Dairy farms and small farmers in the Carchi (humid Andes of northern Ecuador): productive dynamics and comparison of the technical and economic results

Abstract

Through assessment and comparison of the economic and social efficiency levels of the various production systems, regarding both the production methods defined as agro-business (dairy farms in Carchi) and family or small farmer type, it can be demonstrated that even with little or no access to land or to markets, the productive potential of small family farms is greater. This study offers to Ecuadorian professionals and researchers who work in the agricultural sector some key elements for the analysis of the typical agronomic, social and economic aspects of the various dairy production systems in the Ecuadorian Andes. This work also contributes to the entire debate around the development model that should be fostered in Ecuador, considering that the future of the different farming methods will depend to some extent on the political decisions made regarding price fixing, markets control and in general on the development model to be selected. The integrative analysis approach makes it possible to emphasize that the agricultural practices of producers are closely linked to their socio-economic status, and in particular to the circumstances of access to the means of production, as well as to the production and exchange relationships in which they are Involved