The long-term viability of pastoralism has been a constant theme for discussions. The progress of
knowledge on the sustainability of pastoralism under global environmental change has been notable in
the last years. To better characterize this vulnerability, we have examined the existing scientific
knowledge about the three ...»»»»
The long-term viability of pastoralism has been a constant theme for discussions. The progress of
knowledge on the sustainability of pastoralism under global environmental change has been notable in
the last years. To better characterize this vulnerability, we have examined the existing scientific
knowledge about the three dimensions of vulnerability, being exposure illustrated by the existing climate
trends and non-climate transformations, sensitivity by the impacts of these on pastoral resources and
pastoral land conversions, and adaptation by the adaptation strategies developed by the pastoral
communities. A qualitative meta-analysis was conducted to explore patterns and trends across the
literature. From this, six different pathways of vulnerability being followed by pastoral communities
were identified: Encroachment, Re-greening, Customary, Polarization, Communal and No-alternative.
The results point that the livelihood options of pastoralists are generally becoming narrower. Four
major forces are identified as exerting determinant influence on the co-production of the vulnerability of
pastoralism: (i) the double exposure to climate and non-climate transformations, (ii) the persistence of
unfavorable development policies, (iii) the great vitality of adaptation, and (iv) the multifaceted role of
markets. We point that it is crucial to distinguish between the component of vulnerability inherent in any
economic activity devoted to the use of natural resources, which is the usual business of pastoralism, and
the component of vulnerability linked to external forces that disturb the usual working of the pastoral
production strategies.^^^^