Impact of producer profiles on the sustainability of protected agriculture: analysis of the COMESA value network

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of producer profiles on the sustainability of production units in protected agriculture by using historical client data and the dynamics of COMESA's value network as a case study. Producers were segmented into three main groups: induced (subsidized), entrepreneurial, and intermediary service providers, evaluating how their specific characteristics influence the continuity and viability of their productive operations. The methodology included the analyses of the recurrence of transactions as an indicator of financial sustainability, complemented by social network analysis tools to map key interactions affecting their integration into the value network. The results show that entrepreneurial producers, with greater operational and financial capacity, lead in stability and significantly contribute to the success of their production units. In contrast, induced producers face structural challenges due to their dependence on subsidies and limited integration into value networks, which negatively affects their long-term sustainability. The study concludes that strengthening strategic connections between producers and key actors—such as financial institutions, trading companies, and technical advisors—is essential for enhancing the sustainability of production units, especially for the most vulnerable producers. Although the analysis is based on COMESA's records, the findings provide a replicable framework for designing strategies that promote technological adoption and sustainable development in the protected agriculture sector.