An analytical model to evaluate the performance of associative seed producer organizations in the framework of Plan Semilla - Agrosavia (Colombia)

Abstract

Low access and use of quality seeds limit agricultural competitiveness. Since 2013, the Corporacion Colombiana de Investigacion Agropecuaria -Agrosavia- initiated “Plan Semilla” with the aim of consolidating nuclei of quality seed producers under associative schemes that guarantee quality seed supply in the regions where the seeds will be used. Between 2013 and 2016, we undertook characterizations of the organizations participating within the framework of Plan Semilla using various qualitative tools for their diagnostics. However, it was not possible to specify the actions that needed to be taken in order to strengthen these organizations. The aim of this research was to generate an analytical model to evaluate the performance of participating organizations that would establish quality seed production nuclei and to validate the model’s use in those organizations that produce cocoa seed in the Plan Semilla framework. An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to construct the model, which is composed of 4 dimensions (technical capacities, environmental resources, organizational capacities,and management capacities) that are related to criteria that are considered decisive for the consolidation of nuclei of quality seed producers. The model was assessed by 11 experts who identified the importance weight of the elements. In the validation, we used indicators from 30 cocoa seed producer organizations participating in Plan Semilla. We calculated additive utility functions and used a cluster analysis to define the thresholds and to establish the level of performance of the organizations. The results have improved the procedural rationality for the classification of organizations that seek to consolidate quality seed production nuclei.