Exploring Current and Future Situation of Mediterranean Silvopastoral Systems: Case Study in Southern Spain |
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| Authors: | Sara Palomo-Campesino Federica Ravera José A González Marina García-Llorente |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Applied Research and Agricultural Extension, Madrid Institute for Rural, Agricultural and Food Research and Development (IMIDRA), Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona (N-II) KM. 38.200, 28802, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain;2. Social-Ecological Systems Laboratory, Department of Ecology, Autonomous University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;3. Chair in Agroecology and Food Systems, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Carrer de la Laura, 13, 08500 Vic, Spain;4. CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Catalonia, Spain;5. Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas (ICAAM), Universidade de Évora, Núcleo da Mitra, Apartado 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal |
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| Abstract: | 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. |
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| Keywords: | Andalusia extensive livestock grazing Mediterranean silvopastoral systems social network analysis stakeholder perceptions |
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