Abstract

In this paper we analyze the trajectories of forestry coffee-growing and apiculture cooperatives in South and South-East Mexico emphasizing that in spite of being sectorial these are multi-active organizations We use the concept milpa a traditional polyculture 1 as a paradigm referred to the harmonic coexistence of diversity to assert that rural collectives that followed the path of pluriactivity are better prepared to face fluctuations in the market of agricultural goods and climate disasters than those specialized in a single crop We show how these organizations have learned from the diversification strategies of their associates families who in addition to the annual crops and plantations make the most of their backyards to grow new crops and raise small animals and also look for work opportunities outside the farm These families and the cooperatives that attempt to mirror them make milpa both literally and metaphorically resulting in the improvement of organizational democracy and family wellness