Characterization of the milk production chain in four provinces of Cuba. General aspects and context description (I.)

Abstract

The production chain approach constitutes a new working philosophy in the agri-food sector in Cuba, aimed at seeking a better horizontal integration among the actors of this sector of the national economy. The objective of this research was focused on characterizing the environmental aspects that slow down and/or favor the performance of all the links in the milk production chain, as well as the competitive advantages that enhance it among the main actors involved in the Cuban provinces of Mayabeque, Matanzas, Villa Clara, and Cienfuegos, within the framework of the international project “Vía Láctea”. The methodological tools used were based on the participatory approach, aimed at the analysis of the milk chain from a technical-normative, socio-cultural, economic-financial, and environmental point of view. It is concluded that the context of the dairy chain in Cuba is favorable for a better performance; however, there are threats that limit it.