Agroecology applied to coconut agroecosystems en Baracoa, Guantanamo, Cuba

The work consisted of a retrospective review of the production of coconut nuts (Cocos nucifera L.) in Baracoa, the most productive locality of coconut palms in the country and the integral functioning of the agroecosystems dedicated to this crop. A historical analysis was made of the causes of the advances and setbacks that occurred in its annual productions and from the results of the review of written information and surveys carried out on a representative sample of actors, facilitators, decision-makers and people knowledgeable about the crop and the locality, the problems that currently limit the productivity of its Agroecosystems were briefly recorded. A participatory assessment of the current state of the plantations is made and some considerations are provided for their restoration. It concludes with a proposal that can contribute to visualizing the problems and actions to be carried out, to raise the quality of life of the population, the resilience of agroecosystems, productive diversification, and marketing of productions and the care of natural resources as a basis for environmental protection. It is suggested that a participatory research be carried out to strengthen the path to the prospective sustainable development of coconut trees in Cuba, under agroecological principles.