Valuation of pasabocas de coco from the pacific coast of the Cauca Department, Colombia

Abstract

The research had the objective of studying the cultural gastronomic heritage of Pasabocas de Coco (a kind of sweet coconut snack), a local product elaborated in the Pacific Coast of the Cauca Department, Colombia. The method consisted in the use of six research tools from the Localized Agrifood Systems (LAFS) approach. Consequently, it was possible to identify the origins and cultural significance of Pasabocas de Coco; the link between the product and the territory; the relationships that producers have established; the effects of geographic isolation on collective action; and alternatives for their rescue and valuation. As conclusion, the study identifies that applying the methodologies of oral history, genealogical method, and technological trajectory recognized the existence of historical and intangible factors that sustain the relevance of coconut snacks in the gastronomic heritage of these communities. However, applying the methodologies for product grading and chain analysis allowed to identify that although the coconut used for the elaboration of this product comes from the territory, the same does not happen with wheat flour and sugar; this dependency on raw materials from outside the Pacific Coast generates losses in the territorial anchoring of the product and, as consequence, in the real possibilities for a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). The negotiation for a Collective Brand remains as a possible option; however, it will be necessary to advance previously in a process of organizational strengthening, since the methodology of network analysis recognized a low articulation between producers.