What effects do herding in East Africa and ranching in North America have on those two environments?
http://allafrica.com/stories/201204110923.html
http://books.google.com/books?id=9KqDZ-TEGeAC&pg=PA130&lpg=PA130&dq=environment+herding+in+East+Africa&source=bl&ots=DILn4UuFLw&sig=iz6rrLmcDwM0nJ5ElOg4WKz5bZQ&hl=en&sa=X&ei=7funT6_jJ5K-gAeB0tHVAQ&ved=0CF4Q6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=environment%20herding%20in%20East%20Africa&f=false
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46191566/ns/us_news-environment/t/great-migration-texas-cattle-heading-north/#.T6f88-g7XfE
http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/colorado/index.htm
To understand the effects of herding in East Africa and ranching in North America on their respective environments, we can look at several factors:
1. Grazing Pressure: Herding in East Africa involves the movement of livestock across vast areas in search of grazing lands. This can exert intense grazing pressure on the vegetation in specific areas, leading to overgrazing and soil erosion. On the other hand, ranching in North America often involves larger land plots with more controlled grazing practices, which can reduce grazing pressure and allow for more sustainable land management.
2. Biodiversity: Herding in East Africa, when practiced in a traditional manner, can promote a harmonious relationship between livestock, wildlife, and the natural environment. This symbiotic relationship supports biodiversity, as pastoralists often move their herds to different areas, allowing previously grazed land to recover. However, in some cases, overgrazing can lead to habitat degradation and a decline in wildlife populations. In contrast, ranching in North America, especially intensive or industrial ranching, typically focuses solely on livestock production and may have a negative impact on biodiversity by converting natural habitats into pastureland and reducing wildlife corridors.
3. Water Resources: In East Africa, herding can impact water resources. Overgrazing can result in decreased vegetation cover, leading to soil erosion and decreased water infiltration. This can result in reduced water availability and quality in the long run. Conversely, ranching in North America often involves the development of water management systems, such as irrigation or water troughs, which can impact local water resources through increased demand or alteration of natural water flows.
4. Land Use Change: Both herding and ranching can drive land use change. In East Africa, as herding communities grow and expand their herds, they may encroach upon previously undisturbed habitats, leading to deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Similarly, ranching in North America has contributed to deforestation, particularly in regions where forests have been cleared to make way for pastureland or the production of animal feed crops like soybeans and corn.
It is important to note that these effects can vary depending on various factors, including the scale and intensity of herding or ranching, as well as the specific practices employed. Additionally, the increasing trend toward commercialization and intensification of both herding and ranching can exacerbate their environmental impacts.