Determinants of the Adoption of Cacao Clonal Technology among Farmers in Santander: The Case of San Vicente de Chucurí

Abstract

Cacao cultivation in Colombia takes place in rural areas with elevated levels of poverty and a prevalence of social conflicts. The success of the production system depends on biotic and abiotic factors, such as the timely selection of genetic material to implement, in order to increase the productivity rates of cacao farmers and additionally provide beans with sensory qualities attractive to the market. To understand the factors influencing the adoption of technology for the regional cacao clones FSV41 and TCS01 among cacao farmers in the villages of Campohermoso and El Guadual in San Vicente de Chucurí, Santander, a study was conducted involving twenty-five extension agents and twenty-two producers. The research design was non-experimental, field-based, and cross-sectional, utilizing a survey with a structured questionnaire. For the statistical analysis of the data, frequency indicators and representative pie and bar charts were used. Among the factors influencing adoption were the low ratio of extension agents per farm, the frequency of yearly visits, and the lack of promotion of technological packages by institutions in the production chain. Producers reported minimal use of plant material from certified nurseries, were unaware of the benefits of the clones, and needed more technical training and support from extension agents. Positive factors included the experience and use of extension demonstrations. The experience of producers in agricultural activity, the planting of grafted rootstocks, and their educational level were identified as significant. Intervention actions were aimed at increasing the number of extension agents and training producers in cacao clone technology, promoting participation in technology transfer events, and improving bean quality.