Low income farmers in semi-arid tropics, such as in the low rainfall areas of southern India traditionally combine different activities to diversify livelihoods so as to reduce the impact of natural hazards like drought. The Acacia Leucophoea and Cenchrus Ciliaris sylvi-pastoral system is an integrated sylvi-pastoral farming system that provides adequate fodder for goats and sheep, along with firewood to meet household requirements. Annual crops like maize and sorghum can be grown between the tree rows, which helps to protect the soil, reduce soil erosion and diversify livelihoods. Forage grasses are planted between the tree rows to increase total fodder supply to animals. Trees also act as windbreaks. The objective of the practice is to reduce the risk of complete production loss in the case of droughts and helps to diversify the livelihoods of low-income farmers.