The Department of Livestock is urging farmers across Vanuatu to adopt improved pasture management practices to strengthen the country’s small-scale livestock industry.
Department officials say simple changes — dividing paddocks, managing stocking rates to limit the number of animals per grazing area, and practising rotational grazing — can prevent overgrazing, improve pasture condition and raise productivity.
“A lack of proper pasture management is one of the root causes of low productivity in our livestock sector,” said Mr Stevenson Boe, Manager, Northern Livestock Division. “If farmers plan and manage pasture better, they will reduce costly problems and improve outcomes for their herds.”
An Australia-funded project carried out with the Department recommended 12 species of improved pasture grasses and 12 legume species suitable for planting across Vanuatu to support smallholder livestock producers. These improved pastures are more resilient during dry seasons and droughts and can help cattle reach export weight more reliably than native pasture.
Mr Robert Iapatu, Assistant Livestock Officer for Shefa, told VBTC on Radio Vanuatu’s Productive Sector show that many farmers have not yet taken part in available training. He urged farmers to seek advice from local livestock officers to upskill and learn proper pasture establishment and management techniques.
“Improved pasture will contribute significantly to animal growth and market readiness,” Mr Boe said. “We encourage farmers to plant the species recommended by the Department and to contact livestock officers for support.”
The Department noted that considerable research has already been carried out to identify suitable pasture systems, but implementation by farmers remains limited. Officials urged producers to act on the research by adopting better grazing practices and planting improved pasture and legumes.
Funding and progress
According to the Department of Livestock’s 2024 annual report, Activity 89H (Pasture Improvement) was allocated VT 26,700,000 for the year. By the end of 2024 the department had spent VT 25,134,807 — about 94.1% of the allocation — and reported 68% of planned pasture improvement work completed.
The Department of Livestock says it will continue outreach and training to encourage wider adoption of improved pasture systems and to help farmers increase production and access higher-value markets.
