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Integrated Crop–livestock Management Systems in Sub-saharan Africa

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Abstract

This paper outlines the advantages of integrated crop–livestock systems and unsolved problems that need to be studied further. The discussion is subdivided by ecozone with consideration of arid and dry semi-arid areas with extensive livestock management; moist semi-arid and semi-humid areas where integrated crop–livestock systems are common; and humid areas where swine and poultry often predominate. To maintain soil organic matter in all ecozones, efficient recovery and use of nutrients from animal manures, crop residues and green manures is essential. In extensive systems in dry zones, animals transport nutrients from grazing areas to cropland, while in moister regions that are more intensively farmed, the emphasis is on the efficiency of nutrient recovery. Specific research questions relating to the overall ecosystem, nutrient cycling, plants, and animals are posed.

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  1. Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA (e-mail

    Alice N. Pell

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Pell, A.N. Integrated Crop–livestock Management Systems in Sub-saharan Africa. Environment, Development and Sustainability 1, 337–348 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010035123959

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