https://socictopen.socict.org/items/show/18274
title: Characterization of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Farming Systems in the Norte de Santander Department and Assessment Their Sustainability / Caracterización de los Sistemas de Producción de Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) en el Departamento de Norte de Santander
subject: Cocoa, ENFOQUE SISTÉMICO, Indicators, agricultural systems, caracterización, characterization, indicadores, sistemas agrícolas, sostenibilidad, sustainability / Cacao, systemic approach
description: The cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) based economyhas been considered a valid alternative to support sustainable development in northeastern Colombia. However, there is a lack of information about the cocoa production systems in the region which is needed for the implementation of effective plans to improve their performance and sustainability. Four of the main cocoa producing municipalities in the Norte de Santanderdepartment were considered for this study: Teorama, Bucarasica, Cúcuta and San Calixto. These entities were selected due to their adequate security conditions, availability of field assistants and departmental representativeness in cocoa production. The objective was to obtain basic information for local, specific and participatory actions for the sustainability of the cocoa production systems and to improve the living conditions of farmers. The methodology used was based on the farming system approach, considering the socioeconomic, technological and agro-ecologicalcomponents, and their relationships, and evaluating themaccording to the principles of sustainable agriculture. The phases covered were: (1) analysis of secondary data, (2) formulation and evaluation of sustainability indicators, (3) design, implementation and analysis of survey data and (4) validation by the farmers of the obtained information and the prioritization of problems. The results indicate that there is only one cocoa production system of a family-mercantile type, with low technology. Most farmers havelow incomes and basic needs such as health, education and public services are not met. They do not employ the agronomic and postharvest practices recommended by specialists. The water and soil resources are being degraded. In general, the farming system leans towards unsustainability and it is vital that integrative actions be taken to change this situation. / Se considera que el desarrollo de una economía basada en el cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) constituye una alternativa válida para impuls…
creator: Jesús Arturo Ramírez Sulvarán, Alina Katil Sigarroa-Rieche, Rómulo Alberto Del Valle Vargas
source: Revista Facultad Nacional de Agronomía Medellín
publisher: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín
date: 2014
relation: http://www.revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/refame/article/view/42635
coverage: Agriculture (General), Agriculture