Agroecology and Grassland Intensification in the Caribbean

Abstract

Grasslands are a major ecosystem covering about a quarter of earth surface. Grasslands have essential functions including providing high quality food from animal products. Moreover grasslands generally do not compete with crop land and land for other human activities. Grasslands also support the livelihoods of many small holders, a variety of social and cultural services and an important role facing of economic or seasonal food shortages. At the same time, the intensifi cation of livestock production is essential to meet the growing demand for animal products, whereas the expansion of agricultural areas is not unlimited and that it’s necessary to promote positive interactions with grazing, the environment and biodiversity. Therefore grasslands represent a major alternative, and should be intensifi ed other than what had conventionally been done so far. The concepts of agroecology provide scientifi c, methodological and technological basis to design the intensifi cation of pastures. As a science, agroecology can integrate environmental, social and economic dimensions in the management of grassland systems. Considered practical, agroecology promotes traditional and indigenous knowledge and encourages appropriation by most of farmers. Here two case-studies from the Caribbean and involving different animal species show that there are potential strategies for agroecological management, and how they can be valued for sustainable intensifi cation of grasslands. The fi rst example concerns the mixed grazing goats with heifers, and was considered according to an approach of research bottom-up. The act of mixing goats with heifers has provided a higher performance by 40 % compared to goats reared alone. This gain is explained by a better feeding complementarity between the animal species, combined with a better resilience of goats against parasitism. The non-use of fertilizers and of anthelmin- tic, the role of heifers to limit theft of goats, are all assets, for a more agro- ecological management of natural pastures. It comes now how to transfer to breeders. The second case study concerns a widespread traditional practice locally, like in other tropical areas, which has been studied in experimental farms according to an approach of research top-down. It is the tethering practice, for which surveys have revealed a wide variety of technical itineraries. Some itineraries are particularly suited to satisfying performance by about 750 g per day at lower cost and with an equivalent gross margin, to more conventional systems. The use of race and local food resources in various contexts, including the slopes and close crop is possible with a limited investment and use of family labor. All these aspects make this practice agro-ecological and very contemporary, and can be supported by various innovations to sustainably intensify natural pastures. Keywords