Desafíos y oportunidades en la implementación de prácticas ganaderas sostenible en la parroquia Ducur, cantón Cañar

Abstract

Abstract: The research project, titled "Challenges and Opportunities in the Implementation of Sustainable Livestock Practices in the Ducur Parish, Cañar Canton," analyzes the current state of local livestock farming with an emphasis on its sustainability. The objective was to identify challenges and opportunities from technical, social, economic, and environmental perspectives. A survey was administered to 90 livestock farmers using a quantitative approach and descriptive design. The results show that the majority are young men with varying levels of experience, engaged in small-scale dairy and beef cattle farming. Natural grazing predominates as the feeding method, although there is openness to sustainable practices such as pasture rotation, rational water use, and composting. The main limitations are a lack of government support, limited technical training, and economic constraints. Despite this, 90% of the producers expressed a willingness to receive training, and 92.2% recognize the benefits of sustainable livestock farming. It is concluded that, despite structural barriers, there are favorable social and productive conditions for moving towards greater progress.