Agricultural Development Strategy in Cooperative Collective Ventures

Abstract

A strategical planning involving twenty cooperative collective ventures (UBPC)—livestock and horticulture units— was implemented in Matanzas province, Cuba. Taking into account farmers´ criteria, each venture capability to provide benefits to its partners through income and food was assessed; besides, ventures fundamental needs as well as income and food sources available to farmers´families were discussed. Processes related to the production chain and patrimonial natural resources in each venture were studied by the DAFO matrix. Cooperative collective ventures supply only 21 % of food and 40 % of income needed by the farmers´ families. Lack of autonomy and capital goods for production, inefficiency of supplying enterprises, deficient agricultural commercialization in convertible pesos, and a non-efficient leadership policy are some of the main threats perceived by those involved. Dissatisfaction of farm workers was the weakest aspect; however, human and natural resources proved their strength. Availability of goods and services within ecosystems has decreased due to man actions. All these problems have affected cooperative collective ventures productivity.