Grassland resource
assessment for
pastoral systems

FAO
PLANT
PRODUCTION
AND PROTECTION
PAPER

162

by
Peter S. Harris
FAO Consultant

Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations
Rome, 2000


Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgements

List of abbreviations

Executive summary

1.  INTRODUCTION

2.  GRAZING RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES

3.  DATA REQUIREMENTS

4.  GRAZING RESOURCE USE AND DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT

5.  MODELLING GRASSLAND AND LIVESTOCK RESOURCES FOR DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

6.  CASE STUDIES

7.  TOWARD MORE THOROUGH AND INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Bibliography of references cited and related reading

Appendix 1 - Glossary

Appendix 2 - Case study data

Appendix 3 - Examples of field sheets

Appendix 4 - Livestock nutrition standards


This publication deals with the study of extensive grazing lands, forage production systems and the assessment of grassland condition and productivity. This is a complex subject, but a very necessary one for the correct management of grazing lands and the design and execution of projects to improve sustainable extensive livestock production and enhance the living standards of traditional herders. Modelling is emphasized as a powerful tool for dealing with the complexities of the pastoral system. A computer-based model is described which has been designed specifically for use in pastoral development programmes. It can aid managerial, policy and development decisions, primarily by analysing land and forage resources for their productivity and livestock primarily by analysing land and forage resources for their productivity and livestock support capacity, taking system complexity into account.


The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The designations "developed" and "developing" economies are intended for statistical convenience and do not necessarily express a judgement about the stage reached by a particular country, country territory or area in the development process. The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

ISBN92-5-104537-2

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© FAO 2000