Perceptions and Knowledge of Traditional Silvopastoral Systems in Campeche, Mexico, a Multispecies Approach

Abstract

Extensive livestock farming in Mexico has caused environmental damage due to the deforestation it brings. An alternative to this problem is traditional silvopastoral systems (SSPt, by its initials in Spanish), historically based on the local knowledge of livestock producers. Our objective was to analyze the knowledge and environmental perceptions of livestock farming with SSPt from a multispecies perspective as an approach to the multiple relationships influencing its management that translate into values perceived by producers. These values are attributable to nature (NV) and nature’s contribution to people (NCP) through different environmental services. We worked with 12 producers from the municipality of Tenabo, Campeche. We applied interviews, participant observation, and visits to SSPt and meetings attendance. The information generated was captured and organized into thematic axes for analysis through ATLAS.ti. The most relevant NV and NCP were water bodies, climatic characteristics, soil and tree diversity, animal welfare and interactions with other animal and plant species. We conclude that the producers’ decision-making is influenced by cattle ethology, affecting the production system functioning.