Key Factors of Competitiveness and Sustainability in Livestock Systems of The Andean-Amazonian Piedmont

Abstract

The objective was to identify factors of competitiveness and sustainability in livestock systems of The Andean-Amazonian Piedmont. In a sample of 60 farms in the area, a survey aimed at producers was implemented to identify internal and external factors for competitiveness and sustainability. Data envelopment analysis was used to measure technical efficiency and an econometric model to identify the determinants of competitiveness and sustainability. The key factors towards competitiveness were the profitability of the cattle and the forest extension within the farms. The key factors towards sustainability were the reduction of environmental impacts of deforestation to increase carbon storage and the enhancement of ecosystem services. The increase of profitability and the establishment of sustainable systems of livestock production are the rallying points to improve competitiveness and sustainability in livestock of the Amazonian foothills

Transitioning to silvopastoral forestry. Testing the common drivers of farmer adoption in the Colombian Amazon

“…SPS can also be less detrimental to ecological health by supporting biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and water quality (Calle et al, 2013). From a socioeconomic perspective farmers can also bene t from secondary forest products, such as lumber, food, medicines, and marketable fruits (Ollinaho et al, 2021;Pardo Rozo et al, 2022). Moreover, livestock welfare bene ts have been found which limit livestock weight loss, sustain milk production during the dry season, increase fecundity, and lead to 28% higher milk production and 157% higher meat production than conventional systems (Zamora et al, 2001;Ibrahim et al, 2006;de Souza Filho et al, 2021;Notenbaert et al, 2021).…”