La cadena agroalimentaria del cacao en Venezuela: hacia el desarrollo territorial

This article aims to analyze the cocoa agri-food chain in Venezuela in recent years, as one of the driving forces in promoting territorial development. The research methodology used is documentary, based on bibliographic information sources and statistical data linked to the object of study, as well as open interviews with qualified informants. In the current world context, is evident the key coordinating role of transnational companies and global value chains (GVC) –including cocoa and chocolate–, in order to achieve greater market dominance and profit maximization. In the other hand, Venezuela has been a producer (and exporter) country of fine or aroma cocoa since the 16th century; thus, it can be said that it is a traditional item with special characteristics of aroma and flavor. Facing the world scenario, coupled with the economic and political crisis in Venezuela since the beginning of the 21st century, it is important to analyze the cocoa agri-food chain in Venezuela since a systemic and territorial perspective, beyond the traditional sectoral approach. It is about improving the performance of this circuit, based on greater competitiveness with differentiated quality of the cocoa bean and its derivatives. Therefore, the activation of territorial resources and their potential are essential, as well as promoting innovation processes, institutional reforms and strengthening cooperation networks between productive actors or alliances, among others measures, that will translate into greater well-being in the future. This desirable scenario should be also based on the generation of enterprises with fine cocoa, the promotion of responsible production and consumption practices, and the addition of value, the creation of employment, the improvement of income, and the contribution to the diversification of the economy, among others.