SOCIAL INNOVATION AND HIGH-QUALITY COCOA PRODUCTION: A CASE STUDY OF THE "˜CACAU SUL BAHIA' NETWORK

This study aimed to analyze whether the formation of "˜Cacau Sul Bahia' Network promoted social innovation in southern Bahia, Brazil. Data were collected through participant observation, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews with 8 institutions 10 cocoa producers who are members Cacau Bahia Association (CSBA). Social network data analyzed using UCINET. The approaches innovation, territorial development networks basis for analyzes. results showed that promotes some aspects such as cooperation, governance, collective efforts trust building. Although main goal is improve quality beans add value local chocolate, its effects reach much farther. formation, creation leveraged cultural historical importance region, which has recently been granted geographical indication protection. Actors participating contribute Bahia. Personal professional ties between actors strong play an essential role success association. However, strengthening capital needed reinforce process more broadly. empirical research provides scientific technical contributions about high-quality production systems protection a developing country, showing dialogue, community can stimulate sustainable improvement disadvantaged rural areas.