Typification of coffee production systems in La Union Nariño, Colombia

Abstract

In Colombia, the diversity of agroecosystems gives the coffee characteristic flavors and aromas. A first step to know the particular aspects of each coffee region is the description of the productive systems. In the coffee crops of the Union Nariño municipality, located at 1º 36’ 06” ‘North latitude and 77º 00’ 15’’ West longitude, the coffee activity takes place in heterogeneous farms in terms of extension, distances of sowing, applied technology, organization, family structure and fundamentally in the use and management of shade; which is why it is important to typify them by integrating the social, economic and environmental dimension and establish the differences between them, know their dynamics and determine the potential and limitations to contribute to the planning, research and organization of the coffee sector. A semi-structured survey was applied to 104 coffee producers located between 1400 and 1800 meters above sea level. This information was complemented with information from institutions linked to the coffee sector. A multivariate analysis from a cluster analysis (Ward method and principal components) was applied to the variables with high correlation. Four typologies of production systems were established: coffee with shade of woody (S1), coffee semi-shade (S2), coffee-banana (S3) and the coffee cultivation system without shade (S4). Within each typology, different dynamics were found in crop management practices, leading to differences in production, quality and economic yields.

Keywords

• coffee farms
• agroecosystems
• ccrop sustainability
• agroforestry system