The role of working equines to livelihoods in current day campesino hill-slope communities in central Mexico.

This research examines the role of working horses, mules, and donkeys in the farming strategies of smallholder farmers in the hilly regions of central Mexico. It suggests that these animals are used in diverse ways to support the livelihoods of these farm families, including carrying goods, providing draught power, and acting as tangible assets.

Objective and Methodology

• The primary goal of this research was to determine how working horses, mules, and donkeys contribute to the diverse livelihood strategies of smallholder farmers in central Mexico. The researchers were interested in how these animals are used, owned, and valued in these communities.
• The study used cluster analysis and descriptive statistics to analyze 31 variables related to the ownership and use of the animals. These variables were then compared to understand how the presence of these working animals affected the diversification of the farmers’ livelihoods.

Findings

• Based on the analysis, four distinct groups were identified. These groups were primarily defined by the age of the farmer and the number of family members that used the working animals.
• The study found that equines play a significant role in enabling the farmers to adapt to risky conditions or make the most of new opportunities without sacrificing key components of their farming systems.
• Notably, the large equines (mules) were found to be disappearing from these farming communities or being used in new ways, while smaller equines (donkeys) continue to adapt to the evolving conditions.

Conclusion

• The study concludes that there is an adaptation process taking place in these farming communities. Mules are becoming less common in highly diversified farms but continue to be kept in less diversified farms, indicating a shift in their role and function in farming systems.
• Despite these changes, the use of horses, mules, and donkeys for draught power in agricultural production and as pack animals remains a constant practice. This is alongside the continued presence of small livestock such as sheep and poultry, irrespective of the specific context of the farm.