From Empirical Knowledge to Managerial Education for Farms in La Chorrera, Panama

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify the managerial competencies required by Panamanian agricultural producers to improve production through efficient decision-making, within the framework of agricultural management education. The study was grounded in existing knowledge regarding managerial competencies in the agricultural sector, training models for rural producers, and the specific characteristics of the Panamanian context. Methodologically, a descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional study was conducted, involving a single measurement in 2026 across twelve economically active farms in the La Chorrera district, selected via non-probabilistic sampling. Data collection methods included direct observation, a questionnaire structured around the four classic dimensions of management, and an unstructured interview, all complemented by document analysis. The results indicate that management practices rely on empirical knowledge passed down through generations, characterized by an absence of mission and vision statements, organizational charts, basic financial tools, and systematic evaluation; however, relative strengths were identified regarding the managers' interpersonal skills. The study concludes that there is a direct relationship between the level of managerial development and production efficiency, and that management education is a necessary—though not sufficient—condition for achieving sustainable production improvements. This conclusion is based on a three-level approach implemented through a hybrid model combining field schools, university courses featuring project-based learning, and dual education involving peer learning communities.