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The main objective of this study was to assessment livestock units (UGs) with a development index of silvopastoral systems in Mezcalapa, Chiapas, Mexico. A questionnaire was applied to 23 producers. The characterization was carried out through the development index of silvopastoral systems (IDESSP), which was generated from the following indicators: area sown with ISPS, linear meters of live fences per hectare, and grassland area with scattered trees and shrubs per cow. The LUs were grouped into three clusters, based on the IDESSP: high, medium and low. The results of the IDESSP showed significant differences between the three clusters (P≤0.05). 100% of the LUs in the sample have grassland with scattered trees and shrubs and live fences. 100, 22 and 20% of the LUs with high, medium and low IDESSP, respectively, established pastures with fodder trees in low planting density alleys. The forage trees Gliricidia sepium and Erythrina sp are present in most of the silvopastoral modalities identified. The LUs with high IDESSP have the largest land area (P≤0.05), herd size and the highest economic income, derived from the sale of calves and milk. The grassland with scattered trees and shrubs (TSPS) is the type of land use with the largest extent in the study area. Among the ISPS, the pastures with fodder trees in low planting density alleys was the one with the largest planted area, and it was present in at least two livestock units in each of the IDESSP clusters. The study area is almost entirely covered by traditional silvopastoral modalities where endemic high-forage value tree species that can be integrated into improved silvopastoral modalities were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to identify perceptions of farmers from Mezcalapa, Chiapas regarding the influence of personal and sociocultural factors, as well as support from the government and academic institutions in adoption of silvopastoral systems (SPS). A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to 23 farmers, whose answers were verified in the field. An SPSS analysis showed three conglomerates with high, medium and low levels of the SPS development index (SPSDI). Differences (P<0.05) were found regarding area covered by SPS technician and for linear meters of living fence per hectare among the three levels of SPSDI. On average, 71 % of farmers believe they know somewhat or little regarding SPS. Eighty six (86) percent believe that younger generations are not interested in farming. Support from Technology Transfer and Validation Farmer Group advisors was satisfactory for 50 % of farmers but they indicated that such support has been temporary. One hundred percent, 74 % and 62 % of farmers with high, medium and low SPSDI, have received support from academic institutions. Eighty six % of farmers have insufficient income to purchase agricultural inputs. Farmer's receive $ 4.20 Mexican pesos per liter of milk and 67 % indicate that their income barely covers their needs. Interventions by intermediaries (middlemen) negatively affect 93 % of these farmers. Age, educational level, extra income, low levels of government support, and farmer's lack of knowledge have limited adoption of SPS; therefore complementary support from academic institutions has played a critical role for these farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]