MELSpaceThe MELSpace digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material.http://repo.mel.cgiar.org:802024-03-24T20:14:01Z2024-03-24T20:14:01ZSilvopastoral restoration to enhance ecosystem services and increase farmers' incomehttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11766/691972024-03-20T16:49:14ZSilvopastoral restoration to enhance ecosystem services and increase farmers' income
Silvopastoral systems (SPS) are deemed as agroecological solutions that hold great potential to
reduce pressure on already degraded forest and rangeland resources while synergistically enhancing
livestock productivity and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Despite the vital role of SPS in improving the
livelihoods of rural people, they are subject to human and climate drivers that can result in reduced
productivity. This study aims to develop a sustainable SPS in Central Tunisia to alleviate the anthropogenic
effects of climate change through establishing a SPS, in which shrubs/trees are combined with persistent
pasture species and beekeeping activity. Native legume species such as sulla (Hedysarum coronarium),
shrubs species such as tree medick (Medicago arborea) and tree species such as carob (Ceratonia siliqua)
were used to improve soil quality, enhance carbon sequestration, income diversification and biodiversity
conservation. Results indicated a higher biomass production from sulla planted areas (5.3 t DM/ha) than
control pastures (1.2 t DM/ha). Similarly, a substantial improvement in total carbon (0.79% vs. 0.16%) in
topsoil (0-20 cm), organic matter (1.37% vs. 0.28%) and total nitrogen (1.39% vs. 0.78%) were recorded
through incorporating sulla in pastures. With 15 hives per ha in sulla plots combined with substantial
reduction in the cost of livestock feeding, a noticeable increase was reflected in the income of farmers in
the region. Therefore, diversification of the SPS using forage legume-pollinator is strongly recommended
for strengthening SPS and improving livelihood of the Mediterranean silvopastoral communities
Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica): A Versatile and Sustainable Crop for Food, Fuel, Fodder, and Fertilizerhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11766/691962024-03-18T20:09:12ZCactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica): A Versatile and Sustainable Crop for Food, Fuel, Fodder, and Fertilizer
The review was presented at the International Conference On Feeding the Future through Sustainable Eco-friendly Innovations in Rangeland, Forages, and Animal Sciences in Bangalore, India. This presentation explored the potential of Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a versatile and sustainable crop in arid and semi-arid regions. It highlighted its role in food production, biofuel generation, livestock feed, and soil improvement. The review emphasized cactus pear's adaptability to regions with limited water resources and its nutritional value. Challenges such as labor-intensive harvesting and post-harvest losses were noted, along with its potential for biofuel production and biofertilizer use. The abstract concluded that collaborative research was crucial to fully realize cactus pear's potential for sustainable agriculture in arid regions.
It is not the cow, it is the howhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11766/691952024-03-18T19:46:47ZIt is not the cow, it is the how
The research was presented at the International Conference on Feeding the Future through Sustainable Eco-friendly Innovations in Rangeland, Forages, and Animal Sciences in Bangalore, India: Worldwide, rangelands encompass over 50% of the Earth's land area. For millennia, pastoralism has served as an adaptive strategy on these lands, enabling pastoral communities to navigate fluctuating and unpredictable climates. This ancient practice remains the most effective approach to maintaining the equilibrium of rangeland ecosystems, benefiting both humanity and the natural world. The aim of this abstract is to highlight the benefits of opportunistic grazing.
The study identified primary challenges and provided a roadmap for restoring degraded silvopastoral systems in a semi-arid region. It explored a state-owned silvopastoral site in a semi-arid Tunisia region, highlighting challenges such as the lack of effective collaboration among departments and stakeholders and the detrimental effect of prolonged livestock exclusion on the ecosystem. Interventions involved erosion mitigation, afforestation with native species, and promoting multi-stakeholder engagement and supportive policies. The study underscores the importance of collaborative strategies in revitalizing degraded ecosystems.
A Roadmap for Sustainable Silvopastoral System Restorationhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11766/691942024-03-18T19:44:21ZA Roadmap for Sustainable Silvopastoral System Restoration
The research was presented in the International Conference on Feeding the Future through Sustainable Eco-friendly Innovations in Rangeland, Forages, and Animal Sciences in Bangalore, India. The study identified the primary challenges and provided a roadmap for restoring degraded silvopastoral systems in a semi-arid region. The study explored a state-owned silvopastoral site in a semi-arid Tunisia region, highlighting challenges such as the lack of effective collaboration among departments and stakeholders and the detrimental effect of prolonged livestock exclusion on the ecosystem. Interventions involved erosion mitigation, afforestation with native species, and promoting multi-stakeholder engagement and supportive policies. The study underscored the importance of collaborative strategies in revitalizing degraded ecosystems.