A Strategy for Scaling-Up Intensive Silvopastoral Systems in Colombia

Background

In Latin America cattle ranching is extensive and is often cultural, yet the dominant practice usually involves low denisty ranching in bare environments. These systems have emerged largely due to policies that politically and economicaly encourage the practice. Conducted in Colombia, this study explores the role of an alternative practice, intensive silvopastoral systems (ISPS) in landscape-scale restoration and addresses the barriers that would prevent a practice shift and the scaling-up of ISPS in Colombia. 

Conclusions & Takeaways

The study reviews SPS and highlights the necessary steps for scaling-up, including pilot-farms and large-scale projects. In general, the authors argue that the scaling up of ISPS can achieve increased productivity and profitability of the farming system and enhance the generation of environmental goods and services, thus there is a strong need to pursue mainstreaming and expansion of this alternative cattle ranching practice.