Developing a measurement model for ‘good living’: a case of rural collective territories in Colombia’s Black communities

Buen vivir (good living) represents a holistic conception of well-being that transcends conventional Western metrics, which often rely on monetized poverty measurements. However, there is no structured model for assessing quality of life and livelihood satisfaction. This study employed a sequential mixed-methods design, beginning with the development of constructs through a qualitative literature review, followed by systematic data collection from 287 participants in the Alto and Medio Atrato communities of Chocó, Colombia. Data were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis within the SmartPLS software framework. The resulting model integrates latent and observable variables, underscoring the critical role of governance in the well-being of Afrodescendant communities. Furthermore, the study highlights the limited relevance of social justice due to inadequate access to essential services, such as healthcare, education, and housing. It also emphasizes the significance of individual fulfillment, as measured by indicators such as self-perceived happiness, beauty, and autonomy. While this research focuses on a single department in Colombia, its methodology is notable for integrating the lived experiences of Afrodescendant communities with theoretical frameworks of human well-being. Although few scholars have explored the relationship between governance and buen vivir, this study brings this connection to the forefront.