i Patrick W. Staib Anthropology This dissertation is approved, and it ...

economic development programs. In the case of my research project’s focus, this
historical pattern began with CLUSA and its excellent funding, support, and enthusiasm.
A select group of the beneficiaries was identified as leaders among the stakeholders,
Danilo among them. Efforts progressed toward certifying nearly 500 farmers in organic
production, which CLUSA promoted as a remedy for historical price lows and the threat
of natural disasters. Then, when the funding ceased, the organizations had to struggle to
maintain their previous levels of success. At this delicate moment, many farmers moved
away from organic certification and co-op membership as international coffee prices
stabilized and development funding decreased. The remaining core group of medium-
scale farmers still engaged in organic production are implementing the training they
received and maintaining the markets they procured while they were being subsidized,
but the co-ops and grower groups are still susceptible to corruption and deceit. As Danilo
has commented in regard to the bankrupt and failed co-ops in San Juan del Río Coco,
“La plata crea corrupción, pero la corrupción aprovecha de la ignorancia (Money
breeds corruption, but corruption thrives on ignorance).”
More participation in the administration of the cooperatives among a broader
cross-section of farmers would translate to more transparency and accountability on the
part of organizational and community leaders. Alternative development programs should
work to raise awareness among rural farmers and to inspire increased participation in the
processes of organizing and administrating their co-op, instead of letting a minority of
better off farmers decide their collective fates. However, this goal has not been realized in
(and may not be realistic for) Las Segovias. Three of the four second-level co-ops in San
Juan have suffered from embezzlement and bankruptcy in the recent past. These
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