Socio-Environmental Context of Extensive Palm Cultivation in Colombia

Abstract

Colombia is a world leader in palm cultivation. The predominance of this monoculture has generated several social and environmental impacts. For this reason, we sought to analyze the relationships between the consolidation of the oil palm agribusiness in the state of Cesar, between 1960 and 2016. To achieve the proposed objective, a qualitative analysis was chosen, based on data collected from sources bibliographic, with analysis focused on the discourse and relationship between the actors. 14 actors were identified, highlighting the power exercised by the Colombian State, Indupalma and the media. Funding associations and programs were created to make the country more competitive, however, the relationship with small farmers was vertical and focused on inserting them as partners. However, they are in a system that offers low-paid jobs and poor working conditions. Keywords: Monoculture, Agroindustry, Actors.