Production dynamics and employment in northern Caquetá: an analysis of the regional labor market

This research examines the productive dynamics that sustain the labor market in northern Caquetá,   a  region  dominated  by  primary  sector  economic  activities  where there is a considerable structural challenge of informal employment, low levels of modernization, and restricted access to infrastructure and financing. Addressing these gaps helps formulate policies to improve labor markets in these regions. The methodology followed a non-experimental, descriptive-correlational design with a quantitative approach that consisted of applying a semi-structured survey to 105 people in the municipalities of San Vicente del Caguán, Puerto Rico, El Doncello and El Paujil. Data analysis was carried out using frequency distribution and measures of variability through SPSS software. The results showed that poor infrastructure and low availability of financing were significant barriers. In addition, community-based associations and cooperatives are underdeveloped in several municipalities, which limits the organizational capacity of producers. For this reason, investment in infrastructure, technology for productive activities and the strengthening of community organization are critical to foster inclusiveness and sustainability in the labor market in the northern part of the Department of Caquetá. Finally, it was found that livestock, agriculture and commerce are the main productive activities in the northern part of the Department of Caquetá.