Rangeland Degradation Research Articles

Livestock Banking as Innovative Response to Effects of Recurrent Drought in Pastoralist Communities: the case of Borana, Ethiopia

This article intends to introduce Livestock Banking as an innovative idea that aims at addressing problems pertinent to recurrent drought among the Borana pastoralists in Southern Ethiopia. Borana are pastoralists whose livelihood is dependent on cattle economy. However, pastoralism among the Borana have been under serious pressure from both manmade and natural factors. Some of these factors are recurrent drought and ever degradation of rangeland, the introduction and expansion of farming at the expense of pastoralism, inter-ethnic conflict, neighbours’ annexation over Borana rangeland, government induced development interventions with unforeseen negative effects. The idea of Livestock Banking is, thus, designed to build resilience of the communities against the effect of recurrent drought. This innovative idea is initiated based on the Resilient Africa Network (RAN) call for proposals. In the context of this innovative idea, Livestock Banking refers to a community oriented business organization that keeps, exchanges and produces livestock, invests in improving livestock productivity and marketability, loans live animals and gives it back with profit in cash or in kind when the depositor requests. The bank will also serve as local insurance agent against effects of the re-current drought based on climate forecast. It will participate in preserving best livestock breed and distribute to individual herders up on requests; participate in livestock feed and fodder production; provide veterinary services and trainings to produce professionals in livestock production; have animal product processing factories, invest in livestock fattening, sell quality animal products to international and national markets. Currently, the piloting project of this innovative idea is ongoing.

Soil erosion and properties as affected by fire and time after fire events in steep rangelands using 137Cs technique

Post-fire erosion is a main concern to society because it has inflicted serious damages in managed ecosystems. In this study, the impacts of fire and time after fire events on soil erosion (as predicted using 137Cs technique) and on some soil chemical and physical properties were investigated in steep rangelands of western Iran. Three sites in rangelands with similar slope gradients and parent materials were selected, and within each site, the burnt (1, 5, and 10 years after the fire events) and the unburnt treatments were studied and soil samples were collected from five depths (0–2.5, 2.5–5, 5–10, 10–20, and 20–40 cm) with three replicates. The results indicated that soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (Pava), available potassium (Kava), electrical conductivity (EC), and bulk density (BD) were significantly different between burnt and unburnt treatments for two times (1 and 5 years) after fire events. No significant difference by Duncan’s test was obtained for these properties between the 10 and 5 years after fire events. In addition, clay and sand contents and magnetic measures (χlf, χhf) were significantly different between burnt and unburnt treatments for all the three times after fire. The results of soil erosion by the 137Cs technique showed that profile distribution model (PDM) estimated the mean soil erosion rate of 38.9 and 23.02 Mg ha−1 year−1 in the three studied years in the burnt and the unburnt rangelands, respectively. Fire events increased soil erosion rate and altered soil physical, chemical, and magnetic properties in the studied steep rangelands. Overall, the results confirmed that the 137Cs technique could be used as a rapid and efficient model to determine soil degradation in the rangelands. The fire diminished soil organic matter and, subsequently, reduced aggregate stability, and increased soil erosion and degradation in the burnt rangelands. Hence, understanding historical contexts of fire occurrences is paramount to increase our capacity for ecological transformations and management in the face of the critical situation.

Features and Causes of Oromo and Somali Conflicts: The Case of Miesso District of Oromia and Mullu District of Somali Regional States, Ethiopia

This article aimed to investigate features and causes of the conflicts between Oromo and Somali Pastoral and agro-pastoral (PAP) groups in the study area. Hence, 160 PAP households were randomly selected to facilitate primary data collection by using household survey. Qualitative data were collected by using key informant interviewees (KIIs) and Focal group discussions (FGDs). Field observation, informal discussion and review of secondary data were also supported data collection process of the study. Descriptive research design; descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. The proportion of sample households composed of 49% Oromo and 51% Somali groups. The result of findings showed recurrent drought, rangeland degradation, conflicting land use between the contending groups, hostile relationships, enmity stereotype and incitement, instability due to increasing frequency and magnitude of violent conflicts, firearms and weapons proliferation and weak capacity of customary institutions were ranked as the main features of conflicts in the study area. High frequency of prevalence violent conflicts was seen in the past two decades (2000-2020) with increasing trends of conflicts, as 83% of households responded. The Scarcity of range resources, lack of property rights to communal grazing resource, weak capacity of customary institutions and government system to ensure rule of law were found the main causes that often prompt contending groups towards violent conflicts, significant differences, at p<0.01, 0.05 and 0.1, between the two groups. In the light of findings this paper concludes that the two PAP groups are significantly different in all factors that prompt contending groups to embark on conflicts due to their differences in socio-economic, cultural, political and resource-related factors.

Standardized Precipitation Index Valuation of Seasonal Transitions and Adaptation of Pastoralist to Climate Variability in Rangelands of the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon

The pastoral community in the Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon continues to face multi-faceted stresses related to climate and the environment. Previous studies have focused more on climate variability in relation to agriculture and water resources, with little or no insights into highland rangeland ecology. These shocks add to the common pool rangeland security issues with unsecure pastoral tenure, land grabbing, rangeland degradation, poor land use planning, dwindling range resources, amongst others. Rainfall data was collected from 13 stations covering the region to understand the climate trend. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was used to the recurrence of meteorological droughts, vis-à-vis transhumance. Results show discernable impacts of climate variability on the pastoral landscape especially related to prolonged dry seasons, pasture scarcity, poor land use practices notably seasonal bush fires, stocking densities and overgrazing. Indigenous knowledge identified pasture scarcity, weed invasion, poor range products, cattle mortality, degradation, land use conflicts, dwindling water resources as related effects. Due to these growing difficulties within the grazing landscape, pastoral communities have resorted to growing partnerships with development agencies to develop more resilience as a result of past challenges grappling with the nefarious effects of climate change. Cultivating improve pastures, fodder crops, developing water schemes and adjusting the grazing calendar are some adaptation measures. Technical and financial resources need to be transferred for risk mitigation and building capacities to reduce the vulnerability of pastoral communities for a sustained future.

GRASSLAND AGRICULTURE IN CHINA—A REVIEW

<List> <ListItem><ItemContent> • Grassland-based livestock production systems cover large areas in China. </ItemContent></ListItem> <ListItem><ItemContent> • China is facing degradation of rangeland and has great shortage of forage. </ItemContent></ListItem> <ListItem><ItemContent> • Five types of mixed crop-livestock systems in China described. </ItemContent></ListItem> <ListItem><ItemContent> • Improving crop–livestock integration requires S&T and policy supports. </ItemContent></ListItem></List> <fig><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="2095-7505-8-1-35/fase-20378-hfj-tu1.jpg"/><graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="2095-7505-8-1-35/FASE-20378-HFJ-tu1.tif"/></fig> Interactions between crops and livestock have been at the core of the evolution of many agricultural systems. In this paper, we review the development and characteristics of mixed crop-livestock systems, with a focus on grassland-based systems, as these cover large areas in China, and face several challenges. Following the transition from the original hunting and foraging systems to a sedentary lifestyle with integrated crop-livestock production systems some 8000 years ago, a range of different mixed systems have developed, depending on rainfall, solar radiation and temperature, culture and markets. We describe 5 main types of integrated systems, (1) livestock and rangeland, (2) livestock and grain production, (3) livestock and crop – grassland rotations, (4) livestock, crops and forest (silvo-pasture), and (5) livestock, crops and fish ponds. Next, two of these mixed systems are described in greater detail, i.e., the mountain-oasis-desert system and its modifications in arid and semi-arid regions, and the integrated crop-livestock production systems on the Loess Plateau. In general, crop-livestock interactions in integrated systems have significant positive effects on crop production, livestock production, energy use efficiency and economic profitability. We conclude that improved integration of crop-livestock production systems is one of the most important ways for achieving a more sustainable development of animal agriculture in China.

Examining the impact of rangeland condition on water conservation by using an integrated modelling approach

AbstractRangelands in the arid and semi‐arid regions of Iran are under pressure from frequent degradations and extreme climate conditions, which have affected water conservation and delivery of ecosystem services. The timely and efficient assessment of rangeland state/condition impact on water conservation is crucial in rangeland management. This work represents an integrated modelling approach by linking the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) models. SWAT simulated hydrologic components, while InVEST provided a decision support system for water conservation. The coupled SWAT–InVEST model was used to analyze the impact of different rangeland conditions on water conservation in the Atrak River basin in Iran's arid and semi‐arid climatic zones. Increasing runoff is proportional to rangeland degradation. Our analyses show a severe degradation of rangelands in Iran. We found that the basin's average runoff varies between 2 and 294.8 m3 ha‐1 yr‐1. Based on our modelling results, about 50% of the basin's runoff came from poor rangelands, 22% from moderate rangelands, and 28% from good rangelands. Thus, a significant impact on water conservation could be achieved through rangeland management in this basin. The SWAT–InVEST integrated modelling approach developed here proved useful for better decision‐making under uncertainty.

Changes in some vegetation properties of the rangelands of the Palandöken Mountains, Erzurum, over two decades

Plant community responses to environmental changes depend upon management strategies, climate, topography, and time. The objective herein was to determine canopy coverage and botanical changes in Turkish highland rangelands with different topographical characteristics between 1993 and 2013. Trends in the plant composition changed depending on the slope aspect (compass direction) and topography. The contribution of the grasses to the canopy decreased, while that of legumes and the other families increased. The results indicated that rangeland degradation occurred under uncontrolled grazing conditions. Suitable range management changes are recommended for the conservation of natural resources in the highland rangelands of Turkey.

Traditional Rangeland Resource Utilization Practices and Pastoralists’ Perceptions on Land degradation in Madda Walabu district, South-east Ethiopia

A study was conducted to examine rangeland resource utilization practices of pastoralists and rangeland degradation in Madda Walabu district, south- east Ethiopia. A single-visit survey method was used to gather data through a structured questioner (130 households), group discussions and direct observations. Free grazing of communal land (100%), use of enclosures (89%), division of herds based on species and class of animal (59%), migration (79%) and seasonal assessments of the condition of rangeland were the basic traditional rangeland management practices. About 91% of pastoralists indicated that the condition of their rangelands was poor. The most dominant use for woody plants was for construction (91%), followed by browse (68%) and medicinal purposes (25%). More than 86% of the respondents considered that their grazing lands now carried more bushes and shrubs than they did 30 years ago. Feed and water shortages and drought were identified as current challenges for pastoralists, with migration the main coping strategy, in spite of the hardships it entails. Rejuvenating the existing rangelands requires the development of a range- land management strategy involving pastoralists and other stakeholders, with all participants fully committed to a successful outcome. A reduction in livestock numbers must be an essential component of any future strategy. Keywords : Pastoral perception, Rangeland degradation, Resource utilization, South-east Ethiopia DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-21-03 Publication date: November 30 th 2020

Rehabilitation of degraded rangelands in Jordan: The effects of mechanized micro water harvesting on hill-slope scale soil water and vegetation dynamics

Overexploitation and climate change accelerate the degradation of Jordan's arid rangelands. Uncovered and crusted soils increase runoff and erosion and hinder the emergence of the native vegetation. Micro water harvesting combined with shrub-seedling plantation have been widely applied to reverse land degradation trends. However, consequential soil water and vegetation dynamics have been rarely assessed, which constrains further out-scaling of the rehabilitation practice to complex environments. In Jordan, an experiment was set up to study the linkages between local rainfall characteristics, soil moisture and the development of out-planted shrub-seedlings. Soil moisture was recorded at approximately weekly time-interval during the rainy and dry season 2017/2018 using a manually operated soil water sensor. Transect monitoring was pursued up and down the slope across four micro water harvesting pits and the interspaces. Data confirmed a significant soil moisture increase inside the pits - bridging intra-seasonal dry spells and soil water potentially deep-percolated into the karstic bedrock underneath. The study found that the out-planted shrubs' stem diameter and height predominantly increased during post rainy season, when the interspaces dried up while the pits continued providing moisture. The results are promising and contribute to integrated research towards halting land degradation and sustainable agro-pastoral development.

Current Challenges of Laws for Preservation of Forest and Rangeland, Iran

In some cases, law acts and regulations problems and shortcomings have been considered as a factor in the forests and rangelands grabbing in Iran. Therefore, it was necessary to analyze this problem in a scientific framework. These questions were raised which of the forest and rangeland related acts and regulations are in shortcoming and problem? And which acts and regulations of other sectors conflict with the protection of these resources? To answer these questions, a research study was conducted using the Delphi method, which is based on a survey of experts. According to the results of the research, the 19 acts and regulations on the illegal acquisition and grabbing of forests and rangelands have problems and shortcomings. "The Organization, Duties, and Selection of Islamic Councils of the Country and the Selection of Mayors" act of 1996 was recognized as the most problematic law act in the field of forest and rangeland conservation. Some reasons for the problems of acts and regulations were mentioned as the ignorance of natural resource offices in some of the lands allocations, disrupting the national status of the forest and rangeland, the non-deterioration of the penalties of some of the acts due to the low level of penalties, the unfair allocation of forest and rangeland for other landuses, the permission to the illegal constructions in the forests and rangelands, allowing national lands free allocation for government debt relief, and the establishing conditions that facilitate the allocation of forest and rangeland for other uses. As a result, if related laws were not properly approved, they would also cause degradation of forests and rangelands. A periodic review of the efficiency of forest and rangeland laws is recommended to preserve these resources at the national level.

Does Land-Use Policy Moderate Impacts of Climate Anomalies on LULC Change in Dry-Lands? An Empirical Enquiry into Drivers and Moderators of LULC Change in Southern Ethiopia

The study set out to understand drivers of Land-Use Land Cover (LULC) changes in dry-land areas and investigate factors helping mitigate the adverse impacts of climate anomalies on LULC changes. By employing a mixed-methods design, it combined LULC data with socioeconomic and climatic data, to analyze the pattern of LULC changes and its socioeconomic and climatic driving forces along with moderating factors. It was found that rangeland decreased by 764 km2 (13% of total area) between 1986 and 2015. The results from the Seemingly Unrelated time series regression models confirmed preliminary evidence that climate variability, as well as adaptive land-use policies lacking components of sustainability increase the likelihood of degradation and contraction of rangelands. We also found an indication from the qualitative data that a widening power gap between the customary and statutory governance system reinforces unsustainable land use by obscuring the values of the customary land governance system. However, those policies encompassing economic and natural resource development objectives abate adverse effects of climate variability on land degradation and shrinkage of rangelands. The results suggest that a land governance system with natural resource development objectives fitting to the local context could be an effective policy instrument to lessen the adverse effects of climate anomalies on LULC changes. Although this study focused on analyzing the LULC changes and its drivers in dry-land area, the findings may well have a bearing on the formulation and implementation of effective adaptation and sustainable land-use policies.

VARIATIONS OF VEGETATION NET PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY AND ITS RESPONSES TO CLIMATE CHANGE FROM 1982 TO 2015 IN MONGOLIA

Abstract. Climate warming in Mongolia is relatively high, with extreme dry climate, and low precipitation, the input of green vegetation on the ecosystem functioning is relatively high. The impacts of climate change are critically affected to desertification, biodiversity loses, decreases of water sources, land degradation of rangeland in Mongolia. In order to better adapt to such changing climate, it is important to understand the long terms vegetation dynamics and its relation with precipitation. In this study, the third-generation GIMMS NDVI data of NOAA satellites and CASA model with metrological data have been used to estimate NPP between 1982 and 2015 throughout Mongolia. Results show that during 34 years mean NPP seems to have decreased greatly from semi-arid in the North to desert in the South across natural zone in Mongolia. The average NPP value was averaged at 166.1 g C/m2 and ranged between 19 and 724.85 g C/m2 for the terrain land. 60% of total NPP was relating to annual precipitation about R2 = 0.78 (p = 0.000). Total amount of NPP between 1982 and 2015 was estimated to be 0.32 Pg C/year and 0.29 Pg C/year in 1982 and 2015, respectively, with an average amount of NPP was 0.32 Pg (1 Pg = 1015 g) for 34 years. These results indicate that during most of vegetation growing season, NPP decreased by 0.03 Pg С/year. Field measurement data of 2007, 2009, 2014 and 2015 were used for correlation with the NPP estimation. As a result, R2 = 0.742 (p &lt; 0.001) in 2007 for forest steppe, R2 = 0.74 (p &lt; 0.001) in 2009 for meadow steppe and grassy steppe, R2 = 0.73 (p &lt; 0.001) in 2014 for meadow steppe, R2 = 0.715 (p &lt; 0.001) in 2015 for a desert steppe, respectively. The results obtained in this study contributes to understanding productivity of pasturelands of semi-arid ecosystems of Mongolia and Central Asia. By providing insights on the relationship between pasture productivity and climate variables such as precipitation and temperature, this study could be useful for national and regional scale climate change adaptation strategies.

Expert understandings on rangeland ecosystem services and their sustainable management (Atrak River Basin, NE Iran)

Over the last three centuries, worldwide improper utilization of rangelands has led to degradation of ecosystem services. Rangelands, like other natural resources used by humans, are embedded in complex socio-ecological systems. To determine how to better manage this important resource, we developed a rangeland ecosystem services model using the Driver-Pressure-State-Impacts–Response (DPSIR) conceptual model. The model was tested in a river basin in north-east of Iran. We asked 56 experts and 42 local land users on their perceptions of rangeland changes, causes of change, and possible actions to mitigate impacts using Delphi method, workshops, and questionnaires. A Multi-Criteria Decision Making method was used to evaluate the perceived interactions among the components of the DPSIR framework. Climate change and rangeland degradation were the most important pressures, leading to a decline in rangeland production, decreased vegetation cover, and land-use change. Experts and locals argued that forage and herbal species production, erosion control, and flood control were the most affected ecosystem services. They suggested the use of resistant plants, local training, and rangeland rest to manage these problems. The DPSIR framework was useful in developing a comprehensive insight for local people and managers on the social and ecological complexity of rangelands and the potential responses for coping with pressures

Integrating Animal Husbandry With Crops and Trees

Per capita intake of animal protein is expected to increase globally through 2050, and the rate of increase will be more in emerging economies than that in developed countries. Global meat consumption between 1980 and 2050 is projected to increase from 133 million to 452 million tonnes, of which 86% (279 million tonnes) of the global increase will occur in developing countries. Animal-based agricultural systems occupy 45% of the global land area and contribute 18% of anthropogenic emissions. In addition to being a major source of nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs), livestock also use 8% of the global water withdrawal. The animal sector is dominated by resource-poor and small landholders of developing countries. Adverse effects of livestock on the environment are caused by the way animal husbandry is practiced, and animals are not integrated with other agricultural and forestry-based practices. Thus, improving and sustaining the livestock sector is critical to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, especially SDG #1 (No Poverty), SDG #2 (Zero Hunger), SDG #6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG #13 (Climate Action). Separation of the raising of livestock from that of the cultivation of seasonal crops and perennial trees has decoupled the biogeochemical/biogeophysical cycling of carbon (C), water (H2O), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S). This decoupling is a causative factor of the increase in emissions of N2O and CH4, eutrophication and contamination of water resources, degradation of rangelands, and decline in its biodiversity. Therefore, identification and a widespread adoption of integrated systems of livestock with that of crops and trees are critical to reduce the environmental footprint of animal-based dietary products. Incorporation of pastures/forages in the rotation cycle along with controlled grazing, called ley farming, and agroforestry, such as alley cropping, are examples of integrated farming systems. Other strategies of reducing the environmental footprint comprise the following: reducing enteric fermentation by precision feeding and matching dietary protein to animal need, processing CH4 and N2O emissions for other uses, and managing manure and other animal waste prudently. Other considerations include multiple GHG perspectives and SOC sequestration.

Current vegetation structure and composition of woody species in community‐derived categories of land degradation in a semiarid rangeland in Kunene region, Namibia

AbstractLand degradation has put the world's rangelands under intense pressure and reduced their capacity to provide vital services to those who solely depend on them for survival. With the current pressures on rangelands, worldwide, there is an urgent need to survey the present condition of rangelands. Such detailed surveys can identify where improvement programmes can be emphasised; whether it be reseeding, stock control, sociological restraints or other actions. To combat rangeland degradation, management systems are more effective when they account for community perceptions and practices. This study aims to assess the current status of woody plants in different categories of degradation as perceived by herders in Kunene, Namibia. Furthermore, we wished to compare the perception of degradation by herders with the measured ecological condition. With the help of herders, sites representing different categories of degradation (low, moderate, high and protected) were identified and 10 plots of 400m2 each were established in each category. Species diversity, density, basal area and regeneration of woody plants increased sequentially along the degradation gradient (high to low). Vegetation attributes such as species diversity, seedling density and standing basal area increased with increasing distances from the villages. Although the herders' perception of degradation, for high and moderate degradation, matches the ecological results, the low degradation sites show signs of bush encroachment, a type of degradation that the herders did not perceive as degradation. Colophospermum mopane, a known encroacher species across Namibia, was the dominant species in the moderate and low degradation sites. Pechuel‐loeschea leubnitziae, which is also known to be an indicator of degradation, was the dominant species in the high degradation sites. The findings highlight the present and future threats the study area is facing and form the basis for current restoration research.

Aridity exacerbates grazing‐induced rangeland degradation: A population approach for dominant grasses

Abstract The current human‐induced intensification of grazing pressure and the aridity increase as a result of climate change are unprecedented and have been identified as the main drivers that cause desertification in rangelands world‐wide. In these ecosystems, human well‐being mostly depends on plant species that provide forage for domestic herbivores. However, scarce evidence exists about the interaction between regional aridity level and human‐induced disturbances as determinants of forage plant populations' structure and dynamics. We studied the effects of domestic grazing intensification on the population structure of dominant native grasses, in three rangeland sites located across a regional aridity gradient: a semi‐desert (high‐aridity site), a shrub–grass steppe (intermediate‐aridity site) and a grass steppe (low‐aridity site). We also studied the effect of 2‐year grazing exclusion on the growth of defoliated plants of a key native forage grass species common to the three sites. Grazing decreased total grass density and increased the frequency of small plants in all sites, particularly for forage species. However, the size of the grazing intensification effect was the greatest in the high‐aridity site, where intensive grazing produced a ten‐fold reduction of grass density. Moreover, defoliated plants recovery (growth) was lower as aridity increased. Synthesis and applications. Our study provides evidence of a negative synergistic effect of grazing pressure and aridity that may lead to the collapse of grass populations. Long‐term grazing intensification degrades the population structure of grasses, particularly in high‐aridity sites, where the forage provision is substantially reduced. These results refute the hypothesis that plant traits of dominant species adapted to high aridity allow them to resist herbivory. Besides, high aridity delays plant recovery after defoliation (low resilience). The management of both grazing pressure and the length of grazing rest according to ecological‐site aridity are key aspects for maintaining the forage provision of rangelands. Monitoring plant populations' structure through time and space strengthens inferences about responses of forage species to ongoing changes in disturbance and stress regimes. This knowledge is complementary to regional and world‐wide monitoring endeavours based on land cover, and it contributes to the robust design of sustainable management of global rangelands.

A novel GIS-based ensemble technique for rangeland downward trend mapping as an ecological indicator change

Rangelands provide important ecosystem services worldwide. The present study was aimed to map rangeland degradation in a critical mountainous rangeland ecosystem of Iran. The study was carried out based on seven years intensive fieldwork and recording 1147 locations with downward trends in the quality of the rangelands. Twelve conditional factors and two important ensemble algorithms including Probability density-Index of entropy (PD-IOE) and Frequency ratio-Index of entropy (FR-IOE), were used to produce rangeland downward trend (RDT) susceptibility maps. The results of validation showed that PD-IOE hybrid model with area under curve (AUC = 0.901) and standard error (SE = 0.011) is more accurate than FR-IOE hybrid model (AUC = 0.881 and SE = 0.012). In addition, our results indicate that altitude, distance to river, and distance to road are the most important factors for rangeland degradation. In addition, the places with higher altitude and less distance to roads and rivers endured more degradation and these places have downward trends. Based on the achieved results, 2% and 10% of study area fall into the very high and high classes of downward trends, respectively. Overgrazing and early grazing are two main drivers for rangeland degradation in the study area, and the rangeland managers and decision makers should define and develop strategies to reduce pressure on rangelands and promote strategies to restore these important ecosystems.

Towards Regional Synergy: Reconciling Rangeland Ecological Functioning with Forage Production of Cultivated Pasture

Animal husbandry and crop farming are specialized for development in separate areas on the Tibetan Plateau. Such a pattern of isolation has led to current concerns of rangeland and farming system degradation due to intensive land use. The crop-livestock integration, however, has been proven to increase food and feed productivity thorough niche complementarity, and is thereby especially effective for promoting ecosystem resilience. Regional synergy has emerged as an integrated approach to reconcile rangeland livestock with forage crop production. It moves beyond the specialized sectors of animal husbandry and intensive agriculture to coordinate them through regional coupling. Therefore, crop-livestock integration (CLI) has been suggested as one of the effective solutions to forage deficit and livestock production in grazing systems. But it is imperative that CLI moves forward from the farm level to the regional scale, in order to secure regional synergism during agro-pastoral development. The national key R & D program, Technology and Demonstration of Recovery and Restoration of Degraded Alpine Ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau, aims to solve the problems of alpine grassland degradation by building up a grass-based animal husbandry technology system that includes synergizing forage production and ecological functioning, reconciling the relationship between ecology, forage production and animal husbandry, and achieving the win-win goals of curbing grassland degradation and changing the development mode of animal husbandry. It is imperative to call for regional synergy through integrating ecological functioning with ecosystem services, given the alarming threat of rangeland degradation on the Tibetan Plateau. The series of papers in this issue, together with those published previously, provide a collection of rangeland ecology and management studies in an effort to ensure the sustainable use and management of the alpine ecosystems.

Optimal management of cattle grazing in a seasonally dry tropical forest ecosystem under rainfall fluctuations

Climate change will likely trigger shifts in rainfall regimes that may intensify water scarcity in semi-arid regions. In the semi-arid region of Brazil, the seasonally dry ecosystem is the primary source of forage for livestock. Because the correct stocking rate of livestock (animals per area) is not well understood, overgrazing tends to advance rangeland degradation in this ecosystem. This implies that the region may become even more vulnerable under changing rainfall regimes, which in turn may exacerbate livestock and food insecurity. We developed a coupled soil water balance, vegetation, and cattle biomass model to illustrate the impacts of rainfall seasonality on the dynamics of vegetation and animal growth. The outcomes were simulated by considering different stocking rates and the timing of animal placement and removal from the rangeland. A more pronounced reduction in vegetation biomass was found in grazed vs. non-grazed paddocks. Under strongly seasonal rainfall patterns, the maximum animal weight gain decreases with average rainfall inter-arrival time and increases with total annual rainfall. Thus, a forecast of dry spells could benefit farmers in planning grazing management strategies. Our model can be used to test different management scenarios and give feedback for local herders, and to guide future experiments to reduce the time and cost of acquiring data.

Depicting decline: images and myths in environmental discourse analysis

ABSTRACT Visual representations remain under-studied in environmental discourse analysis. Drawing on Barthes’ notions of denotation, connotation and myth in visual communication, I provide three examples of images of landscape degradation, which are responsible for spawning degradation myths: cracked soil demonstrating desertification in the West African Sahel, fence-line contrasts showing degradation of communal rangelands in South Africa, and colour maps as evidence of overstocking in Sámi reindeer husbandry in Norway. In all three cases, degradation images are used to uphold a myth about pastoral mismanagement of the environment. The cases also reveal the use of images as powerful tools to ‘problematise’ pastoralism, whereas technical measures, such as implementing carrying capacities, are presented as solutions, despite scientific evidence questioning the idea of general overstocking. In addition, we see that connotative meanings of images have been pivotal in all the cases producing the myths on which policymakers have tended to base their decisions.