# Natural Savanna Systems Within the “One Health and One Welfare” Approach: Part 2—Sociodemographic and Institution Factors Impacting Relationships Between Farmers and Livestock

## TL;DR

This study explores how sociodemographic and institutional factors affect relationships between farmers and livestock in the savanna, highlighting the role of gender and generational changes.

## Contribution

The study introduces a mixed-methods approach to analyze human–animal relationships in the savanna, emphasizing gender and institutional dynamics.

## Key findings

- Cultural gender transitions and generational succession are transforming livestock farming practices.
- Institutional challenges like poor sanitation and infrastructure hinder improvements in animal welfare.
- Empowering women and youth offers opportunities for sustainable agricultural development.

## Abstract

Cattle management is a representative aspect of animal welfare. The aim of this study was to describe the sociodemographic, biogeographic, and institutional factors that influence the relationships between humans and animals in the natural savanna. A mixed-methods study (using qualitative and quantitative methods) was conducted on 65 commercial farms located in the department of Vichada. Changes were observed in women’s participation in livestock farming and in generational succession, which have fostered the adoption of animal welfare practices and production innovations. Barriers to change were identified, such as the invisible and undervalued contribution of women, institutional challenges (basic sanitation, security, infrastructure, and pre-slaughter logistics), and resistance to change. Opportunities for improvement included the empowerment of women and young people in rural areas, integrative methodologies, access roads and marketing channels, and responsible governance. There is a need to integrate social sciences and the humanities to better understand human–animal relationships and to promote more inclusive and sustainable agricultural policies.

The relationships between farmers and livestock are multifaceted. The aim of this study was to describe the sociodemographic, biogeographic, and institutional factors that influence the relationships between humans and animals in the natural savanna. Visits were made to 65 farms, followed by interviews (n = 13) and three focus group interviews (n = 24) directed at farmers and institutional representatives. The results were triangulated to extract the key findings. The following findings were obtained: (a) cultural gender transitions and the lack of generational succession have transformed livestock farming; (b) the relationships between farmers and livestock have favored the implementation of new productive practices and innovations, as well as improvements in animal welfare practices; (c) conditioning factors affecting these relationships include gender discriminatory norms, low profitability and credit access, poor sanitation, animal handling infrastructure, security, and resistance to change; and (d) improvement opportunities include the inclusion of young people and women in livestock farming, education for work practices, credit facilitation, access to technologies, governance, and improvement in the cattle logistics chain. The results are useful for enhancing the relationships between farmers and livestock, guiding training activities, and responsible governance.