Socioeconomic Characterization of Cocoa Producers (Theobroma cacao L.) in Portuguesa State-Venezuela

In Portuguesa state, specifically in the areas of Biscucuy and Chabasquen, cocoa development in recent years, has represented an alternative of diversification of production systems because it is mainly characterized by the cultivation of coffee. In this regard, it is important to look back to productive ways immersed in tradition and own local cultures of the region. So, the current research aimed to carry out socio-economic survey of cocoa producers and Chabasquen Biscucuy for technical, agronomic, climatic, social and economic aspects of production; which serve as a basis for designing different strategies in order to strengthen the productivity of cocoa in the state. The descriptive study consisted of a type questionnaire survey applied to 25 farmers and it was used as a data collection instrument. The results showed that the wide range of farmers in the ages (3560 years), low educational level (84%), the purely agricultural employment (92%) and poor agricultural practices and post-harvest should be considered important elements to design strategies for socio productive accompaniment, including technical advice, in order to improve productivity and quality of cocoa.