Exploring the role of community organisations as environmental vulnerability insurance for cacao smallholders in Colombia

The future of replacing illicit crops with cacao in the South Pacific region of Colombia transcends the economic viability of these plantations. The process of social-ecological restoration is intrinsically linked to the role of local organisations and the support of international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which introduce the main technical improvements conditional on the achievement of social improvements. The situation in the South Pacific region of Colombia, a territory historically characterised by illicit crop cultivation and inhabited by vulnerable Afro-Colombian communities, is analysed. This region is particularly significant for post-conflict agreements due to its high level of violence. This study analyses the determinants of differences in the selling price of cacao, assuming that the decision to sell dry cacao and access international markets is related to the support and assistance provided to farmers and their families than to their monetary value. The sustainable production of high-quality dry cacao, which is a main requirement for accessing international market prices, depends on access to adequate infrastructure. Inadequate access to high-quality production neutralises the substitution of illicit crops, and thus the environmental sustainability and social cohesion of the territory. The determinants of farmers’ ability to sell dry cacao are explored using a spatial econometric model that accounts for the influence of neighbouring areas. The findings indicate that enhancing producers' participation in community councils, supported by international NGOs, is crucial for addressing environmental risks. • Afro-Colombian communities transitioning from illicit crops to cacao require sustainable support for long-term viability. • Identify cacao price influencers, emphasizing infrastructure and community roles. • Spatial analysis illustrates how geographic location and community dynamics shape strategic pricing in the cacao industry. • Enhancing post-harvest practices mitigates vulnerabilities in the cacao supply chain, bolstering price stability. • Community support reduces risks and ensures economic stability for local farmers.