Determinación de huella de carbono en los residuos de la postcosecha de Theobroma cacao l. en la finca integral forestal F&C para fomentar la economía circular

Abstract

The F&C Integral farm lacks data on its environmental impact, specifically greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the post harvest stage. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine the carbon footprint of the waste generated during the post ha rvest of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) at the F&C Integral farm in Loreto. A quantitative methodology with a non experimental design was used, focused on the measurement and description of the carbon footprint. Five hectares of Theobroma cacao L. were used to quantify the waste and a bromatological analysis was carried out for its characterization. Likewise, the waste emission factor method was applied to estimate the carbon footprint and a panel of experts was held with the intention of proposing practices th at promote the circular economy. The results revealed that the waste has a high composition of calories and carbohydrates, and also highlighted mucilage as the main generator of CO2eq compared to the exosperm, giving a total emission of 27.84 tons of CO2eq . On the other hand, the panel of experts determined that the company has a score of 3.7 in internal strengths and external opportunities, but measures must still be taken on the present threats and weaknesses that present scores of 1.2 and 1.4 respectivel y. In this context, it is concluded that post harvest waste will generate high CO2 emissions, but this can decrease with the revaluation of these due to their nutritional properties, thus promoting the practice of the circular economy within the farm.