Characterization and commercial challenges of small and medium producers in the municipality of Sonsón

Modelo de comercialización agricola

Abstract

In Colombia, the rural sector is being affected by multiple aspects that limit the development and sustainability of families, including climatic factors, rising prices of agricultural inputs, poor associativity, lack of an efficient marketing model, sales through intermediaries, price volatility, imports, and poor or non-existent roads, which hinder the marketing of agricultural products. According to the development plan united for life, (Government of Antioquia, 2020, p. 447), it was identified that 74% of the food consumed in Medellin and Valle de Aburrá is not produced in Antioquia, 65% is produced in other departments and 9% by other countries. These figures are worrisome because they evidence the great problem that exists in the Colombian countryside with the little economic return that producers receive when selling their crops, and they also identified that 80% of the price paid by the final consumer corresponds to profits for intermediaries in the commercialization chain.
In order to characterize and learn about the marketing and distribution processes of small and medium producers in the municipality of Sonsón, a survey validated by experts was applied, which revealed that, in economic terms, the research reveals that, although the income generated covers basic expenses, only some can afford to purchase larger goods such as cars or houses, thus showing the existence of economic limitations for the majority. Nevertheless, 61.6% of those surveyed cultivate their own land, which could be an indicator of greater profitability and financial stability. Another aspect is the low level of associativity (8.1%) among farmers, which is a crucial aspect that deserves attention.