Time2Graze is a new initiative which looks to co-develop new systems which can help reduce the impact of farming in the American tropics.
Supported by the Global Methane Hub, a new tool will be developed by the Alliance of Biodiversity International and CIAT.
The focus is improving less to timely and reliable pasture information, meaning farmers can make better decisions relating to grazing practices, increase the productivity of their livestock and in turn reduce the intensity of methane emissions.
‘With Time2Graze, we are bringing together Earth Observation data, pasture models, and producer knowledge into one decision support system,’ said Dr Juan Andrés Cardoso. ‘This means providing real-time alerts and predictive forecasts that help livestock producers manage grazing intensity more effectively.’
End users will help co-design the decisions support systems [DSS], a step which should ensure the resource is truly effective at guiding livestock management. Local partnerships will also be involved in a bid to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable farming practices in Latin America’s tropical regions, where nature and ecosystem have been significantly impacted by the agricultural sector.
Livestock farming supports millions of livelihoods and is considered a critical component of the global food system. However, it is also major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, raising temperatures locally and internationally. Forages are considered a promising nature-based solution to this, offering feed for grazing animals and a potential method of reducing methane emissions per kilogram of protein produced if sustainable management practices are used.
Image: Frames For Your Heart / Unsplash
More on Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nature & Sustainability:
Green Party polling suggests Polanski already ‘cutting through’
Christmas come early? Waitrose claims autumn has already begun