Mobile Grazing Sub-systems
on Communal Areas in Arid Zones - LGA

Enviromental constraints in arid zone result in the need to maintain herds mobility. Given this very extensive structure, there is virtually no potential for range management other than under communal land ownership systems.

Density of human population is very low. Rainfed agriculture is very uncommon in these zones and not successfull each year, or only in the lowlands collecting drainage water. The main livestock production system is nomadism, present in western and central Africa (Sahel, from Mauritania to Sudan), in eastern and southern Africa (Somalia, Botswana, Namibia, Erythrea, Ethiopia, Kenya), North Africa and Arabic peninsula, in India (Western Rajastan) and South America (Peru). Animal ranching exists in arid zones of North America (Mexico) and in Australia*. The animals raised are mainly camels, sheeps, cattle and a few goats.

Even in these very extensive regions, the increase of monetary needs, the development of crops in lowlands and the consequences of aridification generated by climate change and increasing human pressure are cause of a general reduction of pastoral areas and disorganization of transhumances. The consequences are concentration of herds, loss of mobility, competition for resources and an increase of different types of conflicts.

But, in spite of these difficulties, the pastoral societies have shown their ability to survive and to adapt to the evolutions of their environment. It is now recognised that the pastoral societies and the mobility are the best defenses against desertification.

The main environmental impacts of livestock in arid areas are the degradation of the vegetation, leading to an increase of wind erosion and sand mobilization, producing an artificial aridification. We also observe an alteration of the wildlife habitats. These issues may be emphazised by the cultivation encroachment.

The ranches in arid zones are susceptible to overgrazing and mismanagement, particularly uncontrolled fires. In some places, they are threatened by undesirable plant invasion (mainly exotic), specially woody species.

Proceed to the Matrix of Risks, Opportunities and Underlying Causes

* Ranching in arid zones, which is uncommon, is included in this category.

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