A Review of Mixed Farming Systems in the Semi-Arid Zone of Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Research in the past has tended to concentrate on specialized systems of crop or livestock production. Recent drought experience in Africa has however re-emphasized the complementary economic roles of livestock and crops in contributing to household viability, especially during crop failures. The objectives of this study were to: (1) regionalize the semiarid zone of sub-Saharan Africa into environmentally homogeneous units to which particular mixed farming systems may be assigned; (2) to propose a taxonomy of mixed farming systems; inventory a range of representative mixed farming systems characterized in the literature; and to review contemporary trends with respect to environmental management. The study is intended to facilitate the targeting of ILCA's research programmes which aim to increase the productivity and maximize the economic and environmental sustainability of farming systems. (CAB Abstract)