Thorough Economic Evaluation of Efficiency in Bean Production

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to identify the problems that hinder the economic efficiency of bean production through evaluation based on an integrated approach, within the framework of the Program for Integrated Bean Development in the province of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. The techniques used for the evaluation were information collection and processing; survey validation, selection, and expert’s criteria, to identify the determining factors and statistical methods. Average annual yields (0,52 t/ha) below the national mean;  high  production  costs;  elevated  opportunity  costs  of  production  of  beans compared to corn; insufficient remuneration to cover the needs of laborers and their families;  poor  consumption;  and  consumer  dissatisfaction  in  terms  of  quantity  and quality, price and preferences for the product, were identified as hindrances of economic efficiency. The results showed that the determining factors of all types of efficiency faced obstacles, which limited the completion of the above-mentioned program.