Analysis of the environmental impact of agrochemicals used in the cultivation of CCN-51 cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) in the El Encanto community of San Lorenzo Canton, Ecuador

Abstract

Cocoa cultivation represents a fundamental pillar of the Ecuadorian economy, especially with the CCN-51 variety (Theobroma cacao L.), however, the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals in the production process of this cocoa variety is linked to the generation of progressive damage to the environment. In view of this, the opportunity arose to evaluate the environmental impact of the agrochemicals used in the cultivation of CCN-51 Cocoa in the El Encanto community of the San Lorenzo Canton in Ecuador, considering that it is the center of the local economy. It was considered that it is a basic, non-experimental research, so firstly, the community's perception on the use of agrochemicals in the cultivation of CCN-51 Cocoa was evaluated by applying surveys to 150 local cocoa producers. The environmental impact of agrochemicals used in the cultivation of CCN-51 cocoa was then determined through the Conesa-Fernández matrix and finally, strategies for good agricultural practices were proposed to minimize the environmental impact of agrochemicals in the cultivation process of CCN-51 cocoa. The main results were that there is a high interest on the part of farmers (90.7%) in cultivating with more sustainable methods for the environment. In addition, from the matrix, 3 severe environmental impacts, 6 moderate, 1 low and 5 positive were identified. Therefore, within the main strategies for minimizing the identified impacts is environmental education and management of sustainable alternative practices.