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Analysis of the social, productive and governance dimensions of the Physalis peruviana chain: A case study of the Inter-Andean zone in Ecuador

Abstract:

The diversification of agri-food products through emerging chains has a fundamental socio-economic role in Ecuador. However, a substantial amount of research has focused solely on examining agronomic yield. Conversely, there is a shift in the agri-food chain perspective to more sustainable production and consumption models. Socio-economicsustainability,chain configuration,and governanceareaspects that can be improved. In this sense, socio-economic and productive factors are consequential with the level of development and still affect chain development. This study aimed to analyze social and production aspectsto understand the dynamics oftheInca berry chain. Thus, verticaland horizontal dimensioning was introduced to contribute with relevant insights. The framework applied includesarevision ofprimary and support activities and high and low relevance flows. The research clustered pre-production, production, and post-production levels mapping thefood chain,and identifying itsactors. Results show several viable long-term strategies, such as marketing channel diversification, the intervention of academic institutions, and the empowerment of associations aimed towards circular economic models. The main contribution is the application of the chain configuration to assess performance. Based on the results obtained, our recommendation is to incorporate new indicators to analyze the environmental and institutional components in-depth. Both production unit professionals and academics may find this study useful to operationalize sustainability in agri-food chains.