Los sistemas agroforestales con cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) como una estrategia de transición agroecológica para la agricultura familiar, en Ecuador

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess agroforestry systems implemented as an agroecological transition strategy for family agriculture in Ecuador, focusing specifically on the use of cocoa. To achieve this, the following specific objectives were pursued: 1) Analyze how agroecology can improve energy metabolism and the economics of cocoa production in the Ecuadorian Amazon. 2) Compare the environmental impact and economic viability of conventional and organic cocoa agroforestry systems in the Ecuadorian Amazon. 3) Analyze the agroecological potential of agroforestry systems with cocoa for the transition by conducting a participatory diagnosis of the technicalproductive, socio-economic, and cultural-organizational dimensions. The research methodology employed a mixed approach, combining quantitative, qualitative, and participatory methods, as per the specific objectives. The collection of primary information was conducted with producers and directors of the associations from Napo (Kallari, Wiñak, and Tsatsayaku), Orellana (San Carlos and Asosumaco), and Sucumbíos (Aprocel). First, the study used life cycle analysis (LCA) methodology with 279 producers from 86 municipalities in the region. The economic analysis was based on the categories of energy impact and greenhouse gas emissions, and the cost-benefit analysis focused on management. Passive tone and impersonal construction were used throughout the text, and the language was clear, objective, and value-neutral. The text followed style guides, including consistent citation and footnote formatting. The language was kept formal, without contractions, colloquialisms, or unnecessary jargon. This resulted in a balanced and accurate description of the study's methodology and findings. Leadership styles were characterized using k-means hierarchical hybrid clustering. Technical abbreviations were clearly explained the first time they were used. Second, primary information was collected from 90 agroforestry farms (44 conventional and 46 organic) with average or good farm management. The farms were assessed for the environmental performance of cocoa production using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology with a cradle-tofarm gate approach. The study estimated twelve impact categories and five environmental and monetary efficiency indicators based on three functional units (kg cocoa, kg sold and ha). In addition, an economic viability analysis was conducted specifically for profitability. Technical abbreviations were explained the first time they were used. The text followed conventional academic structure and formatting and contained clear, objective and value-neutral language. It avoided filler words and biased language and used precise word choice. Grammatical accuracy was maintained, and causal relationships were established between statements to create a logical flow of information.