Lectura

Benefits of shepherding in the Ecosystem

Shepherding is one of the most traditional professions in the world and, although today in developed countries it is a job in disuse, it employs more than 200 million people in more than 100 countries. In the face of the rise of intensive livestock farming and the ecological problems it entails, shepherding has become an incentive to improve the life of the planet and society, defending productivity, sustainability, and animal welfare.

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.

The changes in society and in our planet are undeniable and the adaptation of the agricultural sector is more than necessary. That is why knowledge and training in relation to sustainability in the agribusiness sector is essential for all agribusinesses. In our Master in International Agribusiness Management we have a module focused on the sustainability of the sector and the challenges and solutions that agribusinesses must face.
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