Determinants of the commercialization of urban agricultural products in Bogotá: A case study of the Mhuysqa indigenous cabildo of Bosa

Since the beginning of the 21st century, the Botanical Garden of Bogotá (Colombia) has been promoting urban agriculture in urban and peri-urban areas. The Mhuysqa (Muisca) indigenous cabildo of Bosa, among other communities, has been practicing this activity for more than a decade. Although their production is mainly for self-consumption, there are some surpluses that are sold. Because the commercialization of urban agriculture products has certain limitations, this research aims to identify and analyze its determinants, taking the Mhuysqa indigenous community as a case study. The data collection methodology is based on documentary research, observation of gardens, surveys of 33 gardeners and interviews with four experts. The analysis is based on descriptive statistics, content analysis and the use of non-formal logic. The results show that urban agriculture in the cabildo is multifunctional, and the surplus for sale is low (< 30%). The determinants of commercialization are: the establishment and fulfillment of objectives and goals; volumes, quality and frequency of supply; knowledge and specialized technical production capacities; quality of presentation and freshness of the product; costs of collection and transport; forms and means of payment; and fixed buyers for market development. A key determinant is the explicit and clear intention of the cabildo, as an organization, to market its surplus products from urban agriculture.