Abstract

VARGAS-DE LA MORA, Alma L.. Livestock Production in Buffering Zones in Chiapas, Mexico: Analysis of Community Capitals. agric. soc. desarro [online]. 2018, vol.15, n.4, pp.565-583. ISSN 1870-5472.

In Chiapas there are 44 natural protected areas (NPA), which suffer constant pressure from the change of land use to agriculture and livestock systems that are related to negative impacts in the NPAs. This document analyzed the influence of livestock production on buffering zones. Thirty-two producers were selected in 3 communities. Information was gathered with semi-structured interviews and participative workshops. The information was analyzed with a modified SWOT analysis comparing the livestock activity with the approach of community capitals. The study evidenced that around 2007 the institutional influence on the expansion and management of agricultural and livestock activities promoted negative impacts on the environment. Because of this, the institutional objectives were focused on the development of sustainable practices. During the institutional accompaniment, training was carried out with different groups of producers; as a result, local organization and the implementation of agriculture and livestock technology (forest shepherding) were fostered. Livestock activity in the three communities has different degrees of development; however, in general they coincide in the unfriendly management of the environment. However, institutional intervention has influenced changes in the productive system, directed at implementing more sustainable practices. It is considered that participative and inclusive processes would promote a productive re-culturalization directed at the integral sustainability of the territory.

Keywords : natural protected areas; environmental degradation; livestock resilience; forest shepherding.

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