Abstract

VERTIZ, Patricio. The role of pluriactivity in the persistence of the dairy family farming in the Cuenca Abasto Sur of Buenos Aires. Trab. soc. [online]. 2016, n.27, pp.475-499. ISSN 1514-6871.

Over the last decades the dairy production of Argentina evidences great modifications, related to strong processes of technological change and concentration of the production, leading to a restructuring of the dairy complex with a negative impact over the minor strata of production. In this regard, one of the strategies persistence of small units has historically been the pluriactivity, which involves the combination of farming and non-farming activities, inside and outside the farms. The aim of this work is to identify the diversity of types of pluriactivity and its importance over the persistence of the dairy family farming in Chascomús and Lezama (province of Buenos Aires). We also aim to specify which types of pluriactivity are predominant, the reasons that lead producers to implement this strategy and the functions it performs, establishing connections with other works related as well. The methodology of investigation consists of the analysis of semi-structured interviews to key informants and dairy farmers, combining with the revision of agricultural censuses, scientific research and technical reports about the dairy production in general and about the area of study in particular. The results of this work show the presence of the following forms of pluriactivity: the manufacture of dairy products, the work outside the farms and marketing, being the first two types the most predominant. Generally, they include mostly agricultural occupations which belong to the most traditional type. Regarding the role played by pluriactivity, it seems that the combination of activities is associated with functions of persistence or reproduction either than accumulation of capital. The conclusion arises that due to the low production scales of the establishments analyzed, and to the low production rates in some cases, it is likely that these units could not avoid the combination of these activities to persist in their production.

Keywords : Pampean family farming; Pluriactivity; Strategies of persistence; Dairy production.

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