In the remote and rugged region of La Montaña Alta in Guerrero, a courageous group of 38 Indigenous Me’phaa women—known locally as Las Guerreras (The Warriors)—are defying patriarchal norms through the cultivation and sale of natural-process coffee.
Their initiative is not only about coffee—it's a bold act of resistance, empowerment, and transformation in a region marked by deep social and economic challenges.
Las Guerreras grow their coffee on small farms—often less than one hectare—designed like small jungles. These agroforestry systems are filled with native hardwoods and fruit trees that create a multilayered canopy of shade, nurturing the coffee plants below.
This traditional “rusticano” or mountain-style polyculture system offers more than just a place to grow coffee. It provides vital ecosystem services, serves as a natural barrier against climate change, and supports rich biodiversity.
Guerrero is a unique origin in Mexico. While most other producing regions favour washed coffees, about 90% of Guerrero's production is natural-processed, giving it a distinctive place in the specialty coffee landscape.
Montaña Alta is one of the most marginalized areas in Mexico, with over 60% of its population living in extreme poverty. The region struggles with long-standing issues, including widespread labour migration, the presence of organised crime, and persistent violence against women.
Before the intervention of Ensambles, a single buyer was monopolising the local coffee trade, offering low prices and showing little regard for the quality or sustainability of the crops.
For women, the environment has historically been especially difficult. High rates of femicide, child marriage, and deeply ingrained misogyny have created a landscape of risk and limited opportunities.
Ensambles has helped these women in sustainable agricultural practices and invested in infrastructure to evaluate and improve coffee quality.
As a result, Las Guerreras now have access to better-paying markets—both nationally and internationally—giving them the tools to build independent livelihoods and challenge long-standing systems of oppression.
Their work is not only producing exceptional coffee—it's transforming lives and shifting paradigms.
