Critical analysis of socio-natural dynamics driven by the agricultural commodity boom: the case of Hass avocado in northern Caldas, Colombia

Abstract

This explanatory study investigates the expansion of Hass avocado plantations (HAP) and their transformative impact on the socio-natural dynamics in Salamina, Caldas, Colombia. The central research question—Why are Hass avocado plantations expanding and transforming the socio-natural dynamics in the Global South?—is addressed through a systematic approach grounded in interdisciplinary frameworks and methods. To address this overarching question, a robust theoretical framework was first developed to analyze the socio-natural interactions underlying these transformations. The study then employed four sub-questions to explore the issue systematically. The first sub-question examined the phenomenon from a Global South perspective, followed by two sub-questions focusing on the specifics of the Salamina case. The final sub-question recontextualized the findings within the broader global transformations of food systems, offering insights into the dynamics of these changes as part of a larger learning process. This interdisciplinary research is underpinned by Critical Realism, integrating theoretical and conceptual approaches from political ecology, critical resource geography, and critical political economy. A multilevel design was utilized to address the four sub-questions, employing tailored sub-designs for each. The study’s overarching objective was explanatory: not only to elucidate the socio-economic and environmental implications of HAP expansion but also to analyze the socio-historical, economic, and political structures enabling this phenomenon. Methodologically, a mixed-methods approach was employed through a sequential design, balancing qualitative and quantitative data collected and analyzed simultaneously before integration during interpretation. A single cross-sectional explanatory case study further deepened the analysis. Findings reveal a complex landscape of socio-economic and environmental dynamics in Colombia’s HAP sector. While the plantations have driven economic growth and employment in Salamina and Caldas, they have also introduced significant environmental and social challenges. Colombia faces a critical juncture where economic development must align with environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Policymakers, environmental agencies, and the agricultural community must act decisively to achieve this balance, leveraging the economic potential of Hass avocados while safeguarding ecological systems and cultural heritage. The development and enforcement of sustainable public policies will be essential to navigating this multifaceted challenge.