Technology assessment model against climate change in high tropics of Nariño, Colombia

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a key crop for the food security of the world population and characteristic of peasant production systems in Colombia. It is planted in high mountain areas, close to fragile and strategic ecosystems such as the páramos and their buffer zones, realities such as climate change and modification significantly impacted the sustainability of the system. Producers and local technical assistants have defined the water deficit as the main agroclimatic limitation for the crop. The objective of the study was to evaluate through microeconomic models the feasibility of agricultural technologies aimed at increasing resilience to climate change in potato cultivation. Primary, quantitative and qualitative information was collected through surveys and participatory workshops with producers and technical assistants, and through a Multiple Factor Analysis of Data Mixture (FAMD) the production system was typified; Linear programming was used to economically evaluate in small and medium producer systems, sowing technologies of new certified varieties and fertilization work as alternatives to face a scenario of water deficit. The results show different types of potato producers, as well as high feasibility of incorporating these practices, for which this model contributes to the decision-making process of producers and technical assistants that contribute to increasing resilience, profitability and sustainability. of the productive system in the face of necessary change and climatic scenarios.