The hamburger connection hangover: cattle, pasture land degradation and alternative land use in Central America

Abstract

In the past few decades, pasture expansion into the humid lowlands of Central America has increased greatly and has raised a great deal of concern about deforestation and potential land degradation. However, little information exists on the type or extent of ecological and environmental damage connected with the cattle grazing in this region. In this document, we examine three regions considered to be “hot spots” of cattle raising in humid Central America: central Nicaragua, the Petén of Guatemala and northern Honduras. We attempt to estimate the amount of degraded pasture present, areas most affected or at risk, and the degree, forms and causes of degradation. Based on this analysis we identify potential alternative forms of land use and some of the requirements needed to put them into practice.