Análisis de cadena de valor del cacao (Theobroma cacao) en el ecuador y oportunidades de mejora para alcanzar la sostenibilidad.

Abstract

An analysis of the cocoa (Theobroma cacao) value chain in Ecuador of the CCN-51 and fine aroma (CFA) varieties was carried out, according to the methodology proposed by FAO. For the diagnosis, information was collected from secondary sources published until 2021 and from primary sources through surveys of cocoa producers and intermediaries in the province of Guayas. The analysis included the mapping of each stage together with the actors involved and the product flows up to the export stage, and the calculation of economic, environmental, and social indices to determine the sustainability of the chain. Finally, through the Decision Matrix technique, a feasible methodology was determined to implement a traceability system and differentiate the cocoa beans of the two varieties. It was determined that currently, the cocoa chain in Ecuador is sustainable in economic, social, and environmental aspects. The CFA chain obtained better indicators in the social and environmental aspect. However, it is necessary to implement a traceability system where the two varieties of cocoa are differentiated that allows receiving an appropriate price, in such a way that it motivates farmers to maintain their CFA crops and not replace them with CCN-51 cocoa. The selected methodology was Raman spectroscopy proposed by Vargas et al. (2016).