Abstract The growth of small-scale Peruvian farmers is highly dependent on cocoa factor productivity. Agricultural extension programs can help to improve farm productivity using available resources. Thus, the objective of this study is to estimate the productivity of Peruvian cocoa farming and identify if frequent technical assistance impacts on farmers’ technical efficiency. The data came from a survey of 379 cocoa farmers in Tocache, San Martin (177 producers who sell through intermediaries and 202 who are cooperative members), conducted between January and June 2015. This article is supported by the interaction of two associated techniques: the production function and the technical efficiency technique based on stochastic frontier analysis (SFA). The key findings were that the estimated coefficients for labor, capital, land and fertilizer were positive to cocoa production. Our outcomes also show there is a (marginally) significant relationship between technical assistance and technical efficiency (p-value<10%). There is also a positive relationship between efficiency and other socioeconomic characteristics of being a male, having experience in cocoa cultivation and practicing non-diversification in other crops. Policymakers could consider these results to improve farm management systems and, therefore, the competitiveness of the cocoa plantations in the Peruvian Amazonia.

Abstract: This study sought to discuss the governance structures adopted between livestock producers and their cooperative slaughterhouses in the chain of differentiated beef in the state of Paraná. The theoretical basis used was the Transaction Cost Economics and Measurement Costs Economics, complemented by the specificities of cooperatives. We conducted interviews with three key agents and eleven representatives of six cooperative slaughterhouses operating in this system. As result, we observed that the cooperatives have similar objectives and requirements, although there are differences in the levels of formality or flexibility. Although transactions are recurrent and have been successful, they involve a high asset specificity, depend on subjective measurements, and are still exposed to market uncertainties, which leaves room for the generation of conflicts and disincentives to quality. Despite this, the relational and reputational aspects associated with trust and partnership between the parties are elements that enable reduced transaction and measurement costs in these structures. At first, the measurements conducted by the cooperatives had an important role in the construction of trust between the parties and for value distribution. In a second moment, the trust built enabled the reduction of measurement costs.

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar como dirigentes e cooperados percebem os fatores que contribuem na construção de relações de lealdade com a cooperativa. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, com tipologia seccional. O meio de investigação utilizado foi pesquisa de campo por meio de um questionário aplicado a 12 dirigentes e 25 associados de cooperativas. A definição constitutiva que orientou a seleção das categorias de análise foi baseada em Oliver (1999). O estudo demonstrou que a deslealdade e o oportunismo estão presentes tanto nos dirigentes quanto nos cooperados, visto que a lealdade está condicionada à manutenção do status quo de cada um, relegando os valores cooperativistas de igualdade, coletividade e solidariedade a um segundo plano. Isso não é decorrente unicamente de um desvio comportamental dos associados, mas também é fruto das demandas que o ambiente institucional provoca nas organizações cooperativas que não conseguem responder adequadamente a tal contexto.<br>This paper aims to analyze how factors that contribute for loyalty relations in a cooperative are felt by managers and associates. Oliver (1999) was used as theoretical reference, and a questionnaire was applied to 12 managers and 25 associates. The study showed that disloyalty and opportunism are present both in managers and associates, considering that loyalty is linked to keep status quo of each one, relegating cooperativist values, such as equality, collectivity and solidarity. This is not a result atlributed exclusively to associates 'behavior, but also a consequence of demande that the institutional environment cause in cooperative organizations, which is unable to answer adequately to these context.

Abstract Farm succession is a process socially built from the preparation of the successor and the farm to meet a family business’ expectations. This study aimed to identify how social capital, absorptive capacity, and socioeconomic characteristics influence farm succession. The survey was conducted sampling 82 soybean and corn Brazilian farmers. The questionnaire measured socioeconomic characteristics, Absorptive Capacity (AC), and Social Capital (SC). To test the influence of AC, SC, and socioeconomic characteristics on farm succession, Spearman correlation coefficient (rs) was performed. Results showed that the absorptive capacity can influence farm succession through acquisition, assimilation, use, and transformation of external knowledge into decision making, supporting the definition of successors. Results also suggested that social capital plays an important role to form relationship networks, stimulating discussions, and supporting the designation of successors. The socioeconomic characteristics ‘percentage of family income from the farm, participation in courses and lectures, and being a cooperatives member’ also presented a significant positive correlation with farm succession. Issues related to the capacity to absorb external knowledge, social and symbolic capital and generational transference can be fundamental in the continuity of the family farming business.