Interviews with to two livestock farmers and two pasture researchers from Nicaragua were conducted to determine their perceptions on the importance and role of seminatural grasslands in the predominant livestock systems of Nicaragua. Both farmers and researchers agreed on the strong dependence of the Nicaraguan livestock industry on this type of vegetation, as only 5% of the pastures are covered by improved grasses. The researchers also emphasize the limited studies done on seminatural grasslands. Farmers admit that they cannot name some of the species present in their pastures and do know their forage value. Both producers and researchers are convinced that seminatural grasslands and sown grasses are complementary. They stress the importance of multipurpose woody perennials as sources of fodder and fruit and of native herbaceous legumes as animal feed, particularly during the dry season.