Holistic sustainability in cattle ranching: A tri-dimensional framework for social, economic, and environmental resilience

Abstract

Sustainability is a multidisciplinary concept that integrates social, economic, and environmental dimensions. To assess sustainability in production systems, this study employed a multidimensional approach, using indicators that reflect these three dimensions. The research focused on understanding the current dynamics of livestock farming by surveying 120 livestock farmers who provided prior consent. Indicators were quantified using a weighted scale, where values close to 10 represented the most desirable conditions, and values near 0 indicated the least desirable. The findings revealed key insights across the three dimensions. Social dimension: The age of the farmer emerged as a significant factor, with agricultural training playing a secondary role. Economic dimension: Annual yield and economic dependency on livestock farming were identified as critical factors y, Environmental dimension: Farm specialization, water availability, and soil erosion were highlighted as essential indicators for sustainable development. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between these indicators. More experienced producers tended to rely more heavily on livestock farming for their income, achieving higher yields but often at the cost of intensive land use. These results underscore the need for balanced actions to promote sustainability, such as reducing social inequalities, diversifying animal production, supporting ongoing training for farmers, improving water management practices. In conclusion, achieving sustainability in livestock farming requires a holistic approach that balances social, economic, and environmental factors. Addressing these areas can enhance both the sustainability of production systems and the quality of life for livestock farmers.