HISTORY AND TECHNICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC CHARACTERIZATION OF CATTLE ON THE COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO

Abstract

Background: At the present, agricultural production systems need to produce more food, in the shortest possible time, and at the same time conserve natural resources. Among the initiatives that have been implemented, agrosilvopastoral systems are a viable strategy with regard to extensive livestock. Objective: We characterize the historical trajectory as well as technical and socioeconomic indicators of cattle raising using extensive and agrosilvopastoral practices in the municipality of Pijijiapan, Chiapas, Mexico.  Methodology: Information was obtained through in-depth interviews with key informants, documentary review, semi-structured interviews, and direct observation in 35 livestock production units (LPU). Qualitative information was organized chronologically and presented in a descriptive, narrative manner. Quantitative data were analyzed using a K-means cluster analysis according to a Livestock Agroecosystem Services Index (ISAGAN according to its Spanish initials) of the LPU. Information was examined using analysis of variance and a non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test in order to identify differences among clusters. Results: Three important stages were identified in the historical trajectory:  i) a colonial, pre-livestock raising period with little anthropic intervention, prior to 1900; ii) a period of productive development of livestock raising, from 1900 to 1955, and iii) a period of expansion of extensive livestock raising, beginning in 1955, with significant environmental impacts. More recently, agrosilvopastoral management has been presented as a sustainable alternative to extensive livestock raising. Implications: Livestock raising based on grazing is characterized by a tree gradient, a low level of technological development, low use of external inputs, and holistic diversified resource use.  Conclusion: Of 26 technical and socioeconomic indicators evaluated, technical advisory was the only one which varied (p< 0.05) among clusters; upon increasing the values of this indicator, ISAGAN also increased.