EVALUATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ECO-INNOVATIONS IN SMALL-SCALE DAIRY SYSTEMS

Abstract

Background. Eco-innovation (EI) involves new goods and services that reduce negative environmental impacts. In small-scale dairy systems (SCDS) the adoption of innovations is low, this has been associated with the lack of extension services, so its evaluation is needed to improve the services. Objective. To identify and to evaluate the implementation process of four EI in SCDS. Methodology. The research was conducted in the Municipality of Aculco, State of Mexico. Twenty-one small-scale dairy farmers with a maximum herd size of 35 cows were selected. A questionnaire was applied to collect information about the concept of EI, time of use, diffusion and acquisition, changes for implementation, limitations and motivations, disuse and suggestions. The information was analyzed by frequencies and percentages. Four groups were formed according to the type of EI (bio-digester, solar heater, water collection, and solar cells), and the implementation process of each one was described. The evaluation of three technology phases (communication, transfer and adoption) and their stages was proposed using a five-point Likert scale for each EI. Differences between groups were analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis test (P<0.05). Results. None of the farmers knew the term eco-innovation, 67% found out about the EI implemented by acquaintances, 76% required financial support, 86% were motivated by economic savings, and 62% mentioned ignorance as the main limitation. The implementation process was different for all four EI, and there were significant differences in their dissemination, information, accessibility, training, appropriation, and recommendation. Implications. The evaluation proposal to implement EI can be applied to several technologies and contexts because it considers common stages, although each innovation has its own process. Conclusions. It is concluded that the knowledge of the EI implementation process and the perception of it allows to identify improvements for the adoption of useful innovations in the SCDS.

Keywords

• producción de leche
• sistemas familiares, transferencia tecnológica
• eco-tecnología.