Alternatives to the use of rejected bananas in organic production systems: The permaculture experience of Asoprochirijos, Ecuador

• Gustavo Martínez Valenzuela

  Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Ecuador.

  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0424-1632

• Christian Villavicencio Yanos

  Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Ecuador.

  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6516-3298

• Nelson Luna Suárez

  Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Ecuador.

  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8839-028X

• José Falconí Novillo

  Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Ecuador.

  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2623-115X

The principle of permaculture, promoted by the FAO through a holistic approach to organic agriculture, emphasizes the need to strengthen local crops and the harm caused by their substitution. Realizing these benefits requires developing market strategies to market surpluses and enable local farmers to generate an economy that transcends the low added value of domestic agriculture. The Asoprochirijos Association implemented a strategy to transform plantains (bananas, or bananas for frying) into flour, bars, and cookies, increasing profitability and reducing post-harvest losses. Basic drying, milling, and baking equipment were used, along with local inputs such as oats, seeds, and honey. Hygiene controls were based on good practice guides adapted to community conditions. The methodology combined theoretical and practical workshops, diagnostic surveys, and community validation using non-standardized hedonic tests. The results showed a direct positive impact on both 60 producers and 180 people in their surroundings. An improvement of more than 50% was observed, leading to the production of flours with a final moisture content of 8–10%, energy bars with 85% community acceptance, and nutritious cookies with good sensory acceptance. All this was achieved by redirecting the use of 25 tons of rejected bananas. The results were compared with permaculture and similar crops, revealing their enormous potential for transforming the agricultural model.

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