Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
TABLE 4.2
Characteristics of Key Grazing Systems Suited across a Range of Agroecoregions
Climate
System
Arid
Semiarid
Subhumid and Humid
Temperate and Tropical Highland
Mobile systems on
communal grassland
Nomadic, pastoral
societies; camels,
sheep, cattle, goats
Transhumance, communal
properties, and cropland;
cattle, small ruminants
Transhumance, semi-
transhumance; may be limited
by insect-borne disease (tse-tse
fly, ticks)
Cold temperature limits feed availability; may
rely on forage conservation or transhumance
Sedentary systems on
communal grassland
n/a
Sedentary livestock farmers;
feed sources may include
browsing, crop residue, and
weeds; diverse activities to
secure livelihood; mixed
livestock species
Sedentary on native pastures;
evolves to mixed farming; may
include absentee owners with
hired herders
May involve transhumance; evolves from
sedentarization; fragmented pasture land
Ranching and
grassland farming
n/a
Extensive grazing on native
plants; private land
ownership; cattle and sheep
May involve fencing, pasture
improvement, and silviculture;
in some regions, deforestation
driven by ranching or grass
farming expansion
Extensive ranching or livestock farming;
requires winter feed source; may involve
seasonal transhumance or movement of
livestock
Source:
Livestock Production Systems Classification, FAO Livestock and Environment Toolbox (http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/programmes/en/lead/toolbox/index.htm).
