leading some to migrate for better opportunities. Organizational support is identified as the main driving force of cacao agroforestry, initiat- ing projects in all eight villages studied. However, while the government provides funding and incentives for tree planting in Alta Verapaz, support in Petén is minimal. Finally, the most important values of the interviewees include working the land, income generation, environmental care, and community solidarity.
In this thesis, I demonstrate that a relational approach to sustainability research can enable a new understanding of the world by breaking down the separation between humans and nature and replacing it with an emphasis on the health of every part of the Earth, including humans, but not prioritizing humans. By integrating quantitative and qualitative methods, I provide a fundamental overview of the strengths, weaknesses, drivers and barriers facing Q’eqchi’ cacao agroforestry systems.
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ETH Zurich
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Subject
Sustainability; Cacao agroforestry; Guatemala; indigenous; Q'eqchi'; Relationality; planetary boundaries
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09748 - Jacobi, Johanna / Jacobi, Johanna