Foro Global sobre Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (Foro FSN)

Regarding sustainable small scale livestock production, my concern is: are we dealing with pure livestock operations or mixed livestock crop operations. If mixed an important concern is the interaction between the livestock and crop enterprises. This would include the extent the livestock are providing draft power for the crops. This in an adverse economic environment that can often have severe labor shortages aggravated by a major undernourishment of that labor. It should be noted that a full day of agricultural labor, either animal, crop, or combination can require 4000 kcal/day when most smallholder farmers only have access to 2500 kcal/day. Which, when allowing 2000 kcal for basic metabolism, allows only 500 kcal for work, good for only 2 hours of diligent effort working with either livestock or crops. Thus, time devoted to livestock is time taken from crops, and conversely time devoted to crops is at the expense of livestock.

Thus, in this labor shortage environment farmers are not interested in maximizing returns to livestock or maximizing returns to crops. Instead, they are interested in maximizing total returns to all farm enterprises, deliberately reducing management on one enterprise to enhance returns to another. Isn’t this the rational thing to do?

Unfortunately, those assisting farmers tend to be focused on their specific concern, either as animal scientists or agronomists and have difficulty appreciating the compromises the farmers must make in managing both to optimize the returns from each while maximize the total returns.

When in Ethiopia which has extensive livestock component among their smallholder farmers, I had some discussions with groups of farmers was able to estimate the daily allocation of time for each. Also, you might want to consider the drag on both livestock and crops when livestock is utilized for draft. This is a deceptively expensive source of draft mostly in terms of daily time caring for the animals regardless of if working that day, and the extra land required for forage. Again, in Ethiopia one farmer mentioned if he had reliable access to contract tractors, he would get rid of some of his animals and plow extra land for crops.  

Please review the following webpages:

https://agsci.colostate.edu/smallholderagriculture/calorie-energy-balance-risk-averse-or-hunger-exhasution/

https://agsci.colostate.edu/smallholderagriculture/ethiopia-diet-analysis/

I hope this is helpful to the total discussion.

Thank you.

Objectives:  

• Additional bullet point - Further Highlight the role, importance of livestock production systems for smallholders in developing and emerging economies and the vital role such systems play in contributing to agro-ecological balance, landscape management use and utilization of marginal resources, particularly in the light of threats to pastoralists systems of livestock production. 

Nature and Scope 

• Should highlight and focus on the economic , cultural and social importance of livestock production systems among smallholders and the valuable contributions made to livelihoods and equal importance be given to such systems, their resiliency and their sustainability as proven systems  appropriate for given agro-ecological zones and that not only are they economically important , particularly in fragile environments  but they play a heavy and significant role in both cultural and social norms of communities and societies which is often overlooked to the detriment of the system and its practitioners and to the wide state level actors. In addition, greater awareness and importance, be given to traditional knowledge and practices (particularly around pastoralist systems) and to State actors being flexible in creating the environment for such practices to operate.  

Dear colleagues

I am happy to read the great comments ....

Having worked for many years at the grass-root, especially on promoting easy access to finance, we have noticed several evidences in rural areas where many poor households, unable to afford to buy livestock (e.g, goat, sheep, etc), receive the mother goat from relatively wealthy households, take care of (feed, etc) the goat, and every new born need to be shared between the ''lender'' and the ''borrower'' (which often involve women household heads).... In terms of credit ''interest rate'' this could imply significant level of exploitation... So in many contexts like rural Africa, deepening access to finance should be one of the top priorities.

.For the very poor, livestock (especially sheep/goat and poultry) constitute a significant portion of their asset. Yet, they have little or no access to improved varieties, no access to appropriate extension, medical services, business support, etc. Especially in pastoral areas where infrastructure (road, electricity, etc) is very poor, there is low incentive for the ''last mile'' service provider (who are critical to directly serve the farmer) to work there. So even where the financial service providers are available, such livestock owners represent high risk, and are much less credit-worthy. 

Significant portion of all efforts to enhance access to finance in rural areas focused on ''micro-credit'' (assuming that every poor is a potential ''entrepreneur'') and much less attention has been given to savings services, which are highly valued services especially for women as a means of exercising ''control'' of hard earned income. There are growing evidences that (especially in patriarchal communities) women who are not sure of being able to control their income through tailored saving services, would be reluctant to apply for loan services, even when such services are available nearby, and easily available....

As mentioned in other comments, ''holistic'' services are required, and service providers need to integrate their services to deliver impactful services to these households. Indeed, serving rural households living in scattered settlements is very costly. The good news is that the Grameen Bank style ''group lending'' (as well as the other Self Help Group models) managed to managed to organize borrowers every month, and every week for the purpose of saving and credit. This represent a convenient ''platform'' for other service providers (e.g extension service, etc) to forward their awareness creation, service provision etc, for a congregation of rural people -- without having to face the mobilization cost.... In most cases, however, this is not happening. The private sector remains less involved in many rural contexts.

My perspectives on these and related issues are also detailed in my recent interviews, Podcasts at the following events:

https://www.findevgateway.org/finequity/interview/2023/05/member-spotli…

https://www.farm-d.org/interview/farm-d-podcast-episode-3-the-use-of-ru…

https://app.swapcard.com/event/financial-inclusion-week-2023/planning/U…

Looking forward to learn more

Regards, Getaneh ([email protected])

Objectives: Regarding the objectives, I think the second objective may not be easily fulfilled as the typical constraints are not the same globally because the issues are highly variable regionally. The primary conditions for people of different South Asian countries may be identical but may be totally different from those of Central and East Asia. For example, in the South Asian region, small-scale livestock maintenance is carried out mainly by the poor sector of the community who may not have sufficient land to maintain animals, whereas in Central Asia where small-scale livestock maintenance is primarily based on common pastures where the central issue is lack of fodder. Therefore, it would be better to gather such typical constraints region-wise.

Sustainable Enhancement of Small-Scale Livestock Productivity in Pakistan – Need, Scope, Nature, and Development Process

Executive Summary:

This comprehensive report addresses the critical issue of sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity in Pakistan. The document explores the pressing need for intervention, the scope of such initiatives, the nature of challenges faced by small-scale livestock farmers, and outlines a proposed development process to achieve sustainable improvements.

1. Introduction:

Small-scale livestock farming plays a crucial role in Pakistan's rural economy, providing livelihoods for a significant portion of the population. However, several challenges hinder the productivity and sustainability of these practices. This report aims to shed light on the need for intervention, the potential scope of improvements, the nature of challenges faced, and a strategic development process to enhance small-scale livestock productivity sustainably.

2. Need for Intervention:

Livelihood Support: Small-scale livestock farming is often a primary source of income for rural households. Improvements in productivity can contribute significantly to poverty alleviation and economic development.

Food Security: Livestock products constitute a vital component of the diet in Pakistan. Enhancing productivity can contribute to improved food security at both the household and national levels.

Market Competitiveness: Improving the productivity of small-scale livestock farming can enhance the competitiveness of local products in domestic and international markets.

3. Scope of Improvement:

Breeding Programs: Implementing selective breeding programs to enhance the genetic potential of livestock breeds commonly found in small-scale farming.

Nutrition Management: Introducing better nutrition management practices to optimize feed efficiency and enhance the overall health of livestock.

Healthcare Interventions: Implementing disease control and prevention measures to reduce mortality rates and improve overall herd health.

Capacity Building: Providing training and extension services to small-scale farmers to enhance their knowledge and skills in modern livestock management practices.

4. Nature of Challenges:

Limited Resources: Small-scale farmers often face resource constraints, limiting their ability to invest in improved breeding stock, quality feed, and veterinary care.

Lack of Knowledge: Traditional practices may not align with modern, sustainable methods. Farmers may lack access to information and training on improved livestock management.

Market Access: Limited access to markets and value chains hampers the economic sustainability of small-scale livestock farming.

5. Development Process:

Baseline Assessment: Conduct a thorough baseline assessment of small-scale livestock farming systems, including breed characteristics, feeding practices, health conditions, and market access.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners to create a collaborative framework for sustainable development.

Capacity Building: Implement training programs for small-scale farmers, extension workers, and veterinary professionals to enhance their capacity in modern livestock management practices.

Research and Development: Invest in research to develop and disseminate improved breeds, feed formulations, and disease management strategies tailored to the local context.

Market Integration: Facilitate linkages between small-scale farmers and markets, promoting value addition and ensuring fair market access.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track the progress of interventions and make informed adjustments based on feedback and results.

6. Conclusion:

Sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity in Pakistan is not only a developmental necessity but also a pathway to achieving broader economic and social goals. This report outlines the imperative for intervention, the potential scope of improvements, the nature of challenges faced, and a strategic development process. By addressing these aspects comprehensively, Pakistan can embark on a journey toward a more resilient and productive small-scale livestock sector.

Prof. Dr. Amanullah

 Voluntary guidance tool for the sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity – Need, scope, nature, and development process

"I consider that a characteristic that often defines small-scale producers is also the longer production cycles, a point I wanted to bring into consideration. In addition, infrastructure, for example, emerges as an important issue. With less infrastructure, management and productivity are limited.

In Paraguay, one of the effects of this approach can be identified: it becomes a source of money savings that can be used in case of any needs, such as sending children to study. Since the country lacks access to the sea, limiting protein sources, small-scale producers play a crucial role in providing essential proteins for local consumption.

Furthermore, it is crucial to assess natural resources and establish monitoring methods to ensure their sustainability, as they are crucial for production. Among the associated benefits is the possibility of linking the sale of locally produced and value-added products to a tourist attraction.

The lack of data at this level is a significant point that hinders policies. I consider that understanding vulnerability is important because in difficult situations, small-scale producers are the ones who have the most difficulty recovering."

This is an important document and seems to be coming at the right time when clarifications are needed concerning the term "smale-scale livestock". Clarity of the nuances relating to various systems of livestock is highly desired from many perspectives - policy, decision-making, economics and practice. I therefore commend the authors and the people behind this initiative. 

Meanwhile, kindly consider changing some information already presented as texts in this document to tables. Also, farmers and pastoralists were presented to mean different groups in this document. It would be great to reconsider these two groups as not uniquely different but as rather intertwined groups of people. Some pastoralists are also farmers, it can be said.

I think this topic is important and we need it seriously.

most of small scale farmers are destroying month by month

they need our emergency consideration

Voluntary guidance tool for the sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity – Need, scope, nature, and development process", 

With respect to Sri Lankan context;

Small-scale livestock producers contribute more to livestock production than medium or large-scale producers in Sri Lanka. In recent research, we have found that women are the key contributors to small-scale livestock management and production.

The majority of the small-scale farmers rear livestock under an extensive management system. There is a lot of potential at the village level for small-scale farmers to rear livestock. Availability of grazing grounds & water, low labour cost due to participation of family members, market facilities and low cost of production are the major potentials. Similarly, there is potential to popularize these livestock species among the women in the villages as many are facing issues with day-to-day household management due to the present economic crisis and lack of employment opportunities. It will also be beneficial as a source of nutrition and to overcome malnutrition issues among young children and pregnant women in addition to the empowerment of village women.

There is a demand for poultry meat and eggs and also for live animal sales at the village level. Male farmers are comparatively more market-oriented than female farmers. However, the middleman influence is the main issue. Sometimes the market is in the city and the farmer has to incur a considerable cost for the transport of products to the village.

Social issues within the villages sometimes act as a barrier to popularizing small-scale livestock production. For an example, even though the consumption of meat and eggs is popular among all three communities, the Buddhist community would challenge the slaughtering of livestock within the village and that will affect the Muslim and Tamil communities within the village. Because the (micro) livestock are mainly reared by Muslim and Tamil communities compared to the Buddhist community in most parts of the country. In addition, the smell of livestock (houses) is also objected to by some villagers discouraging the engagement of farmers in livestock rearing.

Most of the small-scale livestock producers undertake livestock production as a secondary activity. Then the attention and care for the animal are less and as a result, the expected output may not be obtained. In many parts of Sri Lanka milk is collected only during the morning sessions. Thus, the farmers milk the cows only once per day. Further, the cost of concentrate feed ingredients is unbearable to the farmer. As a result, some farmers reduce their daily portions or avoid feeding concentrates totally. This condition was severe after the economic crisis.

Further, the support from the stakeholder government institutes is minimal mainly for small-scale micro livestock (less popular livestock namely goat, sheep and indigenous poultry species such as village chicken, ducks and other poultry) producers. In contrast, non-governmental organizations are more of assistance in this regard compared to government institutes.

Poor attitudes of some livestock farmers also affect the sustainability of the livestock sector. Some farmers are adamant about training on livestock-related activities. And always expects financial support from the institutes. Record keeping, dry cow feeding, and maintenance of sanitary conditions at the farm are not practised by the majority of these small-scale farmers. Feeding management is poor during the dry season compared to the wet season. As a result, a continuous production is not maintained. The main issue nowadays is the lack of attention from the veterinary officers and staff on these small-scale farms. Most of the time they do not visit these farms regularly and pay less attention to these farms.

Government policies on the livestock sector also affect the sustainability of the sector. Policy on the importation of eggs severely affected the layer farmers and some have left the farming industry or converted to broiler farming.

Thus, the above issues faced by small-scale farmers in developing countries should be considered when developing a voluntary guidance tool for the sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity.

S.C. Somasiri (PhD)

Department of Animal and Food Sciences

Faculty of Agriculture

Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

Small scale livestock in the semi tropical Amazon region of Bolivia has a great potential to improve the income of indigenous and peasant families that are being benefitted with access to land . In that sense, however, it is needed to accompany the structural improvement with new proper cattle and pastures mangement technologies, focusing on sustainability and environment impact as well as integrating the production activities into local chain values. Recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of moving from extensive to semi - intensive systems the feeding of the livestock. Additionally, it is noticed the lack of enough involment of local government institutions to promote the incorporation of small farmers into the local strategic economic chains.