Dynamics of agricultural area cultivated in Colombia, 1960-2010

Abstract

Colombian entrance in the global market as a result of the economic opening, has resulted in important changes of its economy, with effects on its agricultural structure; therefore, it becomes important to learn the performance dynamics of the cultivated area, which leads to establish policies for this sector development. In this sense, the purpose of this study was to analyze the dynamics of agricultural area cultivated in Colombia, in the term 1960-2010. FAOSTAT information was used; it was analyzed through a single-dimension exploratory descriptive analysis, comparative analyses through variance multi-varied technique, MANOV analysis of the main competences, and correlation analysis Spearman method. A reduction was found in the area destined to agriculture, with an increase in cattle breeding area. A highly meaningful difference (p<0.0001) was found in the cultivated area for the main crops. A highly meaningful difference (p<0.0001) was detected in cultivated area for evaluated crops. Cotton, corn and wheat have increased in the area used; opposite to cultivation of vegetables, fruit, potato, banana, beans, and sugar cane. The canon contrast led to detect a difference among the 90s regarding the 70s, and 80s, and the first decade of XXI C. Public policies implemented in Colombia have led the agricultural sector to a restructuring, and has increased the difference between agriculture destined to agroindustry and export, and peasant agriculture destined to domestic market.