Sustainability analysis of rural associative models in Antioquia, Colombia

Abstract

Rural associations are socioeconomic structures intended to achieve continuous improvement for their communities. Its success depends on proper management and leadership based on advancing social (S), economic (E), business (Em), political-institutional (P), and environmental (A) indicators. The objective of the present study was to characterize the degree of consolidation of legally constituted rural organizations (OPAs) to identify success factors. Thirteen OPAs located in seven sub-regions of Antioquia province were selected. These OPAs were characterized and factors influencing their conformation, functioning and improvement were identified using records from associations and semi-structured interviews conducted with their legal representatives and managers. Finally, a rural socio-business sustainability index (ISSR) was developed. The P indicator was the most developed, while those with the lowest impact were E and A. According to the ISSR, the OPAs had an acceptable sustainability level, with four typologies: (1) OPAs that prioritize actions to implement good agribusiness practices and care of the environment during transformation and commercialization of their product, (2) OPAs with poor collective participation in the organization and scarce marketing integration of their product, (3) OPAs with defined organizational structure, adequate management related to provision of services and productivity improvement, and high social and political sense to improve life conditions of their associates and families, and (4) OPAs with high ISSR and excellent business and commercial management. The all-inclusive holistic characterization of the organizations allowed us to confirm that P is the most relevant indicator and there is need to strengthen the analysis, intervention, and follow-up processes of A, E and Em indicators to consolidate sustainable plans, projects and programs within these OPAs.