Organization and grouping as a key axis to design attention schemes for goat farmers in northern Mexico: Case study

The present study aimed to organize and group goat farmers with similar socioeconomic and technological profiles to design targeted attention schemes according to their needs. The study consisted of two phases: As for the first phase, the socioeconomic and productive profile of the producers were stratified and characterized. In the second phase, goat producers' perceptions were considered to carry out the main problems and limitations of the production system. The data were analyzed through Multiple Correspondence Analysis. As a result, five groups of producers were identified: G1 with the highest milk production d-1 (p=0.03), the highest number of hectares susceptible to cultivation, and with the hectares sown (p<0.0001); G2 with the highest educational level (p=0.0002); G3 compounded by elder people (p<0.0001), with a great number of children (p<0.0001), and without a difference in commercialization price; G4 compounded by elder people (p=0.0001) with inactivity time (p=0.0011), and, G5 with the highest number of children (p=0.0001), the highest flock size (p=0.03) with more hours dedicated to grazing (p=0.02). The analysis of Principal Components indicated, that, CP 1 and CP 2, presented the highest proportion of the variation (46.55%). Additionally, producers reported the main problems that limit their productivity. The stratification and grouping of goat farmers based on their similarities allowed defining critical points of attention, in such a way that strengthening policies towards these marginalized groups will easily fulfill their mission.