Extensive Livestock Farming in Developed Countries: A Global Perspective (A Systematic Literature Review for Future Research)

In the context of economic development, countries have adapted production models to become more intensive. However, a substantial proportion of livestock production is still conducted under extensive farming systems. The objective of this study is to explore the situation of extensive livestock farming in highly developed countries, as are perceptions of the sector, benefits and disadvantages it presents, and what challenges it faces. This systematic literature review analyses the state of the art regarding the situation of extensive livestock farming in several contexts: its sectorial dynamics, future expectations and services provided, paying special attention to its implications and needs. To establish a clear definition of the term “developed country”, a boundary was determined using the Human Development Index (HDI). Among countries with a very high HDI (>83%), three major trends in the circumstances of extensive livestock farming were identified. These three trends correspond to European countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, among others), countries with Anglo-Saxon heritage (USA, Australia, and New Zealand), and Latin American countries (Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay). A critical examination reveals notable distinctions among these three trends. The results demonstrate the disappearance of extensive livestock farming in Europe, with policies aimed at promoting its recovery; a concern for sustainability and resilience to climate change in the Anglo-Saxon world; and the challenge of overstocking and soil pollution in Latin America.