The diversity of farming systems and its relation to social inclusion determinants (gender, age, ethnic group, etc.) in Latin America CLCA case studies (Mixteca Alta-Mexico and Altiplano Sur-Bolivia)

Abstract

Within the project: Use of conservation agriculture in crop-livestock systems (CLCA) in the drylands for enhanced water use efficiency, soil fertility and productivity in NEN and LAC countries, considering social inclusion determinants, is an essential part of the multidisciplinary integrated process of research and intervention that seeks the sustainability of food production in the regions of Mixteca Alta (Mexico) and Altiplano Sur (Bolivia). Targeting alternatives and implementation of interventions at a larger scale, need to consider that farms assets, farm functions and household dynamics are heterogeneous, and that more than one characteristic of the farms would determine which interventions or alternatives suit best the farmers objectives. Among these heterogeneous characteristics considering social determinants is helpful. Having a map of the possible obstacles a farm might face towards accepting or practicing new technical alternatives, because of its social identity is crucial to enhance social inclusion. A common approach when facing farms heterogeneity, is to groups farms through typologies construction as we can combine multiple variables into a single multidimensional space and find meaningful associations.