Technical and infrastructure barriers to precision livestock farming in high-Andean dairy systems: a scoping review, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru

Lascano Rivera S.; Cortés Pozo J.; Basantes Quelal G.; Rivera L.; Lascano S. · Frontiers in Animal Science (2026) · DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2026.1815473

Resumen

Introduction – Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) integrates sensor networks, automation, and data analytics to support livestock management decisions. Despite its application in other contexts, PLF adoption in high-altitude Andean dairy systems in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru remains low. Methods – A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Sixty-eight documents published 2020–2025 from Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and regional grey literature were analyzed using a mixed framework combining quantitative synthesis of infrastructure indicators and qualitative thematic analysis of barriers, assessed via an ordinal severity rubric (1–5) with inter-rater reliability assessed using weighted Cohen's kappa. Results – A hierarchical taxonomy of nine barrier dimensions was developed: (i) connectivity, (ii) energy reliability, (iii) hardware robustness, (iv) logistics, (v) data governance, (vi) interoperability, (vii) technical support, (viii) financing constraints, and (ix) institutional framework. Country-level analyses revealed differentiated barrier configurations: logistical barriers dominate in Colombia, institutional barriers in Peru, and Ecuador exhibits a multidimensional high-severity profile. Discussion – Technology transfer alone is insufficient. Staged, context-specific intervention strategies addressing physical infrastructure, institutional capacity, and human capabilities alongside technical deployment are required. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos