The rapid expansion of the agricultural frontier as a consequence of deforestation and anthropogenic changes worldwide is a matter of concern for the international scientific community. In addition, in the fight against climate change due to livestock farming, one of the main strategies for mitigating greenhouse gases is the use of sustainable alternatives if products with a high carbon footprint are used, while revaluing local resources. In the case of northern Ecuador, in spite of the limited soil fertility gradient, dairy and/or dual-purpose cattle raising represents one of the strongest links in the family economy. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate production alternatives that allow us to conserve natural resources given the fragility of these megadiverse ecosystems. This book shows that the use of conventional livestock systems degrades natural resources with significant losses in productivity, as well as low economic returns. Consequently, the implementation of silvopastoral systems as an easy-to-install technological alternative is undoubtedly the way to achieve more efficient and environmentally friendly livestock systems, while diversifying the economic income of the population.

This book is included in DOAB.