Modelo estratégico participativo del clúster de cafés especiales (Coffea arabica L.) en Chinchiná, Caldas, Colombia

Global demand for specialty coffees (Coffea arabica L.) with origin identity, traceability, and sustainability attributes offers an opportunity for producing territories to improve value capture at origin. This applied research designed a strategic participatory model for a specialty coffee cluster in Chinchiná, Caldas, Colombia. A mixed qualitative and descriptive approach was used, including documentary review, 25 semi-structured interviews with value chain actors, SWOT analysis, social mapping, and the logical framework approach. In addition, a structured survey of 290 actors established baseline evidence on upgrading readiness and collective-action feasibility: 83.1% reported no certification, 17.6% reported current involvement in specialty coffee, 61.7% expressed interest in joining the initiative, and 56.6% were willing to receive training on Good Agricultural Practices. Based on these findings, the model proposes a participatory governance architecture and a phased upgrading pathway (protocols, traceability, and progressive certification) linked to commercialization mechanisms oriented to premium markets. Under an optimistic scenario contingent on governance consolidation, protocol compliance, and premium market access, annual green coffee export targets increase from 50 t (Year 1) to 70 t (Year 2) and 90 t (Year 3), together with a projected 50% income increase and 80% integration of strategic actors. These targets are conditional strategic objectives rather than deterministic forecasts.