Back to the projectMultipurpose Silvopastoral Systems as a sustainable strategy for the reconversion of family livestock in Peru and Colombia
A strategy to improve the productive systems of small livestock farmers in Colombia and Peru consisting of the establishment of Multipurpose Silvopastoral Systems (MPSS), training and Regional Innovation Platforms.
Context of the story
In the Colombian low tropics and the Peruvian Amazon there are small livestock families that dedicate themselves to extensive livestock farming as their main economic activity. This sector is considered to have low economic, environmental and social sustainability due to soil degradation processes, deforestation of forests for the establishment of crops and pastures and low zootechnical indices. Therefore, the need arises to apply strategies for the inclusion of native and introduced woody species in livestock systems, since their importance in feeding, comfort and ecosystem benefits that improve productivity indices is recognized.
Silvopastoral systems (SPS) have become a form of livestock production with a sustainability approach, since its implementation contributes with social, economic and environmental benefits.
The implemented initiative
The project presents a sustainable alternative to improve family livestock farming through the implementation of Multipurpose Silvopastoral Systems (SSPM) in Peru and Colombia. It is expected to contribute to the compatibility between bovine production and adaptation to climate variability through the integration of native woody species that provide various functions and uses in agroecosystems, the training of livestock farmers for the dissemination of results through the platform regional. The aim is to promote innovation and the generation of new knowledge about SSPMs, with the use of native species that improve adaptation and mitigation of climate change.
Successful MPSS establishment must be accompanied by a training and technology dissemination strategy that links producers in all stages of the process.
The technological solution
Multipurpose Silvopastoral Systems (MPSS) integrate three plant components (grasses, shrubs and trees) distributed across different strata within the livestock system. The planting density of woody species is between 1,000 and 2,000 plants per hectare, which adjusts to the economic needs of the farmer, reduces establishment and management costs, and facilitates the adoption and appropriation of the technology. Likewise, the process is accompanied by training strategies and publications on key aspects for the replication of the MPSS and the generation of a network of farms with silvopastoral systems for the linking of producers, technicians, academics, unions, and regional institutions.
"MPSS seek to make livestock activity more sustainable, increase productivity per unit area, reduce the impact on areas unsuitable for such activities, and provide a better environment for animal production."
Colombia
PeruType of project
Results
In Peru and Colombia, 45 cattle-raising families were selected, and SSPMs were established on their farms, covering 38.01 ha. A sample of the farms was selected for production monitoring. In Colombia, it was found that dual-purpose cows grazing SSPs increased daily milk production per animal by 21.1%, fat percentages increased from 3.4% to 3.8%, protein from 2.9% to 3.1%, and total solids from 11.8% to 12.5%. Forage supply increased between 16.3% and 22.7% per hectare, compared to pastures with only pasture. In Peru, systems comprising B. brizantha and L. leucocephala showed greater cover of desirable grass (80.7%), less weeds (1.4%), and greater availability of forage biomass, attributed to fallow periods and improved soil conditions. Eighteen training sessions were held, with a total of 405 in-person attendees and 3,747 virtual participants.
Relevant data
Participating Organizations
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Main donors
