Research Articles Advancing sustainable livestock practices through ecosystem services valuation
As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, the need for sustainable livestock practices has never been more urgent. In response to this, a multi-disciplinary team of international researchers from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) have developed an integral framework for evaluating ecosystem services in livestock farming, aiming to promote practices that balance environmental, economic, and social objectives.
Ecosystem services in livestock farming
Livestock farming is responsible for generating a range of ecosystem services that contribute not only to food security but also to the resilience of the environment. These services include food and feed production, carbon sequestration, soil fertility enhancement, microclimatic regulation, and biodiversity conservation. Livestock systems, when managed sustainably, support healthy ecosystems that provide benefits far beyond just agricultural output.
However, the environmental impact of intensive livestock farming cannot be ignored. Overgrazing, land degradation, excessive water consumption, and methane emissions are just a few of the challenges that arise from unsustainable practices. To mitigate these impacts, it is essential to adopt farming systems that enhance ecosystem services while reducing negative environmental footprints. This is where the CGIAR Ecosystem Services Advisory Group, part of the CGIAR Initiative Livestock & Climate (L&C) and the CGIAR Science Programs Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) and Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF), has made a significant contribution by proposing a comprehensive methodology to assess and optimize these services in livestock systems of the global tropics and subtropics.
A holistic approach: The integral valuation strategy
The integral valuation strategy represents a holistic approach to understanding and managing the full range of ecosystem services in livestock farming. By combining ecological, economic, and social dimensions, the strategy provides a comprehensive view of how livestock farming impacts—and can be aligned with—the environment. This framework not only allows for an assessment of trade-offs but also identifies potential synergies between livestock production and environmental conservation.
One of the key benefits of adopting this approach is its ability to highlight the economic potential of sustainable practices. For example, carbon sequestration through silvo-pastoral systems—where trees are integrated with pastureland—has been shown to significantly enhance carbon storage in both trees and soil. At the same time, methane emissions reduction through dietary improvements can lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions, improving the overall environmental footprint of livestock systems. In addition, practices that improve soil fertility and enhance microclimatic regulation (such as providing shade for animals) lead to healthier ecosystems and more resilient livestock systems.
The value of ecosystem services is not just theoretical. In many cases, these services can lead to tangible financial benefits for farmers. For example, silvo-pastoral systems not only reduce the need for chemical fertilizers by improving soil quality but also increase farm productivity by creating better conditions for livestock. This type of integrated farming system offers a win-win solution: it boosts economic returns for farmers while simultaneously protecting the environment.
Case studies: Latin America and Africa
To demonstrate the practical application of the integral valuation framework, field studies have been conducted in Colombia, Kenya, and Tunisia, showcasing the real-world impact of sustainable livestock practices.
In Colombia, for example, research on silvo-pastoral systems has shown that integrating trees with pastures provides multiple benefits: it reduces methane emissions, improves microclimatic conditions (which increases productivity), and enhances carbon sequestration. These systems have been shown to increase the profitability of beef production while simultaneously improving the environmental sustainability of farming practices. The results indicate that incorporating trees into grazing systems can reduce methane emissions by approximately 0.63 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilogram of live weight gain, significantly contributing to climate change mitigation.
Cow grazing surrounded by trees in Caquetá, Colombia. Credits: Anny Yedra / CIAT
In Kenya, we are conducting research to assess the environmental, economic, and social impacts of implementing improved pastures in dairy farming. This research underscores the critical role of pasture management in reducing the carbon footprint of milk production. By integrating improved pasture systems with better grazing practices, farmers have achieved higher milk yields while simultaneously lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Previous economic evaluations in Colombia indicate that these sustainable interventions not only mitigate the environmental impact of dairy farming but also enhance the financial viability of smallholder farms, increasing their resilience to climate change. A social valuation study conducted with 46 Kenyan dairy farmers further explored their knowledge, perceptions, and willingness to adopt climate change mitigation strategies. The findings reveal that while farmers possess strong awareness and concern about climate change, their ability to take action is limited by resource constraints and insufficient preparedness. Among the most favored mitigation strategies were forage cultivation using Urochloa hybrids and improved herd management practices, whereas manure management was less appealing. The study highlights the pressing need for capacity-building initiatives, such as training programs and financial support, to empower farmers in effectively implementing climate change mitigation strategies.
Brachiaria ready for harvesting in Homa-bay County, Kenya. Credits: R. Jumah / ILRI
Tunisia with its Mediterranean silvo-pastoral systems, is another example where sustainable livestock practices are improving ecosystem resilience. Studies have shown that adopting innovative land-use management practices, such as introducing native forage species and improving grazing systems, helps restore soil health, enhance vegetation cover, and increase livestock productivity. Moreover, these practices support the ecosystem’s ability to provide services like water regulation and carbon storage, contributing to both environmental and socio-economic sustainability.
Moving forward: Scaling up and refining methodologies
As the livestock sector faces mounting pressures from climate change and resource depletion, the need for sustainable interventions has never been more urgent. The integral valuation strategy offers a clear pathway for assessing and implementing these interventions on a global scale. Building on the success of current case studies, the research team, as part of the CGIAR Science Programs on Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) and Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF), plans to expand the scope of their efforts, refining their methodologies and scaling up their work across Latin America, Africa, and beyond.
In the coming years, the focus will be on expanding research on additional ecosystem services, such as water use reduction and biodiversity conservation. Further refining valuation methods will help integrate the full range of ecosystem services into livestock farming practices, supporting policies and interventions that promote long-term sustainability. Engaging stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, and environmental organizations, will be crucial in scaling up these practices and ensuring their widespread adoption.
This approach is not just about reducing the negative impact of livestock farming; it’s about transforming the sector into a driver of environmental sustainability. By integrating ecosystem services into farming practices, livestock production can become a key component of climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management.
Conclusion: A sustainable future for livestock farming
The work conducted by the CGIAR Ecosystem Services Advisory Group marks a crucial step towards sustainable livestock farming that supports both the environment and the people who depend on it. Through the adoption of the integral valuation framework, livestock farming can evolve into a system that not only feeds the world but also safeguards its future. By balancing environmental sustainability with economic productivity, livestock farming can become a powerful tool in combating climate change, protecting ecosystems, and fostering resilient agricultural systems worldwide.
As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the need for sustainable, regenerative practices in agriculture becomes ever more urgent. Our work provides a roadmap for transforming livestock farming into a key player in the global effort to create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system.
Acknowledgements
This work was carried out as part of the CGIAR Initiative Livestock & Climate (L&C) and the CGIAR Science Programs Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) and Sustainable Animal & Aquatic Foods (SAAF). We thank all donors who globally support our work through their contributions to the CGIAR System. The views expressed in this document may not be taken as the official views of these organizations.
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