The effect of price surging of livestock products on the rangeland and the livelihood of nomads: Mamasani rangelands

Nomadic households play a crucial role in livestock production, but rangeland degradation and price fluctuations in livestock products have raised concerns about their livelihoods in Iran. This study evaluates the effects of policies aimed at increasing meat and livestock product prices on profit variables and pasture conditions, considering the significant reliance on nomadic livelihoods.

The Mamasani region in Fars province, a key nomadic center, was selected for this study. A bio-economic model, integrating economic and biophysical components, was employed to assess the dynamic management of livestock and rangelands. Profit maximization and minimization of Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) were the goals of the mathematical programming model, considering different price scenarios for meat and livestock products from 2003 to 2021.

The simulation results over a ten-year period suggest a drastic decline in livestock numbers and nomadic livelihoods if current conditions persist. Increasing meat prices positively impacted livestock farmers' profits and relieved pasture pressure compared to the current situation. However, a scenario of higher livestock product prices had a negative impact on pasture sustainability despite increased profits. The effects of these scenarios gradually weakened, indicating a moderate improvement in nomadic profits. The study emphasizes the need for awareness among policymakers, planners, and stakeholders about the declining livestock numbers and pasture performance if existing conditions persist without effective price policies simultaneously benefiting nomadic livelihoods and pasture management.

The study forecasts a future decline in livestock numbers and sales, posing a threat to nomadic livelihoods and pasture stability. Supportive policies are essential to protect rangelands, considering the worsening conditions due to price scenarios.