Small-Scale Dairy Farming in the Highlands of Central Mexico: Technical, Economic and Social Aspects and Their Impact on Poverty

Abstract

Small-scale dairy farming has been suggested as a rural development option for Mexican campesino communities. However, there is a lack of information on how dairy farming systems operate. The objective of this paper is to analyse the social, productive and economic characteristics of small-scale dairy production systems in the central highlands in the northwest of the State of Mexico. These three characteristics were analysed on 69 farms using factor and cluster analysis. Five factors accounted for 68% of cumulative variance. Cluster analysis yielded three well-defined groups. A Kruskal-Wallis test was performed on the arable land area and the number of animals, and analysis of variance for milk yield. Economic analysis was undertaken using activity budgets. Results showed the relationships between scale and management methods and their effects on the income for the family. Families in only one of the three groups receive incomes from dairying that were above all Mexican poverty indices. This outcome is explained by the intensification in the management of their herds, which is reflected in higher milk yields, higher incomes and better access to government support schemes. Enhancement of milk production in the area studied needs differential policies which take in to account differences between the groups identified.

Local feeding strategies and milk composition in small-scale dairy production systems during the rainy season in the highlands of Mexico

“…Results show that feeding represents 71% of total costs, similar to that reported by Álvarez-Fuentes et al (2004) and Espinoza-Ortega et al (2007). These small-scale dairy production systems are able to generate income equivalent to 3.45 the legal minimum wage for that area of Mexico in 2010 (CONASAMI 2011).…”

Involvement of small-scale dairy farms in an industrial supply chain: when production standards meet farm diversity

“…The problems found in Brazil with regard to animal reproduction and feeding are widespread on this type of farm (Espinoza-Ortega et al, 2007;Ferreira et al, 2007;Tillard et al, 2008). Although the interval between calving on farms practicing artificial insemination is longer than 415 days, indicating problems with fertility, it corresponds to the average results recorded in Brazil for livestock farmers of Gir-Holstein crossbreeds (Facó et al, 2005).…”

Factores que influyen en el uso de praderas cultivadas para producción de leche en pequeña escala en el altiplano central mexicano

“…Las tres primeras creencias están enfocadas al aspecto económico, lo que puede decir que la falta de recursos económicos puede ser la mayor limitante para el uso de praderas cultivadas. Así, los productores de leche en pequeña escala con restricción de recursos financieros se ven limitados para implementar nuevas innovaciones (17) . Por otro lado, se indica que para incrementar la intención de los productores para usar praderas cultivadas, las organizaciones gubernamentales deberían proporcionar asistencia técnica calificada, lo que permitiría ganar seguridad y conocimiento para el uso de la innovación (15) .…”