RAPS software is designed to aid management planning, policy formulation and development assessment relating to pastoral systems (grasslands, rangelands and livestock farms). It does this by analysing land and forage resources for their productivity and livestock support capacity while accounting for system complexity and resource component inter-relationships. While RAPS is primarily used for assessing livestock support capacities and evaluating development options, its use extends far beyond that. RAPS is a unique and sophisticated package, offering a new approach to pastoral resource assessment.

RAPS is a decision support tool

RAPS has a wide range of analysis and output options. It is a free- standing and menu driven programme with in-built database management and mouse-driven graphical manipulation of data profiles. The package has been used for more than ten years in a wide range of environments and countries.

RAPS has proven useful in environments ranging from humid mountains to arid deserts, in extensive and intensive farming systems and with a large range of livestock types (sheep, goats, cattle, horses, camels and yaks). RAPS can be used in the assessment of private pastoral properties, in local and regional development projects and for land use planning. Its use extends well beyond “static” livestock support capacity assessment typical of traditional methods.

RAPS has a wide range of features and functions

Potential use of RAPS spans a large number of fields and disciplines related to land use and the pastoral environment. It offers an invaluable and practicable tool, promoting a better understanding of systems and providing decision support. Professions where RAPS is of relevance include: farmers, consultants, land use planners, economists, land valuers, project managers and environmental impact specialists.

RAPS is available for wider use.