The economic, social and environmental sustainability of small-scale producers in the pepper chain in Costa Rica

Abstract

THE GLOBAL VALUE CHAIN APPROACH IS A THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH SUITABLE FOR THE ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTIVE SECTORS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. PEPPER PRODUCTION IS AN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY THAT GENERATES FAMILY INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT IN RIO CUARTO DE GRECIA, COSTA RICA. HOWEVER, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IS A CHALLENGE FOR PRODUCERS BECAUSE THE USE OF PESTICIDES AFFECTS THE ENVIRONMENT. PRODUCTION DRIVES INCOME APPROPRIATION, HOWEVER, GOVERNMENT SUPPORT IS NEEDED TO STRENGTHEN THIS ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN COSTA RICA.