Analysis of the impact of overgrazing on rangelands in the Arab world

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18447798    

Abstract:

This research aims to evaluate the impact of overgrazing on the productivity of natural rangelands in the Arab world, exploring the relationship between grazing pressure and soil degradation, while analyzing the feasibility of rotational grazing and the economic dimensions of forage loss. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach and a quantitative comparative method, utilizing descriptive and analytical statistical tools to process official data and field reports from international and regional organizations.

The results revealed a sharp decline in dry matter productivity, exceeding 70% in overgrazed areas, and a decrease in palatable vegetation cover from 65% to less than 15%. The research also indicated that livestock stocking rates exceeded the carrying capacity by up to 450%, incurring annual economic losses of approximately 8.5 billion, including forage imports and desertification control costs. Conversely, the results demonstrated the superiority of the rotational grazing system, with productivity reaching 570 kg/ha compared to only 145 kg/ha under open (unregulated) grazing.