Social network of producers of dehydrated products with solar thermal technology in Zacatecas, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: analyze the social networks and the trust that exists among the producers of dehydrated products with solar thermal technology in the agricultural strip of Zacatecas, in order to determine the organizational potential through prevailing levels of trust among the producers.

Design/methodology/approach: a survey was applied to 30 dehydrated producers who have received training and information on the use of the solar thermal plant, all belonging to the state of Zacatecas. Indicators were used for the analysis of social networks.

Results: the results confirmed the importance of direct and indirect links, of the total number of producers, eighteen of them had no relationship with any producer, however, the rest showed at least one interaction with another producer. The producers have notable characteristics and acceptable trust relationships.

Limitations on study/implications: the results apply to the selected sample; the thermosolar food dehydration technology is still unknown among the producers.

Findings/conclusions: trust relationships must be strengths and strategies must be created to disseminate knowledge in a timely and efficient manner with key stakeholders and strengthen their pre-existing interactions.