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Identification of the Multifunctionality of Andalusian Autochthonous Pastoral Livestock Breeds at the Farm Level

Author

Listed:
  • Verónica Cruz Moriana

    (Centro IFAPA Camino de Purchil, 18004 Granada, Spain)

  • Juan Manuel Mancilla-Leytón

    (Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Sevilla, Spain)

  • Yolanda Mena

    (Departamento de Agronomía, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain)

  • Francisco de Asís Ruiz Morales

    (Centro IFAPA Camino de Purchil, 18004 Granada, Spain)

Abstract

The multifunctionality of agricultural and livestock systems is a pivotal attribute that should be considered when formulating rural policies, as it serves as a significant source of income for those managing these systems in their respective areas. The objective of this work was to quantify the farm-level multifunctionality of extensive livestock systems with local meat breeds (cattle, sheep and goats) in Andalusia (southern Spain). The study focused on three autochthonous breeds located in southern Spain: (i) the Pajuna cattle breed; (ii) the Negra Serrana goat breed; and (iii) the Lojeña sheep breed. To assess multifunctionality in Andalusian systems, four aggregated function scores based on farm characteristics and activities were identified and evaluated: (i) production function; (ii) residence function; (iii) habitat and biodiversity function; and (iv) recreational, cultural and educational function. The farm data supporting these indicators were derived from personal interviews conducted with a total of 40 farmers. The total multifunctionality index was significantly higher for Lojeña sheep compared with Pajuna cattle and Negra Serrana goats. Across each breed, scores varied significantly for individual functions and indicators, highlighting the complexity and diversity inherent in each system. Based on the results obtained, a series of specific changes are deemed necessary to enhance the multifunctionality of the farms that specialize in the three breeds studied: (i) ensuring food self-sufficiency by promoting local opportunities; (ii) advocating for equal participation and active involvement of spouses in farm work; (iii) establishing optimal pasture management practices; (iv) fostering the development of activities related to livestock farming that contribute to ecotourism or rural tourism; (v) aligning local livestock farming practices with tasks related to forest fire prevention; and (vi) encouraging the participation of livestock farmers in training future practitioners and disseminating the role of livestock farming in society.

Suggested Citation

  • Verónica Cruz Moriana & Juan Manuel Mancilla-Leytón & Yolanda Mena & Francisco de Asís Ruiz Morales, 2024. "Identification of the Multifunctionality of Andalusian Autochthonous Pastoral Livestock Breeds at the Farm Level," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:4:p:558-:d:1368290
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Christos Tzanidakis & Ouranios Tzamaloukas & Panagiotis Simitzis & Panagiotis Panagakis, 2023. "Precision Livestock Farming Applications (PLF) for Grazing Animals," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-23, January.
    2. Margot Neyret & Sophie Peter & Gaëtane Provost & Steffen Boch & Andrea Larissa Boesing & James M. Bullock & Norbert Hölzel & Valentin H. Klaus & Till Kleinebecker & Jochen Krauss & Jörg Müller & Sandr, 2023. "Landscape management strategies for multifunctionality and social equity," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 6(4), pages 391-403, April.
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