Valuation of the sustainability of the dairy cattle production system in high andean areas of Colombia

Abstract

The dairy cattle production system (SPGL) in the high areas of Colombia, located in the Ubaté and Chiquinquirá hydrographic basinaround the Fúquene lagoon, is considered one of the best areas to produce dairy products in the country. Many research andinvestment has been carried out in those areas to improve its competitiveness. Under this context, the objective of assessing the level ofsustainability of the SPGL was defined, from the supply and cultural ecosystem services (ES). The mixed approach methodologycollects primary information, validated with groups of experts that characterized the SPGL, and then assesses its sustainability. Thereliability and trustworthiness of the data are based on an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), which refines the variables and thenperforms a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) that exceeds the adjustment levels for this type of research. The results showsignificant direct causality of the SPGL sustainability level from the supply and cultural ES. Concluding, the dairy cattle production systems of the municipalities surrounding the Fúquene lagoon presents serious environmental, social, and productive problems, and only a holistic or novel approach such as the valuation of the in Supply and Cultural Ecosystem Services helps to resolve these problems.