Sustainability of Ecuadorian cocoa: a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines

Ecuadorian cocoa constitutes a strategic pillar of rural development and agricultural exports; however, its production expansion generates structural tensions between economic growth and sustainability. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the main approaches to sustainability within the Ecuadorian cocoa sector through a narrative systematic review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A structured process of search, selection, and narrative analysis of indexed scientific literature was carried out, integrating environmental, economic, and social dimensions within a complex socio-ecological systems framework specific to Ecuador. The findings reveal the coexistence of two production paradigms: a market-oriented economic logic focused on yield and international competitiveness, and a socio-community paradigm linked to differentiated quality, territorial identity, and the preservation of fine-flavor cocoa. This duality generates trade-offs among productivity, biodiversity conservation, rural income stability, and the strengthening of social capital. Furthermore, governance gaps, traceability challenges, and limited institutional coordination are identified as key constraints to achieving systemic sustainability. The review concludes that advancing toward a sustainable model requires the integration of public policies, market-based incentives, and community-driven strategies that reconcile export competitiveness with ecological conservation and social inclusion. Such an approach directly contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible production, climate action, decent work, and the reduction of inequalities.