Category: Economic and social impact
The Hass Avocado Boom as a Catalyst for Socio-Natural Regime Transitions in the Global South: Insights from Northern Caldas, Colombia
"The global hass avocado (Persea americana ""Hass"") market has seen significant growth in recent decades, driven by increasing demand in key markets such as the United States, the European Union, and China (Denvir et al., 2021). Mexico is the world's leading producer and exporter, accounting for more than 40 percent of global production (Caro et al., 2021). However, other countries, including Peru, Chile, and Colombia, have expanded their market share through intensive production strategies and
Telecoupled social–ecological systems: the case of avocado in Chile
The popularity of avocados has increased globally in alternative diets, alongside its integral role in Latin American cuisine. In Chile, avocados are grown extensively and intensively in orchards in the dry and Mediterranean climate of Central Chile. Avocado is a water-demanding crop and the severe water crisis in Chile has called attention to the conflicts caused by its water use. As most of the pressure to produce avocado comes from international demand but results in impacts on native ecosystems
Production systems of Hass avocado among small-scale Colombian farmers: assessment and strategies for strengthening sustainable integration into export markets
Introduction: Colombia’s Hass avocado sector has grown rapidly, yet smallholders face unequal access to technology, certification, and export channels. Understanding the determinants of sustainable practice adoption is key to inclusive competitiveness and compliance with international standards.Methods: We analyzed a cross-sectional survey of n = 3,867 small-scale Hass avocado producers across 18 departments (2023–2024). Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were followed by four
Foresight to 2035 in cold climate fruit trees: scenario alignment, Delphi method, and complement with Python libraries
"Cold-climate fruit trees, such as avocado, blackberry, curuba, lulo, and goldenberry, are economically and socially significant in Andean countries. This study employs foresight methodologies to support strategic planning, prioritize innovations, and reduce uncertainty in decision-making within this agro-industrial chain. Scenario analysis and the Delphi method were applied, analyzing 34 variables using MICMAC, identifying nine as key. Three future objectives were formulated and assessed with key
Changing food waste regimes in Africa’s transition to export-oriented production: the case of Tanzanian avocado
"African nations are increasingly focusing on exporting high-value crops. However, a major challenge exists: high rates of food waste within supply chains. The problem is often seen as a technological issue—a lack of proper infrastructure and coordination creates inefficiencies. This research takes a different perspective, focusing on social relations within the supply chain. It uses the concept of “food waste regimes” to understand the underlying structures, relationships, and systems that
Risk assessment of pesticides used in the eastern Avocado Belt of Michoacan, Mexico: A survey and water monitoring approach
Pesticides use raises concerns regarding environmental sustainability, as pesticides are closely linked to the decline of biodiversity and adverse human health outcomes. This study proposed a holistic approach for assessing the potential risks posed by pesticides for human health and the environment in the eastern region of Michoacan, where extensive agricultural lands, especially corn and avocado fields, surround the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. We used a combination of qualitative (semi-structured