Academic literature on the topic 'Agro-pastoral production'

Many studies were conducted to identify determinants of adoption of crop base technologies and practices and improved seeds, and while few studies concerned on evaluation of extension services in terms of the clients’ need and interest or adoption of livestock technologies in agro-pastoral and pastoral context. In fact, livestock extension services in general in developing countries are less prioritized and thus livestock based technology services are rarely extended. Common livestock technologies which are promoted to livestock raisers are focused on feed, veterinary services, and improved management practices through the extension services of agricultural/pastoral offices and livestock development units. The case hereunder, is about agro-pastoralists extension services evaluative perception and small ruminant fattening package adoption. Hence, this study investigates agro-pastoralists’ perception on the extension services, small ruminant fattening package and intensity of adoption of small ruminants’ fattening package. The study is undertaken in DugdaDawaWoreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The Woreda has agro-pastoral and pastoral production system. The data were collected from 151 randomly selected pastoralists and agro-pastoralists using structured interview schedule. Secondary data were collected from different sources to supplement the data obtained from the survey. In addition to quantitative data qualitative data also gathered. Prior to formal survey an informal survey was also undertaken by using group discussion and interview with key informants. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage mean, standard deviation, Chi-square tests and t-test were employed. The Tobit model was also employed to determine factors influencing intensity of small ruminant fattening package adoption. This study identifies agro-pastoralists and pastoralists are poorly addressed and their need and interests are not considered in any extension programmes. The Tobit model output showed that, agro-pastoralists intensity of adoption of small ruminant fattening package is influenced by: perception on the availability of improved breed, perception on resources based conflicts, current management practices, total livestock holding of HHs and credit use and availability for veterinary purposes. Future extension activities and agencies, promoting fattening package in agro-pastoral and pastoral areas, should focus on targeting agro-pastoralists with low perception on the availability of better breed, information and demonstration on the improved management practices, revision of credit supply criteria, making awareness and demonstration of the significant importance of small ruminants in the agro-pastoral and pastoral income and livelihoods contribution is important.

The activity was conducted in Liben district to evaluate the yield performance of improved haricot bean varieties. 25 pastorals and agro pastorals were selected from Measa kebele with collaboration of Liben Pastoral and Agro Pastoral Office, Zonal Mobile Supporting Team and kebele leaders. The 25 pastoral and agro pastorals were grouped into one PAPRG. Then 25 PAPRG members were regrouped into three experimental pastorals and agro pastoralists. Training were given for PAPRG members. Exchange visit was arranged to share experience on the work each PAPRG. Haramaya, Awasa Dume, Ebado varieties were evaluated with standard check variety. Descriptive statistics and direct matrix ranking was used to analysis the data. Local variety give the highest yield (31kg/ha). PAPRG criteria for haricot bean production was market demand, color, disease/insect reaction, drought resistance. Accordingly, Ebado variety was preferred by PAPRGs based on marketability while Local check and Awasa Dube were selected as first and second respectively based on drought resistance, number of pod/plant, higher yield and resistance to insects. Haramaya variety was susceptible to insects. Pastoralists and agro pastoralists should use Ebado variety to increase their income and local variety for household consumption.

Livestock keepers in sub-Saharan Africa face a range of pressures, including climate change, land loss, restrictive policies, and population increase. Widespread adaptation in response can lead to the emergence of new, non-traditional typologies of livestock production. We sought to characterise livestock production systems in two administrative regions in northern Tanzania, an area undergoing rapid social, economic, and environmental change. Questionnaire and spatial data were collected from 404 livestock-keeping households in 21 villages in Arusha and Manyara Regions in 2016. Multiple factor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to classify households into livestock production systems based on household-level characteristics. Adversity-based indicators of vulnerability, including reports of hunger, illness, and livestock, land and crop losses were compared between production systems. Three distinct clusters emerged through this process. The ethnic, environmental and livestock management characteristics of households in each cluster broadly mapped onto traditional definitions of ‘pastoral’, ‘agro-pastoral’ and ‘smallholder’ livestock production in the study area, suggesting that this quantitative classification system is complementary to more qualitative classification methods. Our approach allowed us to demonstrate a diversity in typologies of livestock production at small spatial scales, with almost half of study villages comprising more than one production system. We also found indicators of change within livestock production systems, most notably the adoption of crop agriculture in the majority of pastoral households. System-level heterogeneities in vulnerability were evident, with agro-pastoral households most likely to report hunger and pastoral households most likely to report illness in people and livestock, and livestock losses. We demonstrate that livestock production systems can provide context for assessing household vulnerability in northern Tanzania. Policy initiatives to improve household and community well-being should recognise the continuing diversity of traditional livestock production systems in northern Tanzania, including the diversity that can exist at small spatial scales.

ABSTRACTThe paper analyses the conflict between wildlife conservation and its accompanying land-use in an East African context. In the model there are two agents. First, there is an agency managing the wildlife and the habitat of the wildlife, which is referred to as parkland. On the other hand, there is the group of agro-pastoralists living in the vicinity of the wildlife habitat, whose land-use is referred to as rangelands. The parkland is used for tourism production and hunting, while the rangelands are used for agro-pastoral production. Both agents will find it beneficial to expand their land-use, so there is a land-use conflict. This is analysed in two steps. First, social optimality is studied; then we study the utilization of the wildlife and its accompanying land-use when there is no unified resource policy and the park agency follows its self-interest. The effects on the two different management schemes of changing economic conditions, such as the recommendations of the CITES convention and a programme subsidizing agro-pastoral production, are discussed.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors influencing adoption of African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) into the agro-pastoral farming systems aiming at improving livelihoods. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based upon the diffusion theory which is linked to the random utility theory. A survey of 205 agro-pastoral households obtained through multistage sampling technique was used. Factors influencing adoption of AIVs were estimated using a logit model. Findings Findings indicate that the acreage under AIVs was still very low compared to other crop enterprises with the most common types of AIVs grown being Solanum nigrum, Amaranthus spp., Cucurbita maxima, Vigna unguiculata, Basella alba and Cleome gynandra. Factors influencing adoption were found to be gender, age, farm size, education level, off-farm income and number of visits to extension officer. Research limitations/implications Limitations include reliance on respondents’ willingness to provide correct information. Originality/value This paper adds value in its contribution to literature on diversifying agro-pastoral livelihoods through production of AIVs for income and food security.

To improve their ability to plan for and respond to potential negative impacts of climate shocks, such as droughts and dry spells, in the Sahelian agricultural production systems, many farmers have adopted diversified coping and adaptation strategies to secure their livelihoods. However, the scientific understanding of the key factors that determine the decisions that these pastoralist and agro-pastoralist households make, as well as the relation between existing human, social, natural, physical and financial assets and the adoption of adaptation practices at the household level has remained insufficient. Therefore, multivariate probit estimates were used to identify the key drivers of multiple adoption of climate-smart agro-pastoral adaptation practices in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso. The results indicated that respondent households adopted a combination of adaptation practices rather than a single practice. Most of these practices aimed at enhancing household food security and livelihoods. Regarding the variables that are related to the adoption of these adaptation practices overall, a few assets were found to contribute significantly to the decision to adopt the assessed adaption practices. These include the possession of household and farm assets and equipment, membership in associations and assistance from government, farming experience of the household head, access to credit, as well as ownership and size of farmland. In addition, access to climate and agronomic information, as well as a household’s location within a specifically dedicated pastoral zone, enhanced uptake of various adaptation practices in this study. Access to these assets and features hence plays a critical role in pastoralists’ and agro-pastoralists’ adaptive capacity. This study provides insights for policy makers in view of climate change adaptation and wider sustainable development planning in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Africa.

DUARTE, Rones da Mota. Natureza, Terra e Economia Agropastoril - SOURE (CE): 1798-1860. 2012. 154f. – Dissertação (Mestrado) – Universidade Federal do Ceará, Programa de Pós-graduação em História, Fortaleza (CE), 2012.
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This work seeks to understand the way of life of the farmers in Soure during the first 60 years of the nineteenth century, taking into account land access, agro-pastoral production and the relationship these people had with nature. First I shall consider the colonization process of the west coast of Ceará, which initiated the formation of an agro-pastoral zone destined for commercial purposes. To this end, I shall examine the first expeditions to be sent to this coast, and seek to identify, from the accounts left by Father Luis Figueira and Martins Soares Moreno, the landscape and natural features of the area found by the settlers. Conquest of the territory was later carried out by soldiers from the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, who began to apply for land grants in the region. I therefore look at the social profile of those who received these grants, and the advance into indigenous lands that caused disputes between natives and settlers throughout the territory. I shall then look into the effects of the Land Law of 1850, which was intended to consolidate the agro-pastoral zone in this region, and from the land registry of the Parish of São José do Ribamar, and from post-mortem inventories, I shall identify forms of land access, size and location of properties, and the agrarian landscapes created up until 1860. Finally, I shall look at the agro-pastoral activities developed by these farmers, as well as their understanding of nature, as used in the quest for a better use of natural resources for agriculture activities, and the environmental impacts caused by planting techniques and the introduction of exotic plants into the ecosystems of Soure, which resulted in environmental changes and the creation of a new agrarian landscape.
Este trabalho procura compreender os modos de vida de produtores agrícolas em Soure nos primeiros sessenta anos do século XIX, levando-se em consideração o acesso a terra, a produção agropastoril e as relações desses sujeitos com a natureza. Inicialmente, estudo o processo de colonização do litoral oeste cearense que iniciou a formação de uma zona agropastoril com propósitos comerciais. Nesse sentido, analiso as primeiras expedições enviadas ao litoral cearense, buscando, a partir dos relatos deixados pelo padre Luís Figueira e Martins Soares Moreno, identificar as paisagens e as características naturais do território encontradas pelos colonizadores que passaram a solicitar terras nessa região, assim como o perfil social dos sesmeiros, e as disputas entre nativos e colonizadores pelo território. Em seguida analiso os efeitos da Lei de terras de 1850 para a consolidação da zona agropastoril nessa região, onde, a partir do livro de terras e dos inventários post-mortem, busco identificar as formas de acesso a terra, o tamanho das propriedades, sua localização e as paisagens agrárias constituídas até 1860. Por fim, estudo as atividades agropastoris desenvolvidas por esses produtores, assim como a leitura da natureza realizada pelos mesmos na busca pela melhor utilização dos recursos naturais para a atividade agrícola e os impactos ambientais provocados pelas técnicas de plantio e introdução de plantas exóticas aos ecossistemas de Soure que proporcionaram a criação de uma nova paisagem agrária.

During the months of April through July 1991 and June through July and 1992, a study was conducted to describe and compare the primary factors that affect management practices in two ecological agro—pastoral communities (Kasikeu: eco—zone IV and Mtito-Andei: eco-zone V) in Makueni district of Kenya. Sample families were chosen from Kasikeu (n=32) and Mtito Andei (n=31). A questionnaire was used for filling in the information as perceived and given by the respondents. Family heads were the interviewees but where they were absent, wives or resident sons represented them. The agro-pastoralists of Kasikeu and Mtito-Andei belong to a major bantu tribe called Akamba and generally have the same traditional and cultural background. The two communities therefore generally practised similar farm production activ ities regardless of their land ecological potential. The two communities were also affected more or less similarly by factors such as human population pressure, intro duction of a cash economy, education and amenities associated with sedentarization. Generally these factors have caused the agro-pastoralists to adopt diversified lifestyles which were normally not adopted in the old traditional systems. Such practices include habitation of tsetse fly infested areas, change of land tenure, adoption of sedentary lifestyle, use of cash as a basis for most transactions, use of livestock manure and chemicals to improve crop and livestock production, adoption of commercial horticultural farming, change of dietary habits, engagement in various small—scale business activities, and emphasis on child education and training. Albeit the differences in ecological potential of the study areas, management practices and other behaviours were similar in both study areas (eco—zones). In a few cases however, differences in the management levels existed between the two communities. For instance, the proportions of livestock owned in terms of cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits and ducks and varied (P<0.00l) between eco—zones. Kasikeu maintained higher proportions than Mtito-Andei of sheep (11.2% versus 7.2%) and rabbits (2.8% versus 0.2%) but a smaller proportion of goats (22.4% versus 30.4%). The number of donkeys encountered in the two areas were too few to warrant inclusion in the analysis. The proportions of livestock prices offered by buyers and accepted by the agro—pastoralists at the local market places, for cattle, sheep and goats varied (P<0.001) between eGo— zones. Kasikeu earned higher proportions than Mtito—Andei of the income from cattle sales (91.5% versus 79.2%) whereas Mtito-Andei earned higher proportions than Kasikeu of the income from sales of sheep (4.8% versus 1.0%) and goats (16.0% versus 7.5%). Proportions of the on—farm and off—farm watering places also varied (P<0.004) between eco—zones. Kasikeu respondents more commonly than Mtito—Andei respondents (77.4% versus 40.7%), watered their livestock on water sources located within their farms. The proportions of the total off-farm income attributed to salary/wage earning as being either greater or less than 50%, varied ( P<0.032) between eco—zones. Mtito—Andei recorded a higher proportion than Kasikeu (87.5% versus 64.5%), of the respondents receiving 50% or less of their total farm income from salary/wage earning. Although the proportions of incomes from the sources of the total off—farm income did not vary between eco—zones, those proportions varied (P<0.046) between sources in the entire study area. Greater proportions of the respondents indicated that over 50% of off—farm income came from small scale local businesses (36.5% versus 23.8% for salary/wage and 17.5% for kin remittance). The proportions of the total farm income attributed to crop and livestock production did not vary between eco—zones but varied (P<0.001) between production types in the entire study area. Crop production contributed more than a half (76.2% versus 22.2%). Similarly, proportions of the respondents ranking items of total family income expenditure in terms of purchase of foodstuff, school expenses, household expenses, purchase of clothes and miscellaneous expenses did not vary between eco— zones but varied (P<0.001) between items of expenditure in the entire study area. School expenses, had the greatest proportion (74.1%) of the respondents ranking it as number one user of total family income than any other item, Clothing and household expenses had the greatest proportions of the respondents (65. 2%) and (43 . 5%), respectively ranking them as number two users of the total family income. The following global recommendations are envisioned as necessary. 1. a. Promotion of integrated research efforts to develop technologies appropriate for small holdings in rangelands should be one of the aims within the framework of policy planners and, research and social scientists. For the agricultural research, the following areas may be given emphasis: soil and water conservation; dryland farming including small-scale irrigation methods; establishment of dryland fodder and shrub species; and improved dual purpose livestock including poultry and beekeeping, to mention a few. b. Promotion of small—scale business training and management activities the benefit of the interested farmers. c. Promotion of child basic education through government and non—governmental subsidies. d. Posting by government of adequate home—economic extension workers to teach family life education since a considerable number of respondents of the study were women. Area—specific recommendations are envisioned to include the following. 2. a. Kasikeu farmers, should promote growth of fodder crops to increase milk from cows whereas Mtito—Andei farmers should grow fodder shrubs for their goats. b. Due to small land sizes, farmers in Kasi]ceu and in Mtito— Andei should consider keeping fewer but productive dual purpose cattle and goats, respectively. c. Whereas farmers in Mtito-Andei would posssibly need to form committees to protect communal water from misuse, Kasikeu farmers would need to take care of their own individual water sources. e. Promotion of the small—scale rural industries especially in Mtito-Andei ‘area which is far away from the city for the creation of jobs. 3. Further research would be necessary to asses other agro— pastoral communities not only in Makueni district but also in other sub-divided range districts of Kenya. The design of such research should have replicated eco—zone units to allow for a wider and reliable generalization of the findings. This will be possible only if research budget, personnel and logistics are well taken care of. 4. Adoption of the above recommendations should not be expected to offer lasting solutions to the problems of farmers.

Agro-pastoralists in the tropical semi-arid dryland areas of sub-Saharan Africa are significantly affected by climate change and variability. The agro-pastoral families are coping with production-related climatic risks through livelihood diversification to ensure food security. Data were collected from a sample of 411 agro-pastoralists across five districts in the semi-arid northern and central regions of Tanzania through survey conducted between November 2017 and July 2018. Secondary data regarding crop yields and livestock populations for eight years from 2009 to 2017 were collected from the National Bureau of Statistics and the respective District offices. Results show that about three-quarters of the agro-pastoralists managed diversified crop and livestock portfolios with two or more crops and animal species. However, simulated crop yields reveal positive correlations. Construction of integrated portfolios that generate good returns at a modest risk can be achieved through strategic choices between high-return high-risk and low-return low-risk crop and livestock activities. Thus, the paper recommends for costly long-term breeding and genotype improvement programs, strategically changing the make-up of the current crop and livestock portfolios which appear to be an affordable and tailored solution for building risk resilience among agro-pastoral communities in the drylands.