Social capital and soil conservation: Is there a connection? Evidence from Peruvian cocoa farms

Abstract

• Agriculture associations can contribute to soil conservation if they build trust first. • For soil conservation, associations must create adherence to organic certification rules. • Informal social capital of native communities facilitates the adoption of sustainable practices. • Indigenous rules and imaginaries can be allies for rural and environmental conservation policies. • Native environmental injustices are due to imaginaries and potential dependence on reciprocity.