Abstract

RAMIREZ SULVARAN, Jesús Arturo; SIGARROA RIECHE, Alina Katil  and  DEL VALLE VARGAS, Rómulo Alberto. Characterization of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Farming Systems in the Norte de Santander Department and Assessment of Their Sustainability. Rev. Fac. Nac. Agron. Medellín [online]. 2014, vol.67, n.1, pp.7177-7187. ISSN 0304-2847.  https://doi.org/10.15446/rfnam.v67n1.42635.

The cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) based economy has 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 Santander department 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-ecological components, and their relationships, and evaluating them according 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 have low incomes and basic needs such as health, education and public services are not met. They do not employ the agronomic and post-harvest 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.

Keywords : Cocoa; characterization; indicators; systemic approach; agricultural systems; sustainability.

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