Situational study of livestock activity in the Ayapamba parish, Atahualpa Canton

Abstract

Livestock farming worldwide is a fundamental economic factor; Millions of people, especially in the rural sector, depend on this activity, which is why it is considered an economic and socio-cultural strategy, appropriate to promote the well-being of communities. This descriptive research with a quantitative approach aims at the situational diagnosis of the livestock activity in the "Ayapamba" parish; for which the bibliographic review, hermeneutic, analytical-synthetic, historical-logical and statistical methods were used, as well as the survey technique. As a result, we have that: 1) the vast majority of livestock producers have a primary education; 2) in addition to livestock, a small part of the producers is dedicated to agriculture; 3) the extensive system of livestock exploitation is practiced, although in certain haciendas the semi-stabled system is used; 4) they are small ranchers; 5) average between a unified basic salary (SBU) up to $600; 6) they produce meat, milk and dairy products and 7) generally do not keep adequate accounting records. It is concluded that the training of farmers on finances is necessary so that they learn to properly manage their economic resources, can access credits granted by private institutions and thus manage to technify their productions.