Enablers and barriers to adoption of sustainable silvopastoral practices for livestock production in Colombia

This paper examines the drivers of silvopastoral system (SPS) adoption based on real-world implementation and data from the SNAPP Sustainable Cattle Ranching initiative in Colombia. Using data from 2,900 farms over nine years, combined with environmental datasets, we identify what drives SPS adoption in terms of area and the component practices. Payments for Ecosystem Services, proximity to other SPS farms, existing forests or watersheds, and high levels of soil erosion had significantly positive effects on adoption. In contrast, high water demand and hydric vulnerability had negative effects. These findings enhance knowledge of enablers and barriers for SPS adoption, including environmental constraints, thereby improving our understanding of pathways for sustainable cattle systems.