Productivity and Profitability of Maize Varieties in Agroforestry Alley Cropping with Gliricidia Sepium on the Colombian Pacific Coast

Objectives: The objective of this research was to evaluate the agronomic and economic performance of improved and regional varieties of maize (Zea mays L.) in agroforestry systems with mousetrap (Gliricidia sepium) in the municipality of Tumaco, Nariño. Theoretical Framework: The study is based on the importance of maize as a strategic crop for food security in Colombia, where the country still relies on imports for 46% of its production, and on the need for sustainable production alternatives in the Pacific region. Method: A randomized complete block experimental design was used with four treatments (three improved varieties and one regional variety) and three replications, evaluating agronomic, production, and profitability variables under alley cropping systems. Results and discussion: The results showed significant differences between varieties, with ICA V-109 standing out with a yield of 2,138 kg/ha and a profitability of $1,259,719 COP, compared to the poor performance of the regional variety (678 kg/ha and a loss of $589,011 COP). The association with G. sepium contributed biomass to the soil, helping to improve fertility and demonstrating the potential of agroforestry systems as an environmentally friendly practice. Research implications: The findings show that alley corn cultivation with legume species can constitute a productive and sustainable alternative for local farmers, reducing the expansion of illicit crops and strengthening food security. Originality/Value: The originality of this study lies in its being one of the first studies on the evaluation of improved maize varieties in agroforestry systems in Tumaco, providing scientific and practical evidence for agricultural diversification in areas of high socioeconomic vulnerability.