Caracterización de un sistema de producción cacaotera del cantón las Naves, provincia de Bolívar

Cocoa is a globally important crop, fundamental to the economies of producing countries, generating billions of dollars for the chocolate industry and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. In Ecuador, fine and aromatic cocoa boosts the local economy, improving the quality of life of producing communities and fostering sustainable development. This study aims to characterize the cocoa production system in the Las Naves canton, Bolívar province, Ecuador. To this end, a multidimensional approach was used that encompassed environmental, economic, and social aspects of the production units. In this research, the methodology is classified as descriptive and will be developed through a non-experimental design based on field research using surveys and interviews in the Las Naves canton with a population of 1,500 producers. A sample of 94 producers was obtained using the Scheaffer formula. The results obtained in this research work were from the social aspect, where it was established that agriculture is carried out primarily by people considered adults and older adults, because young people show little interest in cocoa farming. Regarding the economic sphere, it is reflected that farmers tend to own land, which provides them with greater security and stability in their productive activities. Furthermore, the cocoa variety cultivated by farmers is CCN51 because it produces more and has a better yield than domestic cocoa, making it more efficient for producers. Regarding the environmental aspect, the most commonly used agrochemicals by farmers are foliar fertilizers, and they work with associated crops. In addition to monoculture cocoa, they also have plantains and oranges. The limitations that producers face are pest infestations and the incidence of diseases in their crops. In conclusion, farmers want ongoing training, with a practical focus on the field, to improve their cultivation techniques and face agricultural challenges