In this paper, we present a framework and a methodology to identify the long‐term strategies of small‐scale farmers dealing with uncertainties. To do so, we link the Activity System framework to the concept of perceived vulnerability and analyse the small‐scale farmers' trajectories. Based on a sample of 34 small‐scale coffee producers in Guatemala and through the analysis of case studies and classification methods, we identify some trends in long‐term decisionmaking. These trends are mainly built on responsiveness, autonomy, vulnerability shifts and collective means of action. We finally discuss these findings in the light of previous studies carried out in different contexts.