Regresar

Characterization of soybean productive units in the Ecuadorian Coast

Abstract:

The aim of this research is to characterize the agricultural productive units (APU) that produce soybean and to generate new information for crop diversification and project changes in the productive matrix of Ecuador. The information was collected through structured surveys from July 2017 to January 2018 in the cantons of Vinces, Quevedo, Puebloviejo, and Babahoyo, province of Los Ríos located in the middle basin of the Guayas River. About 337 soybean producers were surveyed, addressing economic, socio-cultural, and ecological aspects. The results suggest that grain production is considered acceptable (above the national average with 2.7 t/ha), and marketing is estimated at $5,610/t with a cash investment of $432/ha. Furthermore, the average age of the producers is 51 years, and it is alarming the lack of empowerment of their children towards agricultural activities. A low percentage of illiteracy was recorded, considered a positive factor when capacity building processes are undertaken. Most farmers are grouped in agricultural organizations mainly to gain access to the benefits established by the government and have medium access to basic services. Finally, farmers in the area depend on external inputs such as seeds, being a negative factor for the sustainability of the productive system.