Analysis of the Socioeconomic Situation of Small and Medium Sugar Producers in the Canton Marcelino Maridueña, Ecuador

Abstract

The global production of sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) in 2020 was 1,869,715,086 tons. The countries with the highest production were Brazil, India, China, and Pakistan. Ecuador has approximately 130,000 hectares of land dedicated to sugarcane cultivation. The objective of this study was to analyze the socioeconomic situation of small and medium-sized sugarcane producers in the canton of Coronel Marcelino Maridueña. The research employed a descriptive approach, with the survey technique being used to collect information. A questionnaire was designed for sugarcane producers, which was previously validated. The variables considered were related to social, economic, productive, and market aspects. A total of 75 producers were surveyed. In terms of social aspects, the study found that 81% of families have between two and five members, 67% have completed secondary education, and 73% have access to basic services such as water, electricity, and telephone. In terms of economic aspects, the study found that 87% of producers have Access to credit is a significant issue for producers. In terms of production, 65% of producers have between 21 and 91 hectares of land, with the predominant varieties being ECU-01 and ECU-03. In terms of the market, 95% of producers sell their crops to the San Carlos sugar mill. The agronomic practices employed in this crop are predominantly conventional, encompassing the use of agricultural machinery for plowing, soil turning, and harvesting, in addition to the application of agrochemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides.