Activos de medios de vida en hogares productores de papa (Solanum tuberosum) en Nariño, Colombia.

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the most widespread crops in the Nariño area, in Colombia, and constitutes a significant asset set in the livelihood strategy adopted by the farming households. However, the challenges faced by this crop may limit the household’s assets base, making them vulnerable. This research provides a livelihood study that follows the approach proposed by the Department for International Development (DFID). Considering this conceptual framework, quantitative data were obtained through 769 surveys implemented to potato-farming households (previously classified as micro, small and medium producers), from 21 municipalities in Nariño. The results indicate that 1. The population is potato crop dependent, 2. The assets examined differ among micro, small and medium producers, 3. Cultural and traditional aspects such as community and collective work in the minga (Ayni) or seed exchange are in decline and 4. Socioeconomic and agroecological assets diversity is limited. From this analysis, it is possible to conclude that urgent and timely shock measures should be implemented (for example: market price regulation strategies and social inclusion programs focused on poverty), to avoid that the potato production loses viability as a livelihood strategy for the inhabitants of this region.

Key words. Livelihood assets, sustainable livelihoods, potato farmer households, sustainability.