The regenerative and multifunctional livestock value network in La Antigua Basin, Veracruz, Mexico

Resumen

Objective: To identify and to characterize production units (PUs) and economic and non-economic stakeholders that belong in the regenerative and multifunctional livestock value network in La Antigua Basin, Veracruz.

Design/methodology/approach: Farmers with regenerative and multifunctional livestock production, who were selected by directed and snowball sampling, were interviewed with semi-structured interviews with key actors, and review of documental information was carried out.

Results: Producers who manage their livestock systems based on agroforestry, with water management were identified, both in harvesting, storage, caring for water springs and efficient use; and who, in addition, promote composting of organic residues and grassland management. Livestock feeding is carried out in grasslands with support of electric fencing. In general, the PUs present 20 years since their production began, with a size of 11 ha; decision makers are 57 years old, and education profile of undergraduate and graduate studies, 57% with agrarian sciences orientation; and they employ 4 people. The value network is characterized by non-economic actors, mainly those that complement, who promote regenerative and multifunctional livestock production through consultancy, training and financing of projects.

Limitations on study/implications: The need to promote a participative innovation agenda is identified.

Findings/Conclusions: In La Antigua Basin, various economic actors were found that apply regenerative and multifunctional livestock production as their productive system, where they have found strengths to maintain or recover their natural resources, and based on the characteristics of their products they recognize the market segments where they must be destined.