Use of agricultural technology, yields and economic profitability of small-scale producers (Coffea arabica L.)

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: the objective of this research was to determine the relationship between use of agricultural technology and levels of crop yield and profitability of coffee farmers.

Methodology: the field work was carried out in the Mazateca region of Oaxaca and the Cuetzalan Puebla region, in 2019. The data were gathered through the application of a survey, using a statistical sample, with 95% confidence and precision of 6% of the average coffee yields.

Results: the profitability (RBC) was 0.90, which means that for each invested peso, 0.10 pesos were lost, that is, 10% of the investment. For Puebla farmers, the RBC was 1.0 and for Oaxaca producers, 0.81. The RBC of the producers that sold as pergamino coffee was 1.16 for those from Cuetzalan and 1.04 for those from the Mazateca region. The group of producers that have high IUT have a different average yield and profitability than the average of the groups of producers that have medium and low IUT. The explanatory variables of yield and profitability are the IUT, the size of the UP, human capital.

Limitations: this study, in a next stage, could benefit from estimating the rate of technology adoption and the training needs of coffee farmers.

Implications: due to the positive effect of IUT and CH on yields and profitability, these can be part of a public policy interventions to improve coffee growers.