Grasslands of the World
Grasslands of the World

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 548

ISBN-13: 9789251053379

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This book brings together information on the contrasting characteristics, condition, present use and problems of the world's main natural grasslands. Since grassland is commercialized through the grazing animal, particular attention is paid to the livestock production systems associated with each main type. Grazing resources are more than simply edible herbage: many other factors have to be taken into account, notably water in all areas, and shelter in winter-cold climates. Seasonality of forage supply is a characteristic of almost all grazing lands, so the strategies for dealing with lean seasons are described. The main problems of each type are mentioned and possible strategies for their sustainable management discussed - taking into account their multiple functions, not only livestock production. The book is primarily aimed at agricultural scientists, educationalists, extensionists and decision-makers with interests in responsible use of extensive grasslands.

Sustainable land management in rangeland and grasslands
Sustainable land management in rangeland and grasslands

Author: Onyango, V., Masumbuko, B., Somda, J., Nianogo, A., Davies, J.

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2022-08-08

Total Pages: 54

ISBN-13: 925136592X

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This participatory grassland and rangeland assessment (PRAGA) methodology was developed for the assessment of rangelands and grasslands in selected project countries. It was developed through the project 'Participatory assessment of land degradation and sustainable land management in grassland and pastoral systems', financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and executed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The methodology was piloted in five countries – Burkina Faso, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Niger and Uruguay – to test its effectiveness and value. Necessary revisions were made to the methodology, based on lessons learned from its application. This report documents the good practices of rangeland management as a way to inform decisions on rangeland management; and raise awareness about the importance of locally identified management practices. It highlights the fact that these rangeland management practices do not necessarily align with practices as defined by scientists/ecologists. The target audience of this working paper includes decision-makers, land managers, other land users, and scientists.

Participatory rangeland and grassland assessment (PRAGA) methodology
Participatory rangeland and grassland assessment (PRAGA) methodology

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2022-09-08

Total Pages: 146

ISBN-13: 9251365822

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This participatory grassland and rangeland assessment (PRAGA) methodology was developed for the assessment of rangelands and grasslands in selected project countries. It was developed through the project “Participatory assessment of land degradation and sustainable land management in grassland and pastoral systems”, financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and executed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The methodology was piloted in five countries – Burkina Faso, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Niger and Uruguay – to test its effectiveness and value. Necessary revisions were made to the methodology, based on lessons learned from its application. This document contains background information on global grasslands and rangelands and describes the need and the guiding principle for rangeland health assessments and practical guidance on how to conduct cost-effective assessment. It is divided into two parts: Part I: Background information on grasslands and rangelands Part II: Guidance for the preparation, assessment and monitoring of grasslands and rangelands at the local level The methodology has been designed with enough flexibility to adapted to specific contexts and countries along the nine steps laid out in the document.

Quality Declared Seed System
Quality Declared Seed System

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13: 9789251055106

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The quality declared seed system, as set out in the FAO Plant Production and Production Paper No. 117 (1993, ISBN 9251032785) has been widely used, particularly by those working in the field of emergency seed supply and as a source of practical information on seed standards for a range of crop species. The system provided an alternative for seed quality assurance, which was less demanding than full seed quality control systems. This publication sets out a revised version, prepared by an expert consultation, which offers a more explicit recognition of the role of national policies and the impact of some recent international obligations on seed provision and a clearer explanation on how quality declared seeds can accommodate local varieties. The list of crops now includes 92 species, of which 21 include open pollinated and hybrids and one includes also a synthetic variety. In making this update, FAO sought to improve seed supplies to farmers and thus to contribute to food security.

Terminal evaluation of the project "Participatory assessment of land degradation and sustainable land management in grassland and pastoral systems"
Terminal evaluation of the project

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2022-02-10

Total Pages: 78

ISBN-13: 9251357536

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The project ‘Participatory assessment of land degradation and sustainable land management in grassland and pastoral systems’ was implemented from 2017 to 2021 in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, the Niger, and Uruguay. The project successfully developed and tested a participatory rangeland and grassland assessment methodology (PRAGA); providing a practical tool for collecting data and information on rangeland and grassland health, thereby contributing to enable informed decision-making for sustainable rangeland and grassland management – thus aligning with UNCCD and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The evaluation provides five recommendations: i) develop strategies for facilitating the use by national stakeholders of remote sensing and GIS; ii) strengthen the gender dimension; iii) refine and promote PRAGA as a tool for monitoring of national CBD and UNFCCC commitments; iv) integrate more PRAGA assessments in interventions that invest in tangible rangeland management improvements; and v) establish an institutional home in FAO for rangeland and grassland management.

Transhumant Grazing Systems in Temperate Asia
Transhumant Grazing Systems in Temperate Asia

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 356

ISBN-13: 9789251049778

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This book brings together studies by national scientists on traditional transhumant grazing systems, emphasizing grazing management and overall land use. Focus is on two zones in temperate Asia: the Himalaya-Hindu Kush and the colder areas of China, Mongolia and parts of Central Asia. Under prevailing conditions, mobile herding is the only sustainable way the population can make best use of the natural resources, but systems were dislocated by collectivization. In the Himalaya there is conflict between herders and sedentary groups. While poor pasture condition is a major constraint, the main problems are socio-economic and institutional and relate to land tenure and grazing rights. Fodder crops are, however, of great interest for settled groups who use the same pastures. Focus on technical solutions, herder training and participatory approaches should be within the context of political decisions.--Publisher's description.