These are the benefits of shepherding in the Ecosystem:
- Diversifies food production
Due to population growth and consumer demands, meeting the needs for milk and meat has led the food industry to abuse intensive livestock farming. The availability of natural resources is becoming increasingly scarce and intensive livestock farming is one of the main contributors to the climate crisis. That is why methods such as shepherding offer an opportunity to diversify food production and obtain affordable quality protein and nutrients to meet local demand and help reduce a country’s dependence on imports.
- Takes action against climate change
According to several studies, grazing lands have the potential to offset carbon levels by stimulating plant growth. In addition, grazing can be useful for using crop residues as feed and distributing animal manure as fertilizer.
- Promotes biodiversity conservation
Extensive shepherding contributes to the conservation of biodiversity, as it facilitates the dispersion of plant species through livestock excrement. In addition, there are a multitude of animal species whose existence is directly associated with sheep.
- Strengthens the labor force and provides employment opportunities
Boosting policies and investments for shepherding can generate significant economic and social benefits, as well as helping to end the depopulation of rural areas.
- Helps the growth and conservation of forest and grassland areas
As mentioned in another point, ruminants facilitate the dispersal of plant species and the germination of seeds. In addition, they also prevent the growth of weeds and other plants that can weaken the growth of trees and help prevent forest fires by removing dry biomass from forests.
