%0 Journal Article
%T The Potential of Small-Scale Agro-Industry as a Sustainable Livelihood Strategy in a Caribbean Archipelago Province of Colombia
%A Magda M. Masquita Mckeller
%A Richard C. Smardon
%J Journal of Sustainable Development
%D 2012
%I 
%R 10.5539/jsd.v5n3p16
%X San Andr¨¦s, Providence, and Santa Catalina were declared a biosphere reserve in the year 2000; as an effort to protect biodiversity and to promote sustainable development. This declaration entails the development of sustainable economic activities that ensure environmental conservation and the community¡¯s wellbeing. Surveys and interviews were used to determine the characteristics of small-scale agro-industry and the perceptions about its sustainability as a livelihood strategy for the Archipelago. The study concludes that agro-industry, as it is currently practiced in the Archipelago, is not sustainable in the long-term. However, it has potential to become a sustainable livelihood strategy. This study calls for efforts to strengthen agriculture and protect local agro-industry production, aiming for a steady supply of raw materials for agro-industry and an assurance of local markets for the products. Further studies on adapting and coping strategies and the contributions that modern technology might offer to artisanal agro-industry are suggested.
%U http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/jsd/article/view/14121