“We barely had bikes”: Organization process of the Formosa Peasant Movement (MOCAFOR) in a historical perspective

Abstract

This paper reconstructs the MOCAFOR organization process through the accounts of its leaders and members and the accounts of public, religious and trade union institution agents, with the aim of understanding the diversity of paths and specific interests that converged in this group, the tensions and conflicts that led to its formation as an organization and the relationships with agents and institutions. The historical account of the organization process enables the understanding of MOCAFOR’s characteristics and demands, initial conditions and tensions with the government, religious institutions, trade unions, unemployed worker groups and political parties. The article is based on the results of fieldwork conducted in the province of Formosa between 2004 and 2012, during which interviews were carried out with members and leaders of MOCAFOR as well as with agents and officials of state programs, institutions, unions and religious institutions.