Social Network Analysis (SNA) for the Characterization of Peasant Organizations in Cómbita, Colombia

Social Network Analysis (SNA) in peasant organizations in Cómbita, Colombia, examines how relationships between different actors influence organizational dynamics and the circulation of knowledge. Using a mixed approach, four peasant organizations were characterized through interviews and SNA using UCINET 6.0, KeyPlayer 2.0, and NetDraw 2.192 software to identify key actors, information flows, and structural indicators. The results show that the source actors tend to be external, especially entities such as SENA, input suppliers, and technical advisors, while producers play the main role as disseminators and coordinators within each organization. The indicators of density, average degree, geodesic distance, diameter, components, and centralization show variability among the networks: Tierra de Quesos and Acuadinámica show greater cohesion and internal communication. In contrast, El Olivo shows greater connection and decentralization. However, all networks show levels of fragmentation and dependence on certain strategic actors, which increases their organizational vulnerability. The results suggest that strengthening internal ties and diversifying coordinating actors could improve the adaptive capacity of these peasant organizations; establishing the effect of these strategies on organizational sustainability will require longitudinal evidence linking network structure to concrete sustainability outcomes.