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Exploring Current and Future Situation of Mediterranean Silvopastoral Systems: Case Study in Southern Spain
Author
Palomo-Campesino, S.
Ravera, F.
González, J.A.
García-Llorente, M.
Publisher
Society for Range Management
Publication Year
2018-09
Body

Extensive range-based livestock production has suffered a sharp decrease in Mediterranean Spain in recent decades due to two opposing trends in land use: progressive abandonment of practices in marginal rural areas and land use intensification in more productive areas. In this study, we explored the visions of key stakeholders on the current and future situation of silvopastoral systems in the Sierra Morena mountain range of southern Spain, where extensive livestock grazing is declining because of competition with other more profitable activities, such as intensive olive groves and game hunting. We performed a discourse analysis using Q methodology and evaluated the existing relationships of information exchange and conflict among local institutions such as farmer's associations, the provincial council, and conservation organizations using social network analysis. Semistructured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders representing local formal and nonformal institutions involved in extensive livestock production. Results showed three distinct discourses among stakeholders related to profitability, conservation, and modernization. There was a strong consensus on the management strategies that should be promoted to support extensive livestock production and preserve the associated silvopastoral systems. Social networks revealed high cohesion and communication exchange and a low level of conflict among stakeholders, with few exceptions. The low influence of livestock producers on policy decision making largely hinders the development of participatory management schemes. Nevertheless, similarities among the visions and opinions of different institutions suggest that new possibilities might emerge for silvopastoral systems through the collaboration among the different socioeconomic sectors present in the area.

Language
en
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Journal Issue/Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1016/j.rama.2017.12.013
Additional Information
Palomo-Campesino, S., Ravera, F., González, J. A., & García-Llorente, M. (2018). Exploring current and future situation of mediterranean silvopastoral systems: Case study in Southern Spain. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 71(5), 578-591.
ISSN
1550-7424
OAI Identifier
oai:repository.arizona.edu:10150/671036
Journal Volume
71
Journal Number
5
Journal Pages
578-591
Collection
Rangeland Ecology & Management (REM)
Journal Name
Rangeland Ecology & Management
Keywords
Andalusia
extensive livestock grazing
Mediterranean silvopastoral systems
social network analysis
stakeholder perceptions