CHARACTERIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS OF THE FAMILY AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AT PENIPE CANTON CHIMBORAZO, ECUADOR

Background: This study was conducted in the Penipe canton, Chimborazo province, Ecuador, Objetive: is characterizing and classifying local family agriculture production systems. Methodology: The researchers worked with a total of 1,055 families, from which they extracted sample (n=68) to conduct on geographical location, zoning, survey interview, included technical, socioeconomic, productive, environmental aspects farms quantitative qualitative standpoint. Results: express characteristics systems, allowing systems canton. conglomerated analysis using Ward's method 900-meter Euclidian distance divided into three groups. Implications: Several be improved were identified, limit development considered as sustainable evaluating productivity, reliability productive system, resilience, adaptability, equity, self-management by producers. Conclusions: Specialized Family Agriculture (SFA) made up 19 an average age 54 years, land ownership 1.57 hectares, additional labor hired at rate two days per week, monthly earnings $584 USD. Diversified (DFF), composed 34 53 6,99 ha, (95%) families contracting carry out agricultural activities, (8 daily wages/ campaign) $792 Subsistence (SFA), 15 48 0.54 this system distinguished fact that it does not hire majority its output devoted self-sufficiency $115 USD month.