ABSTRACT
Patagonia's grasslands and pastoral systems are briefly described. Three historical periods of sheep farming development are recognized and described. The first stage (1880-1930) of land occupation, population growth, capital accumulation and increase of sheep stocks could be called "the golden years". A five-decade period followed, characterized by full land occupation, a progressive loss of profit, stabilization of sheep stocks, and the beginning of a rural depopulation process. A long declining stage started in the last two decades of the twentieth century. Sheep stocks declined by half, decapitalization was evident, and about 500 farms were abandoned. Rural depopulation from pastoral systems became important during this period in all Patagonian provinces, but the process was more evident in the southern provinces.
Significant structural changes are required to attain sustainable, scientifically based utilization of Patagonian grasslands, with competitive and diversified products of high quality and improved quality of rural life. Rural depopulation cannot be stopped or reversed in any other way. After decades without sustainable development policies, the situation has become critical. There is no doubt that, without leadership, technical assistance and longterm public funding, the changes needed are unlikely to occur in time. The Patagonian Sheep Sustainable Development Programme (PSSDP) is described, being a policy proposal for the next decade. PSSDP could change the scenario to the better and accelerate innovation. The proposed long-term, systemic, participatory approach could solve the current crisis and lead to sustainable pastoral systems in Patagonia.
