Relationships between management intensity and structural and social variables in dairy and dual-purpose systems in Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to study the relationships between technological use and farm and farmer characteristics in dairy and dual-purpose farms in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Quantitative and qualitative data related to farm dimensions, land use, pasture, nutrition, reproduction and health management and farm household social characteristics, access to information and technical assistance were collected from 319 farms in the main dairy-producing regions of Santa Cruz. Data were analysed by multiple correspondence analysis in order to establish relationships amongst management intensity and variables related to farm structure, productive orientation and the farmers’ social conditions and information exposure to technical aspects. A cluster analysis was then carried out to identify groups of farms with similar characteristics within the sample population. The analyses demonstrated clear relationships between management intensity, the farms’ dimensions and the farmers’ social conditions and access to information. Results are discussed in respect to the importance of farm characterisation for defining target groups and delivering research outputs and extension policies more effectively