Current status of cocoa production in Bajo Lempa, Tecoluca

Abstract

Cocoa was a product of cultural importance for Mesoamer-ican civilizations and a commercial crop during the colonial period. Today, cocoa cultivation is part of the local economy in various Salvadoran communities. With the aim of describ-ing the socioeconomic dynamics surrounding the cultivation of cacao and its derivatives in the communities of Bajo Lem-pa, Tecoluca, a qualitative study was conducted, highlight-ing the population’s perspective on their experience with this crop. The results indicate that cacao production was intro-duced as part of socioeconomic projects, providing an option for family subsistence. The crop is managed using chemi-cal and organic inputs. The product is mainly processed using traditional methods, and its derivatives are intended for self-consumption and commercialization. Producers face multiple problems throughout the production phases. Ben-efits related to cocoa cultivation are recognized, such as in-tergenerational communication, improvements in the family economy, and ecosystem health.