Resumen de Actividad ovina y diversificación de los modos de vida rurales en la alta montaña mexicana
Laura Ximena Estévez Moreno, Ernesto Sánchez Vera, Gabino Nava Bernal, F. J. Estrada, W. Demetrio
This paper is aimed to understand the role of livestock in the livelihoods of the inhabitants in the highlands of Mexico, using Sustainable Livelihoods approach as theoretical and analytical framework. The Ojo de Agua (Mun. Zinacantepec) ejido located on the slopes of Nevado de Toluca was used as a case study. Methods such as interviews with key actors, workshops and a questionnaire were undertaken together with sheep producers and their family members. Based on the triangulation of information gathered, the contribution of sheep to different capitals within households and their participation in livelihood strategies were analyzed. Preliminary results indicate that households in Ojo de Agua combine different income generating activities besides sheep production. These are other agricultural activities, agricultural employment, non-agricultural self-employment, non-agricultural employment, subsidies and grants. Sheep production is not always the main source of cash income of households but provide financial capital. Sheep are themselves a physical and natural assets and enhance either directly and indirectly the social and human capital growth. Finally, the study demonstrates the utility of the approach used to understand the multifunctionality of sheep within rural livelihoods.
