Coffee farmers' perception of bat guano as fertilizer in agroecosystems of Mexico

Abstract

The abuse of inorganic fertilizers in coff ee agroecosystems is a worldwide problem. In central Mexico, organic fertilizers are being introduced as an alternative way to restore soil fertility. The aim of this study was to investigate coff ee farmers from central Veracruz's perceptions of bat guano as organic fertilizer. Surveys were conducted with closed and open questions followed by quantitative and qualitative analysis. Eightyeight percent of the farmers surveyed negatively perceived bat guano. Factors infl uencing this perception were bats' physical appearance, their role as disease transmitters, and the diffi culties in procuring guano, including the resources needed to extract it, handle it, and transport it safely to their workplaces.