THE STATE OF AGRICULTURE IN THE BALSAMO-QUEZALTEPEC MOUNTAIN RANGE: CONTRIBUTING FACTORS AND SOCIOECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

The development of agriculture in the Cordillera del Bálsamo-Quezaltepec, a
region of historical and economic importance to El Salvador, faces challenges that
threaten the sustainability and well-being of the communities that depend on it.
Therefore, it was essential to study the main factors and consequences from the
perspective of the key stakeholders (farmers) who are affected by the situation in
this territory. The following general research objective was proposed: To analyze
the contributing factors and socioeconomic consequences of agricultural decline
in the Cordillera del Bálsamo-Quezaltepec, to propose measures that improve
agricultural sustainability in the region. Methodologically, the research employed
a non-experimental design, observing phenomena in their natural environment
without studying or manipulating physical variables (soils, rainfall, or others). It
was also cross-sectional with a mixed-methods approach, utilizing surveys and
interviews to interpret the results based on the overall information. The study’s
findings reveal that a combination of adverse climatic factors and inadequate
agricultural policies has led to a significant decrease in agricultural productivity in
the Cordillera del Bálsamo-Quezaltepec region. Climate change manifests primarily
in irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts, and an increase in pests and diseases,
which has disrupted crop cycles and reduced harvest stability.