Factors influencing farmer’s  decision-making and resilience : The case of banana production in  Amubri, Costa Rica

Abstract: The need for further research into farmer’s resilience and an enhanced communication between multinational enterprises and farmers of developing countries, led to the investigation of decision-making factors, in the context of sustainable agricultural development. Cause for this need is the current global spread of Tropical Race 4 attacking the worldwide grown Cavendish banana and the global call for action in implementing new banana cultivars resistant to this disease. Research was completed in the community of Amubri in Costa Rica with farmers belonging to the Bribri tribe. The main aims of the study were to investigate which factors influence the farmer’s in their choice of banana cultivar and how resilient the farmers were to disturbances like banana diseases. Results showed that the socio-personal factors, such as family tradition and economic factors, such as demand of the market, had a high relevance in farmer’s choice of bananas cultivar. It showed that farmers are torn between following traditional ways of farming and the increasing globalised characteristics of commercial agriculture, limiting them in several decisions. The transition towards an ever more commercialised farming system, which is slowly embedded in the global economy, brings along advantages and disadvantages in the context of community resilience. Whereas the economic capital is increasing, aspects like environmental capital might get less attention. It is suggested to keep a balance between different capitals in order to strengthen community resilience.