ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on both the geographical setting and organisation of the agricultural communities. It presents general physical description of the commune of Canela where the agricultural community Canela Baja and the former hacienda El Totoral are situated. The climate of the coast is characterised by its abundant clouds and fog and the interior by its transparent skies, great atmospheric dryness and strong contrasts in the temperature. However, there are several microclimates within this region. The soils of the agricultural communities are among of the most ancient in the country. Soils are divided, according to their contents of organic material, into: granite material soils, soils derived from sedimentary and volcanic materials and soils of marine terraces. The common land, predominantly hills, is used primarily as pasture grounds for goats, as a source of firewood, hunting, medicinal herbs, materials for construction and for fences. Goat rearing is both for home consumption and the market.
