IS TRADITIONAL PASTORALISM THE CAUSE OF EROSIVE PROCESSES IN MOUNTAINENVIRONMENTS - THE CASE OF THE CUMBRES CALCHAQUIES IN ARGENTINA

A study was carried out to determine forage availability, grazing rout ines and densities, and impact of grazing in two catchments occupied b y forests and grasslands between 2,000 and 3,500 m at Cumbres Calchaqu ies in the province of Tucuman, a mountain region of northwest Argenti na. The herders' strategy consists of spatial and temporal dispersions that take advantage of the heterogeneous and seasonal distribution of fodder resources. Yet this system does not prevent the concentration of herds in a few places where especially good grazing is available. I n these locations the erosive processes are closely associated with gr azing, whereas elsewhere the eroded surfaces appear to be a consequenc e of natural processes. Erosion caused by grazing and the impact on ne arby low-lying areas is discussed. Traditional pastoralism should be v iewed in a historical, economic, and socio-cultural context, and peasa nt communities should be involved in the decision-making process.