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Optimal long-term stocking rates for livestock grazing in a Sahelian rangeland

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  • Hein, Lars
  • Weikard, Hans-Peter

Abstract

Economic modelling of semi-arid rangelands has received much attention in recent literature. A major outstanding issue is how stochastic rainfall and the feedback effect of heavy grazing pressures on vegetation productivity can be accounted for in these models. This paper presents a model for calculating the optimal livestock stocking rate in a semi-arid rangeland that accounts for stochastic rainfall, the ecological feedback effect and variable prices. The model is developed for rangelands dominated by annual rather than perennial grasses, such as the African Sahel. The feedback effect is modeled on the basis of an ecological study, conducted in northern Senegal, that analyzes the impact of different grazing pressures on vegetation productivity. The paper presents both a general model and an application of the model to the Ferlo, a semi-arid rangeland in northern Senegal.

Suggested Citation

  • Hein, Lars & Weikard, Hans-Peter, 2008. "Optimal long-term stocking rates for livestock grazing in a Sahelian rangeland," African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, African Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 2(2), pages 1-26, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:ags:afjare:56959
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.56959
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    Cited by:

    1. Müller, Birgit & Quaas, Martin F. & Frank, Karin & Baumgärtner, Stefan, 2011. "Pitfalls and potential of institutional change: Rain-index insurance and the sustainability of rangeland management," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 70(11), pages 2137-2144, September.
    2. Fust, Pascal & Schlecht, Eva, 2018. "Integrating spatio-temporal variation in resource availability and herbivore movements into rangeland management: RaMDry—An agent-based model on livestock feeding ecology in a dynamic, heterogeneous, ," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 369(C), pages 13-41.
    3. Kihiu, Evelyne Nyathira & Amuakwa-Mensah, Franklin, 2017. "Improving Access to Livestock Markets for Sustainable Rangeland Management," African Journal of Economic Review, African Journal of Economic Review, vol. 5(2), July.
    4. Boaitey, Albert & Ellen, Goddard, 2016. "Optimal Livestock Management For Improved Environmental Outcomes: How Effective Are Carbon Offset Markets?," 2016 Annual Meeting, July 31-August 2, Boston, Massachusetts 236010, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    5. Boaitey, Albert & Goddard, Ellen & Mohapatra, Sandeep, 2019. "Environmentally friendly breeding, spatial heterogeneity and effective carbon offset design in beef cattle," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 35-45.

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    Keywords

    Livestock Production/Industries;

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