Factors that determine sustainability in agricultural systems in the colombian amazon

Sustainability is a multidimensional concept that involves socioeconomic, political, and environmental variables. The aim of this research was to identify the determinants of sustainability in agricultural systems in the Colombian Amazon. A sample of 70 farms was taken and sustainability indicators were constructed using data envelopment analysis with the following variables: benefit-cost ratio (BCR), index of unsatisfied basic needs (INBI), carbon stored in aerial biomass, percentage of forest cover, productive soils, and the producer's perception of government support (GA). Subsequently, an econometric model was used where the sustainability index was a function of variables of the different dimensions, whose coefficients were found using the maximum likelihood method. The results showed that 14 % of the farms are sustainable and 86 % have potential for improvement in: increases in CBR, GA, use of productive land and reduction of operating costs. The determinants of sustainability were: farm expenses, number of workers and forested hectares. It is concluded that there are farming systems in the Amazon that are socioeconomically and politically efficient and that conserve ecosystem services better.