The impact of extensive sheep and goat farming on the socio-economic structure of the less-favored areas in the Mediterranean zone

The socio-economic structures related to the extensive sheep and goat farming in the Less-Favored Areas (LFAs) in the Mediterranean zone is widely discussed and analyzed to promote the development of economically, environmentally and socially sustainable production systems. Areas in Greece, Italy and Cyprus are studied as a model of LFA where small ruminant production consists one of the two major sectors of economy and is mainly based on the natural sources of the area. SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) is applied as a valuable adjunct to the experimental research for it helps to organize the information and analyze the representation of physical processes, so that predictions can be made. The survey is part of the research undertaken through the European Programme INTERREG IIIB “New technologies supporting the traditional and historical dairy in the Archimed Zone” with the acronym “T-cheese.Med”.