Social characterization of small and medium bovine productive systems in the department norte de santander, colombia.

Abstract

Background. Bovine farming in Norte de Santander
is an activity has traditionally developed, being an
important line of the departmental economy, growth
has been slow due to multiple factors, like the armed
conflict in Catatumbo, negatively affecting the
expansion of rurality, making it necessary to know
sociodemographic aspects that allow expanding
the panorama of opportunities for the growth of
the activity. Background, Objective. The objective of
this research was to characterize small and medium
productions in six subregions of the department
from the social sphere and the characteristics of the
physical space of the productive systems. Methods.
Structured surveys were applied to 210 producers
located in the municipalities of El Zulia, Arboledas,
Ocaña, El Tarra, Pamplona and Chinácota, taking into
account location, extension of land, development
of agricultural activities, academic training, use of
qualified labor, among others, the data obtained were
analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results. Livestock
has been developed for more than 15 years, less than
50% of the producers have academic training in the
agricultural area, regarding location, more than 50%
of the farms are at distances less than or equal to
10km from the urban area, 79.05% of the properties
manage extensions between 0.5 and 40 hectares with
variable topography. Conclusions. The systems handle
minimum levels of technification; however, there is a
potential for improvement with the implementation
of qualified labor, environmentally friendly practices,
the availability of basic services, and accessibility to
local markets.