ANÁLISIS DE LOS MEDIOS DE VIDA EN PRODUCTORES AGRÍCOLAS DEL CANTÓN MOCACHE: UN ANÁLISIS DESDE LA TEORÍA DE CAPITALES

Abstract

The study carried out in the Mocache canton, Ecuador, analyzes the livelihoods of small rural producers, using the theory of capitals (human, social, natural, physical and financial). The research identifies the living conditions, challenges and development opportunities of these producers, who depend mainly on cocoa cultivation (92%), along with other crops for self-consumption. Human capital reveals that 50.8% of household heads are men and 49.2% women, with a low educational level, since only 33% of men and 30% of women have completed the primary school, while only 13% of women and 10% of men reached secondary school. In the social capital, 45% of the producers belong to associations, and the

Natural capital reflects that 89% of the land is dedicated to crops, mainly cocoa, while only 7% is allocated to forests and 3% to pasture. Regarding physical capital, 47% of producers lack deeds to their land, and 87% have cell phone access with internet, although 88% of the roads to the farms are paved, not paved. In financial capital, 51% of households consider that their income from the farm is insufficient to save, and 63% sell to intermediaries, limiting their benefits. To improve living conditions, it is recommended to strengthen access to financing, invest in infrastructure and promote direct trade.