The categories of livestock systems and the contribution of livestock to food security and nutrition in developing countries are well described in section 2.3, pages 30-35 of the draft report. That is, mixed crop-livestock systems produce 65% of beef, 75% of milk and 50% of lamb. Literature also indicates an efficient cycling of nutrients among crops, animals and soil is crucial to the sustained productivity of low-input mixed farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa where constraints including access to agricultural inputs such as fertilizer and improved seed are limited and nutrient balances or the difference between nutrient inputs and harvests are negative for many production systems. Livestock can contribute to efficient nutrient cycling as well as avert the nutrient imbalances (Powel et al 1995). A number of studies as reported by FAO XXX also reveal that farmers engaged in mixed crop–livestock production earn half or more of their cash income from animal products. Livestock play an important role in conservation agriculture practices. Citing literature, comparing Conservation Agriculture and Conventional draft (CD) tillage practices in Zambia showed that labour productivity (Kg/day) for the Magoye Ripper was higher (US$47.61) than the Conventional draft tillage (US$30.27), FAO (2010). The returns to labour for using the Magoye Ripper (US$2.65) were as well higher than the conventional draft (US$1.28). It is worth noting the riipers are drawn by cattle(oxen). See Document attached for more information.
FAO. 2010. Cultivating Sustainable Livelihoods: Socio-Economic Impacts of Conservation Agriculture in Southern Africa. FAO-Regional Emergency Office for Southern Africa (REOSA)
Powell J M, Fernández-Rivera S, Williams T O and Renard C (eds). 1995. Livestock and Sustainable Nutrient Cycling in Mixed Farming Systems of sub-Saharan Africa. Volume II: Technical Papers. Proceedings of an International Conference held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 22–26 November 1993. ILCA (International Livestock Centre for Africa), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 568 pp.
Peter John Opio