Comercio justo, eje central del desarrollo en productores locales y exportadores de cacao Theobroma cacao L. en el cantón Quevedo

The study was conducted in Quevedo Canton, Los Ríos Province, Ecuador. The objective was to analyze fair trade, a central axis of development for local cocoa producers and exporters (Theobroma cacao L.). Descriptive research methods were applied, along with analytical and deductive approaches. Surveys using a Likert scale were employed. The survey’s reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, yielding a value of 0.81 for 14 elements. The variables considered were education level, quality of life, fair trade, and economic development. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Version 22.0). The results demonstrate a positive impact on international, national, and local market prices, contributing to the sustainable development of cocoa producers. Exploring fair trade practices in production reveals significant interest and potential when adopting measures that promote equity and sustainability within the cocoa value chain. Education emerges as a key driver of development through training programs, enabling producers to fully engage in productive, economic, and commercial activities. Ultimately, fair trade practices are closely tied to pricing and productive activities in cocoa cultivation.