The Impact of Erosion on the Sustainability of Natural Pastures and Livestock Development in the North of Erbil Governorate

Abstract

The research aims to assess the impact of erosion on the sustainability of pastures and livestock development in the north of Erbil governorate, by conducting a spatial and environmental analysis of a sample of 30 villages selected based on the severity of erosion. The results showed that villages with low erosion, which amount to five villages, are characterized by their ability to accommodate more than 6,000 sheep and goats, an average of more than 1,200 heads per village, thanks to the abundance of vegetation and the ease of the terrain. While the villages with medium erosion, which include 15 villages, recorded densities ranging from 800 to 1199 heads, indicating that they are affected by seasonal fluctuations. Villages with high erosion, up to 10 villages, have a low animal density of less than 800 heads, due to poor vegetation, fragility of the soil and steep slopes. The NDVI index was used to assess the efficiency of vegetation cover and correlate its results with the pastoral situation and the severity of erosion. The study found that Pastoral Development requires effective environmental interventions, including the organization of grazing, land reclamation, and improving resource management, which contributes to supporting sustainability and achieving food security in mountainous areas. the study area is located between two viewing circles ( 7 29 36 – 18 14 36 (north, between two meridians) 5 27 44 – 17 49 43) east.