Artículos científicos

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttp://10.0.96.45:4000/handle/11056/14656

Producción intelectual de las investigadoras e investigadores del CINPE

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Mostrando 1 - 11 de 11

Análisis participativo de las dinámicas socio - ecológicas de la cuenca Perico - Manantiales
(Eco Adapt CR, 2016) Rixen, Annabel; Jean-François, Le Coq; López Calderón, Abigail; Ruiz, Cintia; Schillinger, Ralf
Se analiza el sistema socio-ecológico conformado por el Bosque Modelo Jujuy en Argentina, a través de la construcción participativa de modelos conceptuales por el método PARDI (Problema, Actores, Dinámica e Interacciones). Dos modelos enfocados sobre la calidad y cantidad del agua representan dos zonas principales: la Zona de los Diques y la Zona de Riego. Las dinámicas socio-ecológicas allí son vinculados a diversos procesos sociales (aumento de la población, inmigración y urbanización), ecológicos (estado de la cuenca alta y uso de la tierra río abajo), y económicos (modelos de desarrollo, fluctuaciones de precios y mercados). Presentamos cuatro sub-modelos de: contaminación, erosión, sedimentación y deforestación, por el rol central de esos procesos en la calidad y disponibilidad del agua al futuro. En la zona de los diques, el agua depende primero del estado de sus fuentes (Río Grande, Río Perico, lluvias). La demanda de agua potable para las municipalidades y la producción agrícola en la zona abajo ejercen presión sobre la disponibilidad de agua. El agua de los diques, juega igualmente un rol central en las actividades de pesca, turismo, agricultura y ganado en su entorno. En la zona de riego, el agua está compartida entre agua potable y agua para riego, del tabaco y de la caña de azúcar principalmente. En ambos zonas, la calidad del agua está bajando a causa de su contaminación: solida (basura), biológica (cloacas, desechos de animales), y química (agroquímicos, químicos industriales). Al largo plazo, identificamos fuertes impactos potenciales de las dinámicas actuales sobre la salud pública, lo atractivo turístico de la zona y su economía. Varias respuestas se presentan: mejoras en la eficiencia del sistema de riego y otras infraestructuras hídricas; conciencia ambiental; modelos de desarrollo alternativos adaptados a un manejo sostenible. Para la planificación al futuro, identificamos las reglas de decisión que están modificando las prácticas de los actores en el contexto del cambio climático.
Aplicación del modelo TOBIN a la estimación de la oferta de crédito agropecuario en Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2002-08-31) Carranza, Carlos Francisco
En este artículo se discuten los problemas de identificación que se enfrentan al estimar la función de oferta y la función de demanda de crédito, se justifica la estimación de las variables explicativas de ambas funciones y el análisis de los determinantes del acceso que podrían tener los productores agropecuarios de Costa Rica al crédito. En cada caso la metodología apropiada es discutida. Cinco diferentes tipos de dificultades surgen en el proceso de inferencia o análisis empírico que se estudiará aquí. Estas dificultades reflejan las características del mercado de préstamos, los defectos e insuficiencias de la recolección de datos y los defectos e deficiencias de la estimación de modelos. Varias de estas dificultades podrían ocurrir simultáneamente, aunque este no es siempre el caso.
Applying integrated valuation of ecosystem services in Latin America: Insights from 21 case studies
(Elsevier B.V., 2019-04) Arias Arévalo, Paola; Galeana Pizaña, José Mauricio; Sarmiento, Miguel; Rincón Ruiz, Alexander; Núñez Hernández, Juan Manuel; Cotler, Helena; Aguado Caso, Mateo; Meli, Paula; Tauro, Alejandra; Ávila Akerberg, Víctor Daniel; Avila Foucat, Veronique; Cardenas, Johanna Paola; Castillo Hernández, Luis Alfonso; Castro, Luis Guillermo; Cerón Hernández, Victor Alfonso; Contreras, Andrea; Deschamps, Jimena; Guillén Oñate, Keila; Hernández-Aguilar, José Antonio; Jimenez, Aldo Daniel; López Mathamba, Luis Ángel; Márquez Pérez, Lizbeth; Moreno Díaz, Mary Luz; Marín Marín, Wilmer; Ochoa, Vivian; Tauro, Alejandra; Díaz Timote, Julián; Tique Cardozo, Luisa Lorena; Trujillo Acosta, Angélica; Waldron, Talía
Recent progress in the ecosystem services (ES) approach has been made through the application of integrated valuations of ecosystem services (IVES), which emphasizes social inclusion and incorporates a plurality of values in ES valuations. Given that most of the empirical experience with IVES practice has been in the Global North, we need to understand this practice in other contexts such as the Global South and Latin America. Based on 21 studies that applied IVES approaches, we evaluated how IVES is being implemented in socio-ecological contexts in Latin America and the challenges and ways forward for implementing it in this region. Leaders of the case studies completed a questionnaire that addressed these questions based on an analytical framework. Our case studies demonstrated advances in: integrating socio-cultural and monetary valuations, developing interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, communicating results, and providing policy recommendations that go beyond economic incentives. However, more efforts are still needed to engage some of the social actors, integrate ecological values, and address value trade-offs and power relations. Challenges and ways forward for implementing IVES approaches can be grouped into five areas: (i) building a culture of transdisciplinary research; (ii) promoting holistic versus split disciplinary valuations; (iii) engaging with environmental and civil society organizations and local leaders; (iv) supporting less powerful social actors and bringing out their voices through the IVES process; and (v) generating new means of communicating multiple perspectives at multiple scales. Our study empirically shows how new paths in socio-ecological contexts in Latin America are opening up to include the complex, conflicting, and diverse views of the importance of nature. We believe that in Latin America, IVES could be framed as participatory action research that empowers less powerful social actors through transdisciplinary and participatory valuation approaches.
Costa Rican Environmental Service Payments: The Use of a Financial Instrument in Participatory Forest Management
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2006) Miranda, Miriam; Dieperink, Carel; Glasbergen, Pieter
The core element of the Costa Rican forestry policy is a financial instrument called the environmental service payment. This instrument rewards forest owners for the environmental services (the mitigation of greenhouse gases, the protection of watersheds and scenic beauty, and the development of biodiversity) their forests provide. In this article, the experiences with this new instrument are analyzed by focusing on the way interests are represented and access is granted, the openness of information ex change, whether social learning occurred, and whether decision-making authority is shared. The analysis is based on a survey conducted in the Huetar Norte Region and on in-depth interviews with the major stakeholders. The Costa Rican case indicates that financial instruments can be used to share responsibilities and that stakeholders can suc cessfully cooperate on forest issues. It also shows that such a participatory approach is only promising if certain cul tural, economic, organizational, and political conditions are met.
Crisis económica: migrantes más vulnerables. Casos en Berrien, Michigan
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2015) Avendaño, Martha; Rivera, Jenny Maricela; Díaz, Rafael
Este artículo analiza los efectos de la crisis económica estadounidense sobre la calidad de vida de una muestra de migrantes mexicanos en localidades del condado de Berrien, Michigan, a través de factores que influyen en las libertades de movilización (estatus legal), escasas oportunidades de tipo laboral y limitaciones de índole social (seguro de salud, educación superior y percepción sobre la calidad de vida). Mediante una metodología de estudios de casos, se efectuó una intros pección en la vida de las personas para conocer cómo enfrentan los inconvenientes de su estatus legal y su trabajo, bajo una reconstrucción de las condiciones primarias de vida, tipo de empleo, permanencia en el país, motivos de su migración, y cambios anteriores y posteriores a la crisis
Economic incentives for improving mango quality in Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2007) Zúñiga-Arias, Guillermo; Ruerd, Ruben; Verkerk, Ruud
Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to present an integrated methodology for identifying effective economic incentives to enhance quality performance by mango producers in Costa Rica. Design/methodology/approach – The study analyses the relationship between intrinsic product quality attributes and socio-economic characteristics of mango producers in the Central Pacific zone of Costa Rica. Data are derived from a representative sample of 35 mango producers. A mango quality index for local and export market outlet is constructed and quality performance is subsequently related to farm-household characteristics and contractual delivery parameters. Categorical regression methods are used to identify the relationships between farm-household characteristics, production system features, marketing relationships and quality attributes weighted by consumers’ preferences. Findings – Key attributes of the quality index – related to dimensions of ripeness, appearance and variability – appear to be strongly related to farm-household characteristics like the producers’ age and experience, input use intensity and family labour availability. Preferences for certain contractual regimes and marketing arrangements give rise to differentiation in quality performance. Long-term delivery relationships and non-price attributes appear as key factors for quality improvement in mango. Research limitation/implications – Although the study is based on a modest sample, the significant relationships between the constructs in the model are found to be sufficiently robust. Originality/value – The research approach enables the estimation of a model where quality performance is related to technical and institutional aspects related to the organisation of mango delivery chain.
Forest and Water Policies. The need to reconcile public and science perceptions
(Universitat de Barcelona, 2004) Calder, Ian; Amezaga, Jaime; Bosch, Jan; Fuller, Lisa; Gallop, Kate; Gosain, Ashvani; Hope, Robert; Jewitt, Graham; Miranda, Miriam; Porras, Ina; Wilson, Victoria
This paper compares and contrasts some of the science and public perceptions of the role of forests in relation to the water environment. It is suggested that the disparity between the two perceptions needs to be addressed before we are in a position to devise and develop land and water policies (whether market or non-market based) which are aimed at either improving the water environment, and by doing so improving the livelihoods of poor people by greater access to water, or conserving and protecting forests. Examples are given of three research projects in South Africa, India and Costa Rica where, through the involvement of stakeholder groups, often with representatives comprising both the science and public perceptions, interactive research programmes were designed not only to derive new research findings with regard to the biophysical processes but also to achieve better “ownership” and acceptance of research findings by the stakeholders. It is concluded that to move towards a reconciliation of the different perceptions and to put in place better policies and management systems, where policy is better connected with science, will require further efforts: a) To understand how the “belief” systems underlying the science and public perceptions have evolved, and how these are affecting land and water policy processes; b) to develop management support tools, ranging from simple dissemination tools, which can demonstrate the impacts of land use decisions on the water environment to institutions and local people, to detailed robust and defensible hydrological models which are needed to help implement the new land and water policies, such as those now being implemented in RSA; and c) to understand better how land and water related policies impact on the poorest in society. It is argued that many present policies may not be significantly benefiting the poor and may even, in some situations, be resulting in perverse outcomes.
How standards compete: comparative impact of coffee certification schemes in Northern Nicaragua
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2011) Ruben, Ruerd; Zúñiga Arias, Guillermo
Purpose: Smallholder farmers are increasingly subject to different types of standards that offer specific conditions for their market incorporation. The proliferation of private and voluntary (civic) standards raises questions regarding their impact on farmers' welfare and their role in the upgrading of value chains. This paper aims to address this issue. Design/methodology/approach: Based on extensive fieldwork and careful matching of 315 farmers in Northern Nicaragua who produce coffee under Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance and Café Practices labels or deliver to independent traders, the effects on income, production and investments are compared. Moreover, the implications of different contract conditions for risk behaviour, organizational force, loyalty and gender attitudes are assessed. Findings: The paper finds that Fair Trade provides better prices compared with independent producers, but private labels out-compete Fair Trade in terms of yield and quality performance. While Fair Trade can be helpful to support initial market incorporation, private labels offer more suitable incentives for quality upgrading. Research limitations/implications: Civic standards exhibit major effects on local institutions' and farmers' behaviour, while B2B standards are more effective for improving production and management practices. Dynamic improvement standards may bridge the gap between both. Practical implications: Fair Trade standards are useful to provide initial market access to small-holders, but private standards offer better prospects for subsequent quality upgrading. Originality/value: This is the first large-scale comparative impact assessment of coffee standards that delivers unbiased empirical results.
Managing quality heterogeneity in the mango supply chain: evidence from Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica., 2009) Zúñiga-Arias, Guillermo; Ruben, Ruerd; Van Boekel, Martinus
Quality is a key aspect for evaluating the performance of com modity chains. Quality performance depends on both subjec tive consumer perceptions as well as intrinsic attributes of the product. Supply chain procedures and management activities influence the quality level and may reduce or increase the heterogeneity in product quality. In additional to technologi cal measures, timely access to information on market and management options can be helpful to reduce human-related variability. In this article we present an explorative framework for dis entangling the interactions between different managerial activ ities that have an effect on quality variability in mangoes. We use data dispersion statistics to understand the impact of tech nological and socio-economic factors on heterogeneity in quality performance at different stages of the supply chain. Based on a field survey amongst 51 different agents involved in the mango chain from Costa Rica, information regarding production technologies, agroecological conditions, manage ment intensity, quality control, contracting practices and marketing operations is collected. We also tested randomly 10 mangoes from each agent to analyze the variability in quality attributes, focusing on the ratio between Brix and pH. We find that quality heterogeneity is influenced both by technological variability and by socio-economic diversity. In the mango supply chain from Costa Rica, management differ ences amongst agents vary depending on the upstream and downstream relationships. Agents related to international traders tend to maintain lowest variability in their management practices in order to be able to respond better to consumer de mands. Effective linkages with downstream agents are thus critical to guarantee appropriate incentives for managing qual ity in upstream segments.
Modelling price scenarios for sustainable collective action and farm production: Pepper in El Roble settlement, Costa Rica
(Journal on Chain and Network Science, 2015-06-01) Miranda Montes, Donald; Sáenz-Segura, Fernando; Chaves Moreira, Juan Manuel; Schipper, Roberth A.
Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is considered a non-traditional cash crop for enhancing local development in Costa Rica and a suitable activity for small farmers. Trade of pepper has been done by using contractual agreements between producers and processors, which provides at least three functions: insurance, incentives and information. Contracts also require a high level of commitment from contracting parties to keep the equity, efficiency, and sustainability of the trade relationship. The shift of trade conditions from a competitive to a monopsony market encouraged a group of farmers to start an association that aims to bulk and process pepper from members. Breaching contracts by members of the association endanger this effort of sustainable entrepreneurship. This usually happens when temporary market conditions yield higher procurement prices by other competitors. This situation is also worsened by the lack of proper information on production and processing costs between the contracting parties, and then, the disagreement on the procurement price fixation and payment conditions. By using a mixed integer linear optimization model, we aim to identify the 'best' price of fresh pepper traded between both parties. We make use of primary information from 12 different farms on production costs and from the association on processing costs. The model incorporates minimum required net margins for all contracting parties, while modelling the net margins of each party, the amount of traded fresh pepper and preferred contract possibilities, given different fresh pepper price scenarios. At lower prices, some of the farmers that supply pepper, do this to just break-even. At higher prices, more is supplied by more farmers. Under monopsony conditions and individual contracts between parties, it is in the interest of the buyer to offer higher fresh pepper prices in order to buy and process more pepper, up to the point that the marginal costs of buying more pepper are equal to the marginal benefits of that extra pepper. This is because the processor has fixed costs, next to variable costs. Higher volumes reduce the average total costs of processing per kg of pepper, and thereby increase profit. When group contracts are possible, thus under bilateral monopoly conditions - farmers acting as 'one' seller and the processor as the only buyer - more fresh pepper is supplied at higher prices than under monopsony conditions as more farmers would have higher surpluses. At the same time the processor would have a higher profit than using individual contracts.
The influence of contracts on smallholder pepper (Piper nigrumL.) producers in Costa Rica under different market conditions
(EDP Sciences, 2009-12-08) Sáenz Segura, Fernando; D’Haese, Marijke; Speelman, Stijin
Abstract – Introduction. Costa Rica’s pepper production (Piper nigrum L.) is relatively low, but for the farmers involved it presents an interesting cash cropping activity. This paper aims to analyse whether contracts with processing firms offer an incentive for farmers to invest in pepper production and thereby increase their income. We analysed the characteristics of farmers with formal and informal contracts to see if this influences their way of producing pepper, their yields and income. The second goal of our work was to study whether market conditions (one or more buyers) influence contract uptake and pepper production. Materials and methods. A survey was conducted in 2000 among 63 farmers, 32 of whom had access to only one buyer and 31 of whom could sell to three potential purchasers. Characteristics of farmers, farms and pepper production were compared in terms of market conditions and forms of contract. A subsample of 24 farmers was revisited in 2008. Results. Overall, the effects of contracts in terms of improving access to inputs and increasing yield and productivity were limited. However, formal contracts were endorsed by income-constrained farmers, especially in the early phase of establishing themselves in the market. In subsequent phases, and under more competitive market conditions, producers seemed to prefer verbal commitments to formal contracts. In situations where a monopsony situation prevailed, there were lower yields. Conclusion. Contracts are important in the start-up phase, and competitive market conditions favour a process of moderate intensification which stimulates high returns at relatively low costs to the most established pepper producers.

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