Evaluation of the Socioeconomic Impacts of the Production of Carob Pod Derivatives in Two Rural Communities in Peru

Abstract

Purpose: This research analyzes the impact of carob pod processing on the economic, social and environmental conditions of communities in Piura and Lambayeque, Peru.   Method/design/approach: The study focused on products derived from carob trees, particularly algarrobina, and the Total Economic Value theory based on the Market Price Method was used to evaluate the economic and social conditions.   Results and conclusion: The study found that the production of algarrobina provides an annual economic benefit in monetary units of S/ 31,881.24 (Thirty-one thousand eight hundred eighty-one and 24/100 nuevos soles) in the producers studied. In economic terms. In social terms, the study found that the community obtains in monetary units a social benefit of S/ 32,029.18 (Thirty-two thousand and twenty-nine and 18/100 nuevos soles). The income generated by algarrobina production provides families with access to basic services such as education and health care. In environmental terms, the study found that carob syrup production also has a positive impact on the environment, but this impact is only partially due to permanent deforestation. The carob tree is a native species that grows in arid and semi-arid areas, and its cultivation does not require large amounts of water, but nevertheless showed changes in their fruits, the quantities produced are much lower than in previous years and with respect to their characteristics the quality of this shows a sharp reduction in size and thickness.   Research implications: The results highlights that algarrobina production also fosters community participation and strengthens social ties, generating a positive impact on the quality of life of the communities.   Original value: Algarrobina production generates income for producers and traders, which in turn contributes to the economic development of the communities. In addition, the study found that algarrobina production also has a positive impact on employment, as labor is required to harvest and process the carob tree.