Análisis ex ante del impacto socioeconómico por el acceso a un sistema de comercio justo para los agricultores de la parroquia San Luis cantón Riobamba.

Abstract

The objective of this research work was the ex-ante analysis of the socioeconomic impact of access to a fair-trade system for farmers in San Luis parish in Riobamba canton. A survey was designed with 43 questions focused on obtaining socioeconomic information from the study sample (331 producers) who carry out agricultural activities in the communities of the parish, including the parish capital, and, by means, of descriptive statistics to determine the profile of the respondents. Subsequently, it was determined the profitability of the principal agricultural products based on the information previously obtained and considering the products that were planted in a larger area. Finally, an analysis of the socioeconomic impact of the population with the fair-trade system was carried out through interviews with farmers in the parish who comply with the principles of fair-trade as a transaction form. For this purpose, cauliflower, cilantro, lettuce, and alfalfa growers were considered like questions. Information was collected in the social and economic dimensions, then it was compared with the socioeconomic results obtained from conventional producers. The results showed that agriculture is the main economic activity, the age range of the farmers is between 31 and 60 years old, and they mainly grow short-cycle products (cilantro, lettuce, cauliflower, and riñón tomato). There are significant differences among producers who have access to fair trade, including an increase in their income. Proposals are made to strengthen this system. It is recommended to implement a long-term evaluation to determine the impact of this type of trade on the parish's producers.