The link between social capital and agricultural productive associativity: Empirical evidence for the province of Loja

Abstract

With an econometric analysis between the variable associative participation, social capital and the selected socioeconomic factors, the limitations in agro-productive cooperation for the province of Loja are shown. Through the qualitative method with focus groups of officials of the agricultural governing body, more interviews with presidents of agricultural associations, the quantitative model is reinforced. From the quantitative results and the qualitative research, it was possible to deduce that the factors that limit the agricultural productive associativity in the province are age, income, intermediaries, credit, distrust, lack of cooperation and not believing in the honesty of others. In this sense, the existing link between social capital and associativity related to agro-productive weakness in the province of Loja can be observed, which means not sharing common objectives, especially in relation to production, marketing or resource management. The lack of commitment among the members of the agricultural associations, who do not want to assume responsibilities for the organizational structure or negotiation with clients, and the scarcity of economic contributions or non-attendance at meetings, has led farmers not to participate in the organizations. In this scenario, for public intervention, it is suggested the generation of credit programs with low interest, offers of access to markets, design of training programs, efficient administrative reforms, greater tax incentives, short marketing circuits and, above all, the promotion of a new Generation of producers with administrative and technological knowledge.