In many developing countries, livestock production is a major contributor to gross domestic product. And agroforestry practices that are mainly concerned with the management of trees, forage and livestock is known as Silvopasture.
In silvopasture systems, forage crops are deliberately introduced into a timber production system, or trees are deliberately introduced into a forage production system. The interactions among timber, forage, and livestock are thus managed intensively to simultaneously produce timber, a high quality forage resource and efficient livestock production. Overall, silvopasture can provide economic returns while creating a sustainable system with many environmental benefits. These systems range from traditional silvopastoralism to very high intensity cut and carry fodder systems.
TRADITIONAL GRAZING SYSTEMS
Peace Corps volunteers throughout Central America’s degraded uplands have seen the damaging effect that livestock can have on the land. However, livestock are an essential component of farming through out the Developing World, as they provide labor, fertilizer, transport, and food. Animals are also a major investment for families and have many social implications. Therefore, we should take a closer look at how animals can fit into programs that save and restore degraded lands.