Caracterización social de pequeños y medianos sistemas productivos bovinos en el departamento norte de santander, colombia.

Background. Bovine farming in Norte de Santanderis an activity has traditionally developed, being animportant line of the departmental economy, growthhas been slow due to multiple factors, like the armedconflict in Catatumbo, negatively affecting theexpansion of rurality, making it necessary to knowsociodemographic aspects that allow expandingthe panorama of opportunities for the growth ofthe activity. Background, Objective. The objective ofthis research was to characterize small and mediumproductions in six subregions of the departmentfrom the social sphere and the characteristics of thephysical space of the productive systems. Methods.Structured surveys were applied to 210 producerslocated in the municipalities of El Zulia, Arboledas,Ocaña, El Tarra, Pamplona and Chinácota, taking intoaccount location, extension of land, developmentof agricultural activities, academic training, use ofqualified labor, among others, the data obtained wereanalyzed using descriptive statistics. Results. Livestockhas been developed for more than 15 years, less than50% of the producers have academic training in theagricultural area, regarding location, more than 50%of the farms are at distances less than or equal to10km from the urban area, 79.05% of the propertiesmanage extensions between 0.5 and 40 hectares withvariable topography. Conclusions. The systems handleminimum levels of technification; however, there is apotential for improvement with the implementationof qualified labor, environmentally friendly practices,the availability of basic services, and accessibility tolocal markets.