Physical-productive characterization and typologies of diversified dairy systems in the highlands of Ecuador

Abstract

The objective of this work was to characterize and establish a typology of Cotopaxi cattle systems in the northern Sierra region of Ecuador. The data were collected through direct surveys of 212 farmers and reflect the main technical, economic and productive aspects of the farms. The typology was established using multivariate analytical techniques. Cluster analysis revealed four groupings. Group I, defined as Small Family Farms (GPF), Group II, as Family Farms Farms (GMF), Group III, as Technified Family Farms Farms (GMFT) and Group IV, as Very Small Family Farms (GMPF). An ANAVA was applied. The evaluation indicated important differences in the group farms, despite the fact that they are developed in the same agroclimatic environment, operate in the same markets and also have similar information. The result is a varied universe of situations with significant variations between medium and small systems. By scale and by reason of their areas dedicated to livestock and crops and their productive and efficiency results measured as income for each activity and level of expenditure.