Scientists from ILRI, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center and the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research tested bread wheat cultivars released in the Ethiopian highlands to better understand the potential trade-offs between food and fodder traits. Continue reading
Category Archives: Crop-Livestock
Under Sustainable intensification in smallholder crop/livestock systems, we work to improve system efficiency through better feed quality, health and animal performance – in a context of increasing competition for land and other resources (eg biofuels)
Desho and Napier grasses help Ethiopian farmers produce year-round forage
Desho grass has become particularly popular as a means of biological control in stabilizing soil bunds and controlling runoffs and soil erosion. Continue reading
Better livestock feeding to increase productivity and boost food security in southern Malawi
A new research-for-development initiative is helping smallholder farmers in southern Malawi increase the productivity of their livestock and crops to enhance food security. The agribusiness Crop Livestock Integration and Marketing in Malawi project or CLIM2 is improving animal feeding and crop farming practices and market access for farmers’ produce. Continue reading
Better feed for cows benefits dairy farmers in India and Tanzania
The work of the MilkIT project to enhance dairy-based livelihoods in India and Tanzania through feed innovation and value chain development approaches was recently reported in IFAD’s 2016 annual report. Continue reading
LegumeCHOICE tool helps prioritize legume options in developing country smallholder systems
The Legume CHOICE tool is a systematic approach which lists the various legume options available to farmers and prioritizes them for particular communities. Continue reading
Use of grain legumes residues as livestock feed in the smallholder mixed crop-livestock production systems in Ethiopia
Livestock productivity in Ethiopia is much lower than the existing potential due shortages of quality feed in the country. However, adopting grain legumes can help boost annual production with concomitant increase in grain legumes residues. Continue reading
Is livestock intensification in Africa always a good thing?
In Europe intensive livestock production is often seen as harmful for the environment and animal welfare – think of cattle fed on grains which would be better used for human consumption. And producing lots of waste in concentrated areas which is difficult to deal with. In Africa, the mantra tends to be that intensification of … Continue reading