Los canales de distribución alternativos como instrumentos de inclusión económica para pequeños y medianos productores agrícolas.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution channels used by small and medium-sized producers in the Salitre canton, and to identify alternative instruments to help improve the profitability of those involved. The general hypothesis was that the economic inclusion of small and medium-sized agricultural producers has been affected by the high dependence on traditional distribution channels for the sale of their products. The approach of the research is mixed, descriptive and correlational; through the techniques of the survey and interview, distribution channels and their impact on the profitability and technology of the producers of the canton Salitre were determined. The study population was 64 small and medium agricultural producers located in the four parishes of the canton, to whom a questionnaire of 39 items was applied, and two types of interviews were developed, the first was addressed to the value chain intermediary and in the second case to the GADM Authority of the canton Salitre. The results show that 24.5 per cent of agricultural producers use the collection centers as distribution channels and 21.6 per cent sell their products to local traders. The producers said that the disadvantage that mostly affects their business is low profit margins, as they receive between 10-20% incomes. 21.8% of producers do not use technological applications. A networking plan is therefore proposed to enable agricultural producers to increase their profit margins and thus achieve economic inclusion.