Authors : H. Gomez-Castro, F. Guevara-Hernandez , M.H. Hernandez-Lopez , J. Nahed-Toral , L. Rodriguez-Larramendi and R. Pinto-Ruiz
Abstract: The objective of this study was to analyze the perceptions of representatives of government agencies and educational institutions regarding problems related to cattle raising in the El Ocote Biosphere Reserve. Through a structural analysis, we identified and prioritized problems which due to their joint relevance, require immediate attention in order to elaborate inter-institutional plans of action which would contribute to the sustainability of cattle raising systems in natural protected areas. Problems in the zone of power (fairly uninfluenced by other problems but which highly influence other problems) were the following: lack of inter-institutional coordination with a motricity index of 10.7% and a dependence index of 3.31%, lack of public policies which promote environmentally friendly cattle raising with a motricity index of 9.09% and a dependence index of 7.74% and lack of organization among producers with a motricity index of 8.26% and a dependence index of 4.13%. A prioritization of the problems illustrates the importance of the institutions working together to seek solutions to those problems of greater motrocity in order to transcend currently prevalent force fields. Through collective action, the institutions should collectively propose actions and strategies to decision makers, legislators and other political actors in favor of sustainable cattle raising. Furthermore, there is a need for institutions to foment organization among producers and institutions in order to enhance the impact of projects. Meanwhile, institutions should transcend unilateral interests which often hinder efforts of representatives of institutions which work within the El Ocote Biosphere Reserve.
H. Gomez-Castro, F. Guevara-Hernandez , M.H. Hernandez-Lopez , J. Nahed-Toral , L. Rodriguez-Larramendi and R. Pinto-Ruiz , 2012. Analysis of Cattle Raising and Institutional Perspectives Regarding Collective Action in the El Ocote Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas, Mexico. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 831-840.