The Farmers Cooperative of Lenguazaque, Ubaté Valley and Surrounding Municipalities (Coopalac) and Their Impact on the Rural Development of the Municipality of Lenguazaque, Cundinamarca

Abstract

The population under study is made by the inhabitants of the municipality of Lenguazaque, members of the Farmers Cooperative of Lenguazaque, Ubaté Valley and surrounding municipalities (Coopalac). The work is based on the creation of an integral development model based on the identification of systemic components of associative, environmental and social order of the population. A methodological process of inductive-deductive order was carried out, in order to explore the situation of the population, compared to the components identified. The broad participation of women in the development of agricultural and livestock activities was established. Additionally, it was concluded that the rural community depends on environmental services for the development of their various activities. As for associative relationships, it was determined that the population is not yet sufficiently prepared to make decisions and to actively participate in the leadership of these processes. This causes administrative dependency and the exclusion of the region’s small landowners and farmers from the creation of associative companies in this sector.