This study aims to determine the demographic characteristics of enterprises producing geographically indicated & Ccedil;atak walnuts grown in Van Province, to identify difficulties related to production activities and to offer solution suggestions. In the study, it was determined that & Ccedil;atak walnuts were produced in 974 enterprises in an area of 438,585 ha in Van Province in 2022. The data obtained from the selected 254 enterprises were analyzed using the probit method in the SPSS package program. According to the research results, 47.00% of the producers were female and 53.00% were male. It was determined that 45.82% of the 15-49 age group, defined as the economically active population of the enterprises, were female and 51.25% were male. In the research, the average land area was determined as 10.96 ha and the average parcel number was determined as 1.30 ha. The average production area of & Ccedil;atak walnut was determined as 1.12 ha. The production cost of & Ccedil;atak walnut was calculated as 27.28 L/kg (1.57 & euro;/kg). In the study, the marketing margin of & Ccedil;atak walnut with shell was calculated as 15.00 L/kg (0.87 & euro;/kg), and the marketing margin of walnut without shell was calculated as 64.20 L/kg (3.70 & euro;/kg). It was determined that walnut production in the region was primitive and unconscious, and it was determined that the establishment of unions and signing contracts with companies to support & Ccedil;atak walnut production, providing sufficient support for inputs and informing producers about the support provided were important for the sustainability of walnut production.
Amenity migration is a contemporary demographic phenomenon characterized by the voluntary movement of people, generally from urban areas, to rural areas that offer a high quality of life and natural attractions. This type of migration is mainly motivated by the search for a quieter lifestyle, a healthier environment, and a closer connection with nature. This research analyzed the socio-spatial dynamics of amenity migration in four municipalities of Eastern Antioquia, Colombia: La Ceja, Concepción, El Carmen de Viboral and Cocorná. Through a qualitative collective case study, the profiles of migrants, mainly upper-middle-income professionals seeking tranquility and opportunities for telecommuting or retirement in rural areas, were examined. The results revealed the coexistence of urban and rural territorialities, with spatial choices influenced by migrants' economic capital. Relational, environmental and spatial tensions between migrants and rural residents were identified, affecting territorial dynamics. A trend towards urbanization of rural areas was observed, with the real estate market transforming rural space into a commodity for consumption and production within a capitalist framework. The conclusions presented new socio-spatial configurations, indicating a model of urban expansion into rural space.
The global agri-food system has led to the exclusion of small-scale actors who are unable to fit into the dynamics imposed by global capital logic, which considers them inefficient and redundant. As a result, many of those excluded have developed strategies to maintain themselves and survive. The objective of this article is to analyze the formation of a collaboration network in northeastern Mexico, based on a case study of the characteristics of the links, practices, and experiences of small-scale food production, marketing, distribution, and consumption. The action research methodology was used to study the characteristics of six production-consumption cells located in the southeastern region of Coahuila and in the city of Monterrey, Nuevo León. Based on the theoretical analysis of Solidarity Collaboration Networks (SCNs) and the empirical evidence from the case study, it can be noted that productive and consumer cells have structural and functional characteristics that tend to form a true SCN, which contributes to meeting the needs of its members, improving their quality of life, but under conditions that go beyond the purely commercial and exploitative relationships found in conventional market circuits. Finally, it is concluded that the case studied is not limited to the generation of economic income, but also promotes the exchange of culture, knowledge, experiences, and friendships, where an ethic of care for human health and the environment prevails.
Family farming is based on the work of the family to obtain products both for self-consumption and for the commercialization of surpluses. Its contribution is considered fundamental to food security and global change adaptation strategies. The objective of this study was to characterize the socioecological environment of family farming and agrobiodiversity, as well as to analyze its transformations in a rural-urban area of the municipality of Centro, Tabasco. Applying a mixed methodological approach, a literature review was carried out and, using remote sensing tools, the change in land use and vegetation in the region between 1986 and 2023 was analyzed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 production units to explore perceptions of socio-productive transformations in that period, recording both production and crop diversity. The social and economic history of the municipality is marked by agricultural development plans and the growth of the oil industry in the region, which have significantly transformed the socio-environmental setting of the area. Urbanization and agricultural activity have increased by 2.32% and 1.72% annually, respectively. Farmers attribute changes in their livelihoods to urbanization and economic growth, with differentiated impacts on family farming and agrobiodiversity. Despite these changes, family farming continues to be a fundamental part of peasant identity and a solid base for agrifood diversification, as it provides traditional foods that are essential to the region's food culture.
Artisanal fishing in the Panamanian Pacific faces challenges such as overfishing, low income and climate change, which need to be addressed through comprehensive development policies aimed at meeting local needs in order to ensure the livelihoods and sustainability of the activity. Despite this, there are currently no diagnoses of the socioeconomic and sustainability characteristics of the communities to promote local development based on the evidence and worldview of the inhabitants. A descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was carried out using surveys and interviews with 32 fishermen from the rural community of Río Congo to collect data. The data were then tabulated in spreadsheets and analyzed in the R program for the quantitative data; the qualitative information was analyzed by the research team according to categories and subcategories to extract the main ideas. The results revealed a lack of basic services, gender inequality in the fishing activity, dependence on intermediaries and overexploitation of the main commercial species, corvina and shrimp. In addition, they highlight the urgency of formulating and evaluating policies for the regulation of responsible fishing, fair and equitable marketing, and addressing gender inequalities, promoting sustainable rural development and the conservation of marine resources.
In this article we review and describe some of the problems and shortcomings that agricultural work presents in the region of La Araucanía (Chile). From the conduct and analysis of 27 interviews with workers in various communities in the region, we generated an overview and interrelation of what we will call thematic axes of significance, which correspond to the main foci that mobilize meaning, identity and identification. of those interviewed with situations and relationships typical of agricultural work. We incorporate a contextualization of the transformation process of the agricultural sector and regional particularities, taking into account the link between history, social relations and work. The conclusions invite us to develop proposals and measures for the valorization, promotion of rights and protection of agricultural work in Araucanía.
Women's participation in the agricultural sector and their access to economic opportunities and important decisions in their lives have been limited by structural and technical factors. In this context, the objective is to analyze the participation of the family unit in the raising of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) in Azuay in order to demonstrate the differential role of gender in this productive activity. For this purpose, a mixed methodology was implemented, using data collection techniques such as surveys and interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The results show that this activity is mainly carried out by women of adult age, with a primary education level, married and not associated with any organization. Regarding the impact of gender on guinea pig production, it is shown that, in this activity, age and lack of access to technical training have a negative impact on their development. In contrast, marital status and some reproductive practices, such as the separation of females from males, have a positive impact on this process. On the other hand, women are responsible for making decisions regarding the resources needed to raise guinea pigs, such as land use, guinea pig marketing and self-consumption, because it is considered a domestic activity. In conclusion, guinea pig production, being an activity mostly carried out by women, is not highly valued as a source of employment, making their contribution to economic, family and local development invisible.
The factors influencing the adoption of technological innovations and technical proposals among small-scale producers in the rural area of Formosa, Argentina, are analyzed. Using a qualitative exploratory-descriptive approach, 23 interviews with small producers and 12 with extension technicians were conducted, complemented by participant observation in training sessions and workshops. The material analysis, through cycles of coding and categorization based on Grounded Theory, allowed for the identification of significant response patterns. The results indicate that, in addition to economic factors, producers' perceptions of innovations, access to inputs, and the cultural compatibility of proposals play a crucial role in adoption. It was also observed that a trust-based relationship with technicians facilitates openness to suggested practices. The conclusions highlight that innovation adoption is multicausal, where psychosocial and cultural factors play an important role. A trust-based relationship between technicians and producers is essential to facilitate a sustainable adoption of innovations, adapted to the local cultural and economic conditions. It is proposed that rural development initiatives incorporate participatory approaches and consider local knowledge to better align with the needs and values of the producers.
Artisanal fishing in the Panamanian Pacific faces challenges such as overfishing, low income and climate change, which need to be addressed through comprehensive development policies aimed at meeting local needs in order to ensure the livelihoods and sustainability of the activity. Despite this, there are currently no diagnoses of the socioeconomic and sustainability characteristics of the communities to promote local development based on the evidence and worldview of the inhabitants. A descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was carried out using surveys and interviews with 32 fishermen from the rural community of Rio Congo to collect data. The data were then tabulated in spreadsheets and analyzed in the R program for the quantitative data; the qualitative information was analyzed by the research team according to categories and subcategories to extract the main ideas. The results revealed a lack of basic services, gender inequality in the fishing activity, dependence on intermediaries and overexploitation of the main commercial species, corvina and shrimp. In addition, they highlight the urgency of formulating and evaluating policies for the regulation of responsible fishing, fair and equitable marketing, and addressing gender inequalities, promoting sustainable rural development and the conservation of marine resources.
Loneliness and social isolation pose significant challenges for older adults in rural areas, where factors such as depopulation, geographic distances, and a lack of basic services exacerbate these issues. This article comprehensively examines effective strategies to address these challenges from the perspective of social gerontology, aiming to promote social inclusion and well-being in these settings. Drawing on a review of national and international programmes and successful practices, five key intervention areas are identified. Firstly, community support networks emerge as a cornerstone for strengthening social ties, particularly through the involvement of volunteers and local organisations. Secondly, the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) proves to be a crucial tool for facilitating social connection and access to services, especially when combined with training tailored to the needs of older adults. Likewise, intergenerational activities foster a sense of belonging and enhance emotional well-being by encouraging interaction between generations. Additionally, mobile care services help overcome transport-related barriers, improving access to healthcare and social support services in remote areas. Finally, leisure and community participation activities enable older adults to actively engage in social life, reinforcing their support networks. The study highlights the need for a multidimensional and integrated approach, grounded in intersectoral collaboration and technological training, to tackle social isolation in these contexts. Furthermore, it emphasises the importance of tailoring interventions to the resources and specific characteristics of each rural community, underscoring the critical role of gerontology and social sciences in identifying local needs and mobilising community resources. These strategies are essential for reducing social isolation and improving the quality of life of older adults in rural areas.
A structured survey was used to analyze the job satisfaction with a gender perspective of owners and managers of tourist lodgings in the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park, as well as their reasons for starting this type of business. The objectives are related to determine the degree of job satisfaction of the owners and the gender differences, as well as to establish the reasons that lead them to engage in rural tourism. The main findings point to the fact that the main type of rural lodging is tourist housing, which generates returns on real estate capital. However, women, with respect to men, manage a greater proportion of rural houses and hotel establishments. Likewise, rural lodging is not the main source of income in most cases, being configured as a complement to other main sources of income. In terms of training, the people surveyed, both men and women, have a very high level of qualification, with a high percentage having university studies. Finally, these people are highly satisfied with the activity they carry out in relation to rural tourism, except when their family is involved in the management.
This article explores the transformations and continuities of agricultural work in the Araucania region of Chile, analyzing the perceptions and experiences of agricultural workers. The objective of the paper is to address the different subjectivities surrounding agricultural work in the Araucania region, highlighting the particular characteristics of the territory studied. Using a qualitative methodology, 27 semi-structured interviews were conducted with workers from various municipalities in the region. Key thematic axes related to the challenges faced by workers in the context of a neoliberal agricultural model oriented to agro-export and dominated by large-scale monoculture and forestry industries are identified. The findings highlight significant issues such as precarious working conditions, chemical exposure, systemic racism and the persistence of patriarchal gender relations in rural labor dynamics. In addition, the research highlights the symbolic and economic undervaluation of agricultural labor, a reflection of broader social inequalities. Particular attention is paid to the experiences of Mapuche workers and the intersection between identity, autonomy and labor in a context of historical and current land dispossession. This article contributes to the understanding of rural labor in Latin America by providing a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted dimensions of agricultural labor in Araucania. It calls for the development of public policies that address labor rights, environmental sustainability, and social equity in rural areas, emphasizing the urgent need for structural reforms to ensure the well-being of agricultural workers and the communities they sustain.
Family farming is based on the work of the family to obtain products both for self-consumption and for the commercialization of surpluses. Its contribution is considered fundamental to food security and global change adaptation strategies. The objective of this study was to characterize the socioecological environment of family farming and agrobiodiversity, as well as to analyze its transformations in a rural-urban area of the municipality of Centro, Tabasco. Applying a mixed methodological approach, a literature review was carried out and, using remote sensing tools, the change in land use and vegetation in the region between 1986 and 2023 was analyzed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 production units to explore perceptions of socio-productive transformations in that period, recording both production and crop diversity. The social and economic history of the municipality is marked by agricultural development plans and the growth of the oil industry in the region, which have significantly transformed the socio-environmental setting of the area. Urbanization and agricultural activity have increased by 2.32% and 1.72% annually, respectively. Farmers attribute changes in their livelihoods to urbanization and economic growth, with differentiated impacts on family farming and agrobiodiversity. Despite these changes, family farming continues to be a fundamental part of peasant identity and a solid base for agrifood diversification, as it provides traditional foods that are essential to the region's food culture.
A structured survey was used to analyze the job satisfaction with a gender perspective of owners and managers of tourist lodgings in the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park, as well as their reasons for starting this type of business. The objectives are related to determine the degree of job satisfaction of the owners and the gender differences, as well as to establish the reasons that lead them to engage in rural tourism. The main findings point to the fact that the main type of rural lodging is tourist housing, which generates returns on real estate capital. However, women, with respect to men, manage a greater proportion of rural houses and hotel establishments. Likewise, rural lodging is not the main source of income in most cases, being configured as a complement to other main sources of income. In terms of training, the people surveyed, both men and women, have a very high level of qualification, with a high percentage having university studies. Finally, these people are highly satisfied with the activity they carry out in relation to rural tourism, except when their family is involved in the management.
The factors influencing the adoption of technological innovations and technical proposals among small-scale producers in the rural area of Formosa, Argentina, are analyzed. Using a qualitative exploratory-descriptive approach, 23 interviews with small producers and 12 with extension technicians were conducted, complemented by participant observation in training sessions and workshops. The material analysis, through cycles of coding and categorization based on Grounded Theory, allowed for the identification of significant response patterns. The results indicate that, in addition to economic factors, producers’ perceptions of innovations, access to inputs, and the cultural compatibility of proposals play a crucial role in adoption. It was also observed that a trust-based relationship with technicians facilitates openness to suggested practices. The conclusions highlight that innovation adoption is multicausal, where psychosocial and cultural factors play an important role. A trust-based relationship between technicians and producers is essential to facilitate a sustainable adoption of innovations, adapted to the local cultural and economic conditions. It is proposed that rural development initiatives incorporate participatory approaches and consider local knowledge to better align with the needs and values of the producers.
Women's participation in the agricultural sector and their access to economic opportunities and important decisions in their lives have been limited by structural and technical factors. In this context, the objective is to analyze the participation of the family unit in the raising of guinea pigs (Cavia Porcellus) in Azuay in order to demonstrate the differential role of gender in this productive activity. For this purpose, a mixed methodology was implemented, using data collection techniques such as surveys and interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The results show that this activity is mainly carried out by women of adult age, with a primary education level, married and not associated with any organization. Regarding the impact of gender on guinea pig production, it is shown that, in this activity, age and lack of access to technical training have a negative impact on their development. In contrast, marital status and some reproductive practices, such as the separation of females from males, have a positive impact on this process. On the other hand, women are responsible for making decisions regarding the resources needed to raise guinea pigs, such as land use, guinea pig marketing and self-consumption, because it is considered a domestic activity. In conclusion, guinea pig production, being an activity mostly carried out by women, is not highly valued as a source of employment, making their contribution to economic, family and local development invisible.
Loneliness and social isolation pose significant challenges for older adults in rural areas, where factors such as depopulation, geographic distances, and a lack of basic services exacerbate these issues. This article comprehensively examines effective strategies to address these challenges from the perspective of social gerontology, aiming to promote social inclusion and well-being in these settings. Drawing on a review of national and international programmes and successful practices, five key intervention areas are identified. Firstly, community support networks emerge as a cornerstone for strengthening social ties, particularly through the involvement of volunteers and local organisations. Secondly, the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) proves to be a crucial tool for facilitating social connection and access to services, especially when combined with training tailored to the needs of older adults. Likewise, intergenerational activities foster a sense of belonging and enhance emotional well-being by encouraging interaction between generations. Additionally, mobile care services help overcome transport-related barriers, improving access to healthcare and social support services in remote areas. Finally, leisure and community participation activities enable older adults to actively engage in social life, reinforcing their support networks. The study highlights the need for a multidimensional and integrated approach, grounded in intersectoral collaboration and technological training, to tackle social isolation in these contexts. Furthermore, it emphasises the importance of tailoring interventions to the resources and specific characteristics of each rural community, underscoring the critical role of gerontology and social sciences in identifying local needs and mobilising community resources. These strategies are essential for reducing social isolation and improving the quality of life of older adults in rural areas.
Today’s agrifood systems face the challenge of meeting the growing demand for food for a population that is projected to grow to more than nine billion people by 2050. To achieve this, it is necessary to develop sustainable production systems with organizational and business approaches focused not only on economic factors, but also on environmental and social factors. In this article, two cases of integrated agro-aquaculture systems (SAAI) developed in Colombia were analyzed with the objective of understanding their potential in the generation of social, environmental and economic value, using as an analytical framework the archetypes of sustainable business model (AMNS) proposed by Bocken et al. (2014). As the AMNS are an alternative to face the agri-food challenges in the Colombian context, the following question was posed: What are the innovations needed to balance the sustainability factors within their value structures? The analysis was based on a qualitative study with identification of extreme or polar cases (Volmar & Eisenhardt, 2020). The cases studied showed differentiated archetypes, with specific relationships in the exchange of value: In the first scenario, identified as a business SAAI case, the technological and social AMNS predominated, which favored the generation of economic and environmental value in its model, and opportunities for innovation were found in the creation of social value, such as work, support for local communities, education and training in production and sustainability issues. On the other hand, in the case of SAAI identified as community-based, a balance was observed in the three major groups of AMNS (organizational, social and technological), so that its value generation capacity was distributed in the social and environmental value, but it was evident that the economic value was not adequately captured. This shows an opportunity for innovation in the business model to take advantage of this wasted capacity or value, for example, through the incorporation of agrotourism services, community tourism or training and education. Future studies can delve deeper into the impact that integrated production systems have on ecosystems, as well as their regenerative capacity and value destruction alerts, for example, through invasive species.
This paper conducts an exhaustive bibliometric and bibliographic review on the analysis of methodologies for the economic estimation of indicators in environmental conservation, with special emphasis on the estimation of opportunity costs. The results reflect a growing trend in academic activity related to this topic, with an average growth rate of approximately five articles per year since 2005. This increase demonstrates a global interest in the study of economic methodologies applied to conservation, driven by the growing need to integrate economic criteria into natural resource management. Although many of the studies originate in Chinese and North American academic institutions, most of the case studies focus on the Amazon region, a critical area for global conservation. The evolution of academic thinking in this field has gone through several stages, starting with a focus on environmental protection, then expanding to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services and, more recently, payments for these services. Within this framework, the estimation of opportunity costs has emerged as a fundamental tool to motivate conservation, especially in rural contexts where communities can be encouraged to participate in environmental protection programs. This methodology not only helps to quantify the economic benefits of conservation, but also promotes more equitable and sustainable policies.
Red Ring (RB) and But Rot (BR) are diseases whose degree of progress has a negative impact on oil palm plantations, as well as on the economy of producers, due to the elimination of plants, decrease in yields and spread of the disease to healthy plants. The introduction sets out the objective and theoretical framework, aimed at determining the economic impact of the incidence of PC and AR diseases on the oil palm crop in the Central South Region of Costa Rica, for the year 2023. Methodologically, we worked under a quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive approach based on the use of standardized questionnaires that allowed us to acquire primary information from each farm. The results obtained showed that the number of people affected by PC (36%) and AR (27%) did not exceed 40% of the population studied, with a higher incidence in middle-aged plantations (11 to 14 years old) and with which a total of 586 plants have been eliminated (46.93% PC and 53.07% AR), equivalent to a total potential area of 4.44 ha. However, the incidence of both diseases does not exceed 1 % according to each cooperative affiliation, reaching an economic impact of around US$4,884.99 per year according to the yield obtained in the region, and could reach US$9,266.68 per year if the national yield is used. These results show the importance of factor management in order to minimize economic losses and maintain the productivity of the palm crop.
