A Competitive Model for Rural Agricultural Development: Insights from Family Farming in Lebrija, Santander, Colombia

Family farming is essential for rural development and food security, yet it faces persistent structural barriers. This study aimed to develop a competitive model for Peasant, Family, and Community Agriculture (PFCA) in Lebrija, Colombia, by analyzing key factors affecting productivity, profitability, and competitiveness. A mixed-methods approach was used, integrating surveys, participatory workshops, and field visits across 79 family agricultural units (FAUs). Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and ordinal logistic regression (OLR) identified the impact of financial exclusion, low mechanization, and dependence on intermediaries, alongside strengths such as traditional knowledge transfer, family labor, and agroecological practices. The findings reveal a paradox: while PFCA resilience supports agricultural sustainability, it may also hinder modernization. To address this, a strategic action plan was developed with six axes: governance, commercialization, financing, technology, training, and climate mitigation. This framework provides policy recommendations for financial inclusion, direct market access, and technological innovation. The study offers a replicable model for policymakers, rural development agencies, and agricultural cooperatives, supporting sustainable and competitive family farming in Colombia and similar rural economies.