Maps of agricultural production systems typically use crops, level of technology and intensity of management to differentiate between different system categories (e.g. FAO, 2001). There is no global production system map that adequately reflects the importance of livestock in agriculture.

However, Seré and Steinfeld (1996) produced a global livestock production classification system which has since been used, for example in ILRI's priority-setting exercise (Thornton et al., 2000), and a study on livestock-environment interactions (Steinfeld et al., 1997). Seré and Steinfeld built on FAO's agro-ecological zone work and included country tables with information on area, population and livestock numbers for each production system category. Maps of these systems were produced by Thornton et al, (2002).

Map of Global Livestock Production Systems

Thornton et al (2002)

Map of Livestock Only, Rangeland-based Production Systems

Thornton et al (2002)

Map of Mixed Irrigated Production Systems

Thornton et al (2002)

Map of Mixed Rainfed Production Systems

Thornton et al (2002)

FAO. (2001). Global farming systems study: Challenges and priorities to 2030. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), Rome, Italy. 98 pp.