Socio-environmental effects of livestock intensification in high altitude ecosystems (paramos) of southwestern Tungurahua

Abstract:

The objective of this work was to identify the main socio-environmental effects of livestock intensification in the southwestern paramo ecosystem of the province of Tungurahua, which extends from 3000 meters above sea level, in the context of the transformation of the Agricultural Production Units (UPAS). The communities of San Luis de Chibuleo and Atillo, located in the cantons of Ambato and Mocha, respectively, were selected based on two criteria: 1) that they are communities located near the moorlands and 2) that their main production is livestock. Given that the communities do not have a database on cattle ranchers, a non-probabilistic sampling was applied and 49 and 28 interviews were conducted, respectively. In addition, 12 soil samples taken between 20 and 30 cm depth were analyzed: six in the community of San Luis de Chibuleo and six in Atillo. In each community, three soil samples were taken from soils where potatoes were grown and three from soils cultivated with pasture. The results indicate that on average the families have 5 cattle units per family. Livestock intensification also had favorable effects such as increased fertility in pasture soils (12.67% OM and 75.67 ppm of nitrogen), milk supply for family consumption (2 l/day), generation of permanent income for the family (between 307 to 504 USD/month). And adverse effects such as pressure on the paramo ecosystem due to animal grazing; reduction of the area of agricultural crops (potatoes) and greater food dependence on other agricultural products. However, agriculture has a greater negative impact on soils and the environment due to the high use of pesticides. In this scenario, the presence of communities in these territories generates anthropic effects. On the other hand, the local population is obliged to use these resources for the reproduction of their livelihood systems. The results suggest incorporating agroecological practices and balancing the components: livestock, agriculture and forestry in the agricultural productive units of this type of communities that, faced with the need for economic resources, have no other alternative but to use the resources of the environment.

Año de publicación:

2022

Keywords:

• pasture
• Livestock
• Climate Change
• Paramos

Fuente:

scopus