Caracterización técnico-socioeconómica de sistemas bovinos de doble propósito en el cantón El Empalme, Ecuador

Dual-purpose cattle farming is a strategic activity for food security and the rural economy in tropical regions; however, its sustainability remains constrained by technical, productive, and socioeconomic factors. The objective of this study was to characterize the technical and socioeconomic conditions of dual-purpose cattle production systems in the canton of El Empalme, Ecuador, and to identify the main factors influencing their development. A mixed-methods, descriptive, and cross-sectional approach was employed through structured surveys administered to 50 producers, complemented by semi-structured interviews, direct field observations, and documentary review. The results revealed the predominance of extensive production systems, low adoption of reproductive technologies, and limited implementation of practices aimed at sustainable intensification. In addition, constraints related to infrastructure, access to financing, and marketing were identified, while milk production was concentrated in small-scale farms with a strong dependence on self-financing and local markets. Female participation represented a significant component of the workforce in the evaluated production units. The findings suggest that limited technological adoption and weak integration into value chains are the main factors restricting the competitiveness and sustainability of these production systems. It is concluded that strengthening technical training, improving access to credit, and enhancing marketing channels are key strategies for promoting the sustainable development of the local livestock sector.