Ecosystem Services Provided by Pastoral Husbandry: A Bibliometric Analysis

García

2023

Agronomy

Scientific studies on silvopastoral systems have led to permanent changes oriented toward better silvopasture practices, as well as to policy strategies to respond effectively to the global objectives of restoration and sustainable development. In this work, we performed a bibliometric analysis with the purpose of identifying changes associated with different silvopastoral systems. We applied Bibliometrix in R to analyze 5708 documents published between 1983 and 2022 by including the terms “silvopastoral” and “silvopasture”, among others. The results showed a longitudinal and exponential increase in silvopasture studies over the last 20 years. We adjusted the growth to an S-Curve function with an R2 of 96.06%. The interest of researchers regarding knowledge about silvopasture has evolved; initially, it focused on the characterization of silvopasture, whereas recently, it has focused on the search for strategies to improve the sustainable use of silvopasture, including ecosystem restoration and the implementation of better practices. The following countries stand out as those with the largest scientific production of studies on silvopasture: The United States, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina in the Americas; China and India in Asia; and Spain; and Germany, and the United Kingdom in Europe. In the case of Ecuador, cited leaders in silvopasture facilitated the construction of a group of experts who contribute to the development of public policies. The most cited publications appeared in journals published by the Springer group, Elsevier, and MDPI Journals, mostly in open-access systems. In the future, the disruptive contribution of open-access systems in the global dissemination of knowledge, breaking through the economic constraints of countries, universities, and researchers, should be evaluated.

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global Evolution of Research on Silvopastoral Systems through Bibliometric Analysis: Insights from Ecuador

García

2023

Agronomy

“…As a result, it fosters a balance between production and the maintenance of the ecosystem. Beyond marketable and tangible goods, this model of livestock production also yields other products, often referred to as positive externalities [2,3]. These generate numerous direct goods and services that are not yet fully recognized by society [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Hence, they constitute an essential element in the naturalization of Mediterranean woodlands [5,6]. In addition to producing food for human consumption, livestock grazing in these areas plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, carbon sink capacity, soil protection and water management, among other aspects [2,[4][5][6]. The adoption of a multifunctionality approach in these farming systems improves the use of natural resources, promoting sustainable practices that aim to balance production needs with environmental conservation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Their management practices can modulate the flow of services and act as mediators for the preservation and maintenance of provisioning services (such as food, feed and fiber), supporting services (including nutrient cycling and biodiversity conservation), regulating services (carbon sequestration, pollination and soil erosion control, among others) and cultural services (education, cultural heritage, tourism, etc.) [2,3]. The combination of these services, encompassing both private and public goods, is referred to as multifunctionality [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Identification of the Multifunctionality of Andalusian Autochthonous Pastoral Livestock Breeds at the Farm Level

Cruz Moriana,

Mancilla-Leytón,

Mena

et al. 2024

Agriculture

Self Cite

The multifunctionality of agricultural and livestock systems is a pivotal attribute that should be considered when formulating rural policies, as it serves as a significant source of income for those managing these systems in their respective areas. The objective of this work was to quantify the farm-level multifunctionality of extensive livestock systems with local meat breeds (cattle, sheep and goats) in Andalusia (southern Spain). The study focused on three autochthonous breeds located in southern Spain: (i) the Pajuna cattle breed; (ii) the Negra Serrana goat breed; and (iii) the Lojeña sheep breed. To assess multifunctionality in Andalusian systems, four aggregated function scores based on farm characteristics and activities were identified and evaluated: (i) production function; (ii) residence function; (iii) habitat and biodiversity function; and (iv) recreational, cultural and educational function. The farm data supporting these indicators were derived from personal interviews conducted with a total of 40 farmers. The total multifunctionality index was significantly higher for Lojeña sheep compared with Pajuna cattle and Negra Serrana goats. Across each breed, scores varied significantly for individual functions and indicators, highlighting the complexity and diversity inherent in each system. Based on the results obtained, a series of specific changes are deemed necessary to enhance the multifunctionality of the farms that specialize in the three breeds studied: (i) ensuring food self-sufficiency by promoting local opportunities; (ii) advocating for equal participation and active involvement of spouses in farm work; (iii) establishing optimal pasture management practices; (iv) fostering the development of activities related to livestock farming that contribute to ecotourism or rural tourism; (v) aligning local livestock farming practices with tasks related to forest fire prevention; and (vi) encouraging the participation of livestock farmers in training future practitioners and disseminating the role of livestock farming in society.

Livelihood Capitals and Opportunity Cost for Grazing Areas’ Restoration: A Sustainable Intensification Strategy in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Espinoza

et al. 2023

Animals

Land use change in pastures is considered one of the leading drivers of tropical deforestation in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region (EAR). To halt and reverse this process, it is necessary to understand, among other factors, the local livelihoods, income from grazing area and the appropriate options to foster sustainable production, incorporating the land-sparing and land-sharing approach. This work was conducted using 167 household surveys along an altitudinal gradient within the buffer and transition zone of the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve (SBR) in the EAR. The results of a comparative analysis of the main capital variables (human, social, natural, financial, and physical), and the opportunity cost of grazing area assessment provides the following key findings: (a) the concepts of land sparing and land sharing should be considered as complementary local strategies, including household livelihoods and the opportunity cost of the grazing area; (b) we should encourage markets with differentiated restoration rights, based on households engaged in low grazing areas’ opportunity costs, and making less impact on capitals’ livelihood a key element of economic and conservation initiatives; and (c) sectoral policy implications, including moderate intensification and technological improvements to strengthen the pastureland-sparing and -sharing approach, are discussed.