From coca to coffee

An analysis of functional farm household types through archetypal trajectories of change in post-conflict areas of Colombia

Bibliographic Data

ID19220538
AuthorsWilliam Andrés Cardona (0000-0001-9610-4135, University of Groningen, corresponding author), Carlos Eduardo Ospina Parra (0000-0002-3155-663X), Luis Gabriel Bautista Montealegre, Éric Scopel (0000-0003-2938-6587, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement), Martha Marina Bolaños Benavides (0000-0003-4593-5523), Pablo Tittonell (0000-0002-0284-2514, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement)
Year2026
Volume126
Pages104235-104235
Publication date2026-06-05
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Rural Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0743-0167 • E-ISSN: 1873-1392
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.jrurstud.2026.104235
OpenAlexW7163699272
LanguageEN
References cited24

This study examines the shift from coca ( Erythroxylum coca ) leaf cultivation to legal agricultural systems in southern Meta, Colombia, a historically conflict-affected region. Using archetype analysis and a rural livelihoods framework, we examined the adaptation processes of 23 smallholder households in Uribe and Mesetas municipalities, where Arabica coffee ( Coffea arabica ) has been promoted as a key legal alternative. Data were gathered through semi-structured surveys that explored two main aspects: (1) how farmers diversified and managed their farms with the crop substitution program, and (2) what technological strategies they have implemented in their coffee plots to maintain production under marginal agroecological conditions. Data on 34 variables were standardized into livelihood capitals and farming practices. The analysis identified six archetypal responses, which were then categorized into three household types: pure, mixed, and balanced. Traditional, innovative, and diversified livelihood strategies were distinguished based on levels of market integration, access to institutions, and labor dynamics. Coffee-specific archetypes showed different levels of input use, farming intensity, and ecological integration. Common constraints included limited technical assistance, labor shortages, and input costs. A cross-impact analysis (MICMAC method) identified poor soil fertility as a systemic issue and market price volatility as a major vulnerability. Results suggest that socioeconomic diversity significantly influences the success of illicit crop substitution efforts and that effective transitions require support tailored to the local context, especially in areas with weak institutional presence. Archetype analysis was useful for identifying household-level adaptation patterns and highlighted the importance of targeted, inclusive rural development strategies that move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions. This approach provides practical insights for improving policy targeting similar post-conflict rural transitions

Agricultural biodiversity · Agriculture · Agroecology · Archetype · Coca · Coffea arabica · Gender analysis · Livelihood · Production (economics) · Agriculture, Land Use, Rural Development · Global trade, sustainability, and social impact · Historical Studies in Central America

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