Análisis de la producción del cacao en el desarrollo económico de Pasaje durante el periodo 2018-2022.

Abstract

Cocoa is fundamental in the Ecuadorian economy, generating employment and economic and environmental benefits. Although large companies lead their production and export, small farmers are essential in the supply chain. The study focuses on analyzing cocoa production and its influence on the economic development of the province of El Oro between 2018 and 2022. The methodology uses a descriptive quantitative approach with emphasis on documentary research. Two methods stand out: inductive, deductive; For the econometric analysis, the ordinary least squares method was used. The results show that in 2022, at the national level, 337.149 metric tons of cocoa were produced, with El Oro contributing 1%. However, during the last 5 years, cocoa production and sales levels in El Oro have presented a negative growth trend, affecting the economic development of the province. Despite being surpassed by bananas in terms of contribution to economic growth, economic analysis reveals the importance of cocoa. A 1% increase in cocoa production generates an increase in national GDP of 1,43 points and an increase in El Oro's agricultural sales of 1,72 points, demonstrating increasing returns in both cases.