Perception of the community of Cermeño, Capira, on the polluting effects of livestock activity

Abstract

Livestock is a high-value and fast-growing agricultural subsector that accounts for between 15% and 80% of GDP in low- and middle-income countries, ensuring individual food security. Being an option for the use of natural resources, management attention must be paid to minimize its polluting effects, since it is estimated that much of the deterioration of the environment is the result of these practices. This situation was studied in the community of Cermeño, District of Capira, where livestock is a traditional economic activity that negatively impacts the environment with overgrazing, deforestation, and cross-contamination of water. To determine the perception of this community about the polluting effects of livestock activity, a qualitative research was conducted without emphasis on statistical associations or cause-effect relationships, but on the description of a social phenomenon. The research was non- experimental, applied, inductive and transactional during the year 2022, using documentary and survey techniques. From the population, estimated at 2,368 inhabitants, with 56 producers registered in the sector, a convenience sample was taken with non-probabilistic sampling of 35 participants, applying a mixed questionnaire with 29 items and 4 dimensions. The results showed that environmental practices are needed in the community, but that the population is willing to apply them, concluding that this geographic space has exciting potential to assimilate the construction of experiences that contribute to reducing the polluting effects of livestock activity in the country.