Abstract
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of developing more viable local public-private partnerships (LPPP) which may result in innovation in the cocoa value chain, through the agricultural innovation system functions approach. Research was conducted in two rural municipalities in the Department of Antioquia, Colombia. A focus group with stakeholders as well as directed surveys were implemented. 15 experts in the municipality of Necoclí, and 18 experts in the municipality of Caucasia participated. The data were analyzed quantitatively and the MACTOR method was used in order to determine the relationship between actors and the strategic objectives for innovation. Case studies revealed different dynamics, both from the perspective of the interests at play when actors prioritized key variables in each region, as well as their vision regarding strategic objectives to promote innovation in the cocoa value chain. Different degrees of convergence and correspondence between actors and strategic objectives in each region provided the grounds to determine the possible partnerships in the cocoa chain. Key actors with different capabilities and resources were also identified, as they could contribute to leveraging local innovation should a partnership come to be developed.
Highlights
Theobroma cacao is a tropical tree and one of the most important perennial crops worldwide
Some of the 30 variables selected by the research team were prioritized through a participatory workshop in each municipality (Table 2). These results indicate that different variables were prioritized in each municipality, as well as different functions within the innovation system, which reflects the specific interests at play on the part of most actors in every region looking to leverage innovation in the cocoa value chain at the local level
Variables prioritized by actors themselves were turned into strategic objectives for the cocoa value chain
Summary
Theobroma cacao is a tropical tree and one of the most important perennial crops worldwide. In Colombia, the cocoa chain has a significant economic and social impact, involving 25.000 families, with over An improvement in quality and productivity are among the challenges for the cocoa value chain in Colombia, as they are currently the main factors hindering competitiveness (Sánchez Vargas et al, 2008). Their development depends to a great extent on the harvest and postharvest operations producers implement once they have developed technical and practical capabilities and implemented the necessary technologies (Santander Muñoz et al, 2020). Claim that these constraints can be mitigated by overcoming some limitations currently faced by producers, such as the lack of access to markets, training, associativity, collaborative networks, and financing (Escobar et al, 2020)
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