FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE DECISION-MAKING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF DUAL-PURPOSE LIVESTOCK IN THE DRY TROPICS

Abstract

Background. The farmer and his family member are the main actors in the decision-making process for production unit operation (PU), due to the extensive knowledge they have about the production strategies and dynamics. Objective. Analyze the main factors that intervene in the making and construction of decisions for PU operation in dry tropic conditions. Methodology. The information was obtained through a structured survey to farmers of 61 PU of dual-purpose livestock (DP). The PUs were stratified based on the number of Total Livestock Units (TLU): Stratum 1 = UP of ≥ 5 and ≤ 43 TLU (E1), Stratum 2 = PU of  ≥ 44 and ≤ 87 TLU (E2) and Stratum 3 = UP with more than 88 TLU (E3). The work consists of three sections: i. an analysis of the activity current situation (structural and socioeconomic), using descriptive statistics and budgets by activity; ii. an analysis of the PU structural changes from 2008-2013-2018 and, iii. an analysis using the Likert Scale of the farmers opinions and objectives on the activity. Results. PUs are characterized by the small families presence, with 58-year-old farmers (65% have primary and secondary education). The main income (81.44%) comes from livestock sale and although higher income is observed in large PUs, the unit margin per ha-1 and cow-1 is higher in small PUs. The participation of the family is fundamental in the decision-making process and the main objective of the farmer is the well-being of the family group, care of the environment in which they develop and maintaining the PU structure. Smaller PUs are dynamic and enthusiastic about structural changes. Implications. The work set the guidelines of the PU and identified the factors that intervene in the decision-making process, the viability, dynamics and permanence of livestock in the dry tropics. Conclusion. The family is essential to help for the farmer in the decision-making process. mainly in the health and nutrition of the herd, as well as in the sale and commercialization of products and, the maintenance of the structure of the PU and care of the environment in which they develop is the main objective. Keywords: cattle; dual purpose; dry tropics; family; decision making.