Integrating Livestock with Crops and Forestry for Sustainability

Abstract

Global per capita consumption of animal protein is set to rise, particularly in developing economies, leading to a dramatic increase in meat consumption from 133 million tons in 1980 to 452 million tons by 2050. Notably, 86% of this increase, or 279 million tons, is expected to occur in developing countries. The expansion of animal-based agricultural systems, which cover 45% of the Earth's land area, presents significant challenges. These systems contribute substantially to agricultural emissions, including greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4), and account for 8% of global water usage. The livestock sector is largely comprised of resource-constrained smallholders in developing nations. Environmental impacts arise from the lack of integration with other agricultural and forestry practices, disrupting the natural cycles of carbon, water, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. This disruption leads to increased emissions of N2O and CH4, water contamination, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. To address these challenges and support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty reduction (SDG #1), hunger alleviation (SDG #2), clean water and sanitation (SDG #6), and climate action (SDG #13), it is essential to integrate livestock with crop and tree farming. Strategies to improve sustainability include incorporating pastures into crop rotations, using controlled grazing techniques, practicing agro-forestry such as alley cropping, and implementing systems like ley farming. Additional measures include precision feeding and protein matching to reduce enteric fermentation, repurposing emissions of CH4 and N2O, and effective manure management. Addressing greenhouse gas emissions through diverse approaches, reducing product wastage, minimizing antibiotic use, and restoring rangelands to enhance soil carbon storage are also critical for achieving sustainable livestock practices.