Estudio socioeconómico para la diversificación productiva en la parroquia El Progreso cantón Pasaje, año 2025

Abstract

This research paper is titled “Socioeconomic Study for Productive Diversification in El Progreso Parish, Pasaje Canton, Year 2025.” It stems from the high dependency on monoculture of cacao and the limited economic alternatives in the area, a situation that has led to a decline in residents' quality of life, as well as migration, poverty, and economic instability. Therefore, the main objective is to determine how productive diversification can contribute to the socioeconomic development of El Progreso Parish, located in the El Oro province. From a theoretical perspective, the research is based on Mazoyer and Roudart's theory of agricultural systems, which offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the evolution of agricultural production methods based on social, economic, and ecological factors. This theory allows for analyzing rural dynamics from a historical and territorial perspective, emphasizing the need to identify local potentialities before implementing diversification processes. It is recognized that each territory has a complex socioeconomic structure that requires tailored interventions to ensure true productive transformation has an impact. Methodologically, the study adopts a mixed approach, combining quantitative and qualitative elements. The type of research is basic, aimed at generating knowledge useful for understanding the phenomenon of productive diversification without directly intervening. A total of 195 surveys were conducted with productive actors in the parish, and semi-structured interviews were carried out with local authorities and community leaders. The applied methods include inductive and deductive reasoning, with the purpose of interpreting empirical reality and comparing it with pre-established theoretical frameworks. Among the most relevant results, it was found that 100% of respondents are involved in agriculture, with cacao being the predominant crop. However, this monoculture model has caused negative effects both economically and environmentally. Meanwhile, 42% of the population see family tradition as a barrier to diversification, and 35% identify cacao's profitability as the main reason for not incorporating other crops. Despite this, 46% recognize that the economic sector holds the greatest potential to drive productive 6 diversification, followed by the social sector. Additionally, tourism (47%), alternative agriculture (29%), and commerce (18%) were identified as the sectors with the greatest potential for complementary development. In response to this scenario, a proposed intervention was designed to establish a sustainable productive diversification model. Its goal is to reduce dependence on monoculture, better utilize local resources, and stimulate the local economy. The proposal has specific objectives: to identify the training and productive needs of rural actors in the parish and implement technical training programs in productive diversification, alternative crops, and complementary agricultural activities. The feasibility of this proposal was analyzed across four key dimensions: technical dimension El Progreso possesses natural resources, favorable agroclimatic conditions, and soil suitable for a diverse range of crops. However, it faces limitations in gricultural infrastructure and technical assistance, which calls for training and productivity modernization programs. Economic dimension Diversification is seen as an opportunity to expand income sources, stabilize family economies, and reduce risks associated with fluctuations in international cacao prices. Nevertheless, it requires initial investment, access to credit, and supportive public policies that promote value addition and fair trade. The social dimension the community shows some openness to new productive practices, but cultural factors such as traditional family farming still limit innovation. Therefore, the proposal emphasizes education, community participation, and strengthening social fabric as strategic axes. Environmental dimension at Monoculture has caused effects such as loss of biodiversity, river pollution, and soil degradation. In response, the proposal incorporates sustainable agricultural practices, agroforestry, water rationalization, conservationism, promoting environmentally responsible production.