TRADITIONAL COFFEE FARMING FACING ORANGE RUST DISEASE: THE CASE OF TIERRADENTRO REGION, CAUCA, COLOMBIA

Abstract

The degree of technification and the conditions for the production of coffee (Coffea arabica) in producing countries differ from one to another, although they share low prices for the  grain in the market as a particular problem. The decrease in production aggravates losses, since coffee rust is the disease with the greatest economic importance. The aim of this study was to examine the traditional management of the coffee crop regarding the control of rust in small production units in the region of Tierradentro, department of Cauca, Colombia, as well as to identify the main problems in the design of lines of action to solve them. The methodology consisted in selecting production units, using an intentional or convenience collection of samples, with the application of semi-structured interviews, and the information was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results obtained indicated that farmers continue using the traditional farming system and incorporate agronomic practices to increase yields and improve grain quality. Such practices include renovation of the coffee plantation with rust-resistant varieties, the use of fertilizers, soil analysis, planting under shade and cleaning the plantation. The main problem identified was the high cost of inputs and the low prices of coffee in the market. We therefore conclude that the traditional coffee plantation methods, along with the adoption of others agricultural practices, helped to modify the hierarchy of the problems by facing the importance of rust, since it allowed to control the incidence of the disease in the coffee plantations.