Identificación de un índice para la valoración de la sustentabilidad de las prácticas de producción del cultivo de Ruscus (Ruscus sp): estudio de caso de los productores de la vereda Tocarema Alta del municipio de Cachipay, Cundinamarca

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to identify an index to assess the sustainability of Ruscus (Ruscus sp) cultivation practices through the case study of producers in the Tocarema Alta village, located in the municipality of Cachipay, Cundinamarca. To achieve this, a mixed methodology was implemented, which included: (i) a systematic literature review to identify the most commonly used indicators for measuring the sustainability of floriculture crops between 2012 and 2022, covering environmental, economic, and social dimensions; (ii) characterization of key aspects of the practices; and (iii) an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which facilitated the selection and prioritization of sustainability indicators within each of the aforementioned dimensions. Based on the analysis of the literature and surveys, a sustainability index was identified and evaluated for the 17 farms studied, integrating selected indicators to assess production practices of the Ruscus crop (Ruscus sp.), with a comprehensive focus on sustainability. The analysis of environmental, economic, and social indicators related to the cultivation of Ruscus in the Tocarema village, located in the municipality of Cachipay (Cundinamarca), reveals a complex interaction between agricultural practices and sustainability. In the environmental dimension, the most frequently observed indicators include the use of inorganic fertilizers, water consumption for irrigation, water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. These practices, along with the intensive use of agrochemicals, increase the risk of soil and water contamination. Regarding the economic dimension, producers identified key indicators such as profitability (60%), net margin, total sales, and production costs. Despite the expenses associated with maintaining the crop, income levels even in the off-season are significant, suggesting a high economic viability for Ruscus cultivation. However, income variability is influenced by factors such as the size of the cultivated area, production capacity, and the marketing methods used. The social dimension highlights essential aspects such as job creation, the educational level of workers, food security, and the quality of life of producers. These factors are crucial for assessing rural well-being and the sustainability of the production system. Access to basic services, gender equity, and fair labor practices are also part of the indicators that reflect the social conditions of the farms. From these indicators, a Sustainability Index (SI) was constructed, composed of three sub-indices: environmental (ESI), economic (ESI), and social (SSI), using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology. This tool made it possible to weigh the indicators according to their relative importance, providing a comprehensive view of agricultural practices. The results highlight the need to strengthen environmental and social management, particularly in the rational use of natural resources and the improvement of labor conditions, in order to move toward a more sustainable agricultural model.