Novel Insights Into Grazing and Browsing Capacity Related to Rangeland Condition in an Understudied Area of Central Mozambique, Inhambane Province

In Mozambique, 81% of the land is rangelands. Effective management requires understanding their agricultural potential, but deviations from ecological principles have led to environmental degradation. This study investigates the grazing and browsing capacity of rangelands in central Mozambique Province, characterized by Miombo woodland. This study seeks to thoroughly understand rangeland conditions by evaluating their potential to support grazing and browsing ruminants. The ideal is to balance ecological integrity with economic viability, ensuring the long-term health and productivity of the region’s diverse ecosystems. The research reveals that browsing capacity peaks during the wet season, with a maximum of 49.4 hectares per Browser Unit (ha/BU) at 1.5 m height, and declines in the dry season, reaching critically low values of 119.8 ha/BU in August. Grazing capacity is estimated at 11.3 hectares per Large Stock Unit (ha/LSU). These findings highlight the ecological dynamics and potential agricultural productivity of the region. Observed variations in grazing and browsing capacities are crucial for guiding sustainable agricultural practices and conservation efforts. By providing a foundation for determining appropriate stocking densities, the research supports the prevention of overgrazing and the maintenance of ecological balance. The implications for the rangeland profession include enhanced understanding of rangeland ecology, contributing to biodiversity conservation and agricultural support in Mozambique.