Agroecological transition in Madrid’s extensive livestock systems: How expert-perceived NCPs guide transformation pathways

Abstract

In the Mediterranean region, the industrialization of livestock systems, driven by the replacement of extensive pasture-based systems with intensive input-dependent models, has triggered environmental degradation and socio-cultural changes. The transition of livestock systems toward agroecological practices can reduce external dependencies, enhance ecosystem contributions and strengthen socioecological resilience. This study analyzes experts’ perceptions of Nature’s Contributions to People (NCPs) provided by two extensive livestock models (conventional and agroecological) and nine agroecological practices in Madrid. Experts on extensive livestock farming with different profiles ( N = 65) were surveyed to assess 14 NCPs. Cluster analysis identified four bundles of practices based on their functional similarities. Results showed that the agroecological model provides more NCPs within all domains, particularly regulating and non-material NCPs. We conclude that certain agroecological practices, such as active grazing management and production diversification, are pivotal in fostering systemic change by linking farm-scale interventions with broader agri-food transformations.

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