Demand for livestock extension dervices by dual-purpose cattle producers in Tortí, Panamá

Abstract

Agricultural extension constitutes an essential mechanism for strengthening productive capacities and promoting technological adoption in farming systems. In Panama, the coverage and quality of these services remain limited, constraining producers’ competitiveness. This study aimed to analyze farm management conditions and the demand for livestock extension services in the district of Torti, Eastern Panama. A non-experimental, descriptive, quantitative research design was employed. Data was collected through a cross-sectional survey conducted between October and December 2022. Twenty-three cattle producers belonging to a dual-purpose livestock cooperative were surveyed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with InfoStat (2020) software. Results indicated that 87% of producers do not maintain production records and more than 90% do not record the number of births neither the sex of calves, although 83% identify the animals individually. Only 35% apply feeding strategies during the dry season, based mainly on traditional fodder such as botón de oro [Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.)] and sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.). The demand for extension services is clear and priority-driven, focusing on animal nutrition, pregnancy diagnosis through palpation, forage management and conservation, and systematic record-keeping. Given the historically low technical assistance coverage in Panama, transitioning toward a participatory, territorial, capacity-building extension model grounded in real demand assessments is imperative.