Interest in the modern food uses of the ancient grassland grains used by Aboriginal people across Australia is rapidly growing. Disparate research exists in multiple disciplines, ranging from environmental science food science, agriculture science, social science, law and archaeology; however, until now this academic research has not been brought together. This review lays the foundation for how documentation of the ancient use of Indigenous grains combined with the perspectives of modern grassland food systems can inform future directions for research.

Mongolia has seen a doubling in livestock numbers since 1990, which has resulted in significant grassland degradation, and accentuated poor livestock productivity. This paper examines the size, structure and efficiency of Mongolian flocks and herds using a survey of herders in central Mongolia. The efficiency of livestock production is much lower than could be possible on these degraded grasslands. Ways of reducing animal numbers on the grassland and improving productivity are discussed.

Soil carbon plays an important role for sustainable grassland management and climate change mitigation. Studies on the estimation of soil carbon stocks are limited in semi-arid grasslands of northern Mexico. Our prediction model that includes plant cover, mean annual precipitation, elevation and soil sand content can estimate soil carbon stocks in semi-arid grasslands of northern Mexico. Grasslands should be maintained under high plant cover through moderate grazing and improvement practices to promote carbon sequestration.

We have provided a meta-analysis and aggregated the effects of factors affecting Chinese herdsmen’s WTP in the GECAP. The factors increasing herders’ WTP include higher education level, higher farm income from raising livestock, larger grassland area, better grassland condition, and better policy understanding. Future policy modification and formulation should better incentivise active participation of herders and target specific pastoral regions and herder groups with certain income levels and livestock scales.