Perception of livestock farmers on ecosystem services provision in the livestock production activity, Esparza, Costa Rica

Abstract

In Esparza, Costa Rica, the perception of livestock producers on the importance of ecosystem services in livestock production was evaluated. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted, and a focus group workshop was held to gather information about the importance of ecosystem services for livestock production. It was found that farmers are knowledgeable about the importance of silvopastoral systems for the ecosystem services supply, such as the provision of food during the dry season, livestock shade, timber and fruit production, biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration. However, for the adoption of silvopastoral systems, farmers see two limitations: a) access to credit, which reduces the capacity to invest in good livestock practices on the farm; b) the low frequency of training and technical advice, which influenced the knowledge of the farmer, required to establish, and maintain good livestock practices. The producers are aware of the benefits, limitations and practices needed to improve local livestock production; however, they demand government support to improve the adoption of silvopastoral systems and good livestock practices to improve profitability and the provision of ecosystem services in the region.