Characterization of productive dynamics and development opportunities in Cachipay, Cundinamarca

Abstract

This article analyzes the productive dynamics and development opportunities in Cachipay, Cundinamarca, through a territorial economic characterization based on a mixed- methods approach. The research combined quantitative and qualitative techniques, including 185 structured surveys administered to urban and rural productive units, complemented by semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders and a review of secondary sources. The findings reveal an economic structure predominantly composed of microenterprises and small family businesses, mainly concentrated in the commerce, agriculture, and service sectors. Although some progress has been made in commercial and tax formalization, important weaknesses remain in terms of associativity, infrastructure, connectivity, institutional support, and productive scaling. Likewise, the interviews show that much of the local entrepreneurship is closely linked to territorial rootedness, family- based economic practices, and the response to local market demands. In this context, strategic opportunities include strengthening agro-industry, rural and nature tourism, commercial digitalization, productive associativity, and the construction of a territorial brand. The study concludes that Cachipay has significant productive and socio-territorial capacities; however, its consolidation as a competitive territory requires stronger articulation among local actors, institutions, infrastructure, and innovation processes.