Technological transfer and economic resilience in small livestock farmers in los ríos, ecuador: silage of tropical forages and agricultural residues

Abstract

Livestock production in Los Ríos province faces structural vulnerability due to climate seasonality, dependence on extensive grazing, and forage scarcity during dry periods, factors that compromise the sustainability and economic resilience of small farmers. This study documents and evaluates the impact of a participatory technological transfer project focused on silage of tropical forages and agricultural residues, implemented between 2022 and 2024 across four cantons in the province. The methodology was based on Participatory Action Research (IAP), integrating 171 producers from eleven livestock associations through cycles of diagnosis, theoretical-practical training, technical validation, and continuous monitoring. Results show a technical adoption rate exceeding 92%, with 25-29% increases in feed availability during the dry season and a 28-32% reduction in external supplementation costs. The benefit-cost ratio ranged from 1:2.1 to 1:2.6, validating the model's economic viability. Additionally, stubble burning decreased by 65-71%, strengthening environmental sustainability, while women's (38-42%) and youth's (28-33%) participation promoted equity and generational renewal. It is concluded that contextualized and collaborative technological transfer is an effective strategy to strengthen economic resilience, food security, and sustainability of family livestock systems, requiring policies for accessible credit, shared mechanization, and digital traceability for scaling.