Silvopastoral Systems and their Contribution to Improved Resource Use and Sustainable Development Goals: Evidence from Latin America

Background

Of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015, livestock can contribute to the majority of them. Specifically, silvopastoral systems, which integrate cattle intensification and natural processes, is often promoted to achieve the joint economic, social, and environmental focus of the SDGs. Using three established silvopastoral systems in Latin American (Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia) as case-studies, this paper applies an analytical framework in order to determine the systems productivity and the socio-economic benefits. 

Conclusions & Takeaways

The case-studies highlighted the immense benefits of silvopastoral systems. In the majority of farms the productivity significantly improve, animal welfare was improved, biodiversity increased, greenhouse gas emmissions decreased, and returns were higher than costs. The authors stress that these results support the push for silvopastoral systems and their ability to meet the UN's SDGs. The paper ends with a call for national governments to support the expansion of silvopastoral systems through policies that provide incentives and training.