H.M.J. Udo

Assessment of the contribution of sustainability indicators to sustainable development: a novel approach using fuzzy set theory

As a consequence of the impact of sustainability on agricultural production systems, a standardized framework to monitor sustainable development would have great practical utility. The objective of this paper is to introduce fuzzy set theory and develop fuzzy mathematical models to assess sustainable development based on context-dependent economic, ecological, and societal sustainability indicators. Membership functions are at the core of fuzzy models, and define the degree to which indicators contribute to development. Although a decision-making process regarding sustainable development is subjective, fuzzy set theory links human expectations about development, expressed in linguistic propositions, to numerical data, expressed in measurements of sustainability indicators. In the future, practical implementation of such models will be based on elicitation of expert knowledge to construct a membership function. The fuzzy models developed in this paper provide a novel approach to support decisions regarding sustainable development.

Comparative analysis of village chicken production in two farming systems in Burkina Faso

This study aimed to describe and compare village chicken production in two farming systems in Burkina Faso. The systems were those in which crops and livestock production were, respectively, the most important. A rapid rural appraisal preceded a monitoring study in which data were collected fortnightly for 2 months. The study revealed that village chickens are used as sacrifices, gifts and objects of exchange for traditional medicine, or are sold for a little money under both systems. Chicken production is a free-range procedure in both farming systems, but there are differences in management. On average, the flock size was 33.5±3 birds, of which 57% were chicks. During the period of 2 months in the rainy season, the overall mortality was relatively low (8.8%±1.5) but mortality in chicks was high (31.7%). The main cause of financial loss in the village chickens was mortality, which represented up to 84% of the total exits. The hatching rate and mortality in young chicks differed significantly (p<0.05) between the two farming systems.

Effect of timing and duration of grazing of growing cattle in the West African Sahel on diet selection, faecal output, eating time, forage intake and live-weight changes and nutrition and performance of cattle

Sixty-four Azawak male weaned calves were allotted to eight treatments (T) in two trials to study the effect of timing (day or day-and-night) and duration of grazing on diet selection, faecal output, eating time, forage intake and weight changes. Grazing time during the day was 6 h for T 1, 2 and 3; 9 h for T 4, 5 and 6; and 12 h for T 7 and 8. Night grazing time was 0 h for T 1, 4 and 7; 3 h for T 2, 5 and 8; and 6 h for T 3 and 6. The trials were conducted from July 1995 to May 1996 covering the wet (WS), early dry (EDS) and late dry (LDS) seasons. Eight oesophageally fistulated steers were used in a cross-over design to sample the diet selected by day-grazers (D1) and by day-and-night-grazers during the day (D2) and at night (N2). Forage intake was determined from individual data on faecal output from all the calves and means of in vitro organic matter digestibility of extrusa of the fistulated steers. Water intake and eating time were measured in LDS. In WS there were no differences (P > 0?05) in the quality of the diet (extrusa) selected for D1, D2 and N2. In LDS, crude protein content for D1 was lower than for D2 (73 v. 79 (s.e. 2) g/kg dry matter, P < 0?05). In all seasons, faecal output and forage intake increased with total duration of grazing. Total time spent eating increased linearly with increasing total time allowed for grazing. These results suggest that allowing additional grazing time during the night leads to increased forage intake and consequently provides an opportunity for better animal production, especially in the dry season

A simulation model to assess productivity of goat production in the tropics.

Abstract A dynamic, stochastic, feed-driven model has been developed in response to the recommendation of model livestock systems so that the interrelationships of production parameters and their effect on productivity can be elucidated. It enables the productivity of goat meat flocks to be investigated. The model simulates the performance of the individual animal within the flock so that the effect of changes in feed intake or herd dynamics on production traits and, hence, productivity can be assessed. A sensitivity analysis singled out adult weight and weight and age at sexual maturity as the most important breed characteristics. Validation of the model with data from southwestern Nigeria showed that the model functions satisfactorily. The testing of the innovations shows how the model can be used to test the possible effect of interventions, even if, as is often the case in the tropics, not all input parameters are fully known.

Labour not land constrains agricultural production and food self-sufficiency in maize-based smallholder farming systems in Mozambique

Despite abundant land and favourable climatic conditions, Mozambique remains food insecure. We investigated the diversity, constraints and opportunities to increase smallholder productivity and achieve food self-sufficiency in maize-based farming systems in two Posts in central Mozambique. We identified four farm types in each village based on cultivated area and labour. Farm type 1 cultivated relatively large areas, owned cattle and hired in labour. Farm type 2 cultivated moderate areas and both hired in and hired out labour. Farms of type 3a and 3b cultivated the smallest areas. Farm type 3a shared labour while Farm type 3b only hired out labour. For each farm type, we calculated land and labour productivities of maize, sunflower and sesame and assessed maize self-sufficiency. Access to labour during weeding was the main constraint. The hiring out of labour by small farms caused severe reductions in both land and labour productivity. Yield reductions on these farms were due to delayed weeding in own fields. In one Post, Farm type 3b was not maize self-sufficient. Labour quality was probably impaired by excess alcohol consumption among the poorer farmers (both men and women). Our results showed that production can be increased based on current agricultural practices. Farmers did not cultivate all of their land, suggesting that lack of labour constrained intensification by smallholder farmers.

Cattle Farming at the Wildlife/Livestock Interface: Assessment of Costs and Benefits Adjacent to Kruger National Park, South Africa

This study examined the extent and magnitude of cattle loss to wildlife depredation and diseases and also considered the benefits from the park for households adjacent to Kruger National Park. Data were from interviews with 540 randomly sampled households, inspection of records, and focus-group discussions. Households in villages close to the park reported higher incidence of livestock depredation (32%) than those further from the park (13%). Livestock diseases described by farmers included foot-and-mouth and heartwater. A partial budget was used to compare costs incurred and benefits derived by households. Mean annual costs of wildlife/livestock interactions, taking into account benefits associated with proximity to the park, averaged US

Dynamics of Small Ruminant Production A Case Study of Central Java, Indonesia

34 per household. Farmers viewed wildlife as an obstacle to cattle farming. Mechanisms to reduce effects of wildlife damages and increase livelihood benefits of coexistence with wildlife for households and the community are suggested.

Relevance of farmyard animals to rural development.

Indonesia is a country where small ruminants play an important role in the livelihoods of rural people and in the populations religious festivities. This paper presents driving forces for small ruminant development in Central Java, from both historical and current perspectives. Agro-ecological conditions and the intensification of land use have had a major impact on the type of small ruminants kept and on the management of animals. Conditions in the household, household members and time available are major factors determining whether or not farmers keep small ruminants. The prospects for small ruminants, in particular goats, are most promising in the uplands.

Fat-tailed sheep in Indonesia; an essential resource for smallholders

The relevance of farmyard animal development activities is debatable. Is there a middle course that can be followed between free-ranging systems, where animals have to fend for themselves, and large-scale commercial units? From a technical point of view there are many possibilities for increasing production in free-ranging or semi-commercial farmyard animal keeping in developing countries. The inputs required and the increase in production mean that farmers will have to become more market-oriented, and to compete with other small farmers and large-scale operators. It is of the utmost importance that the socio-economic setting for farmyard animal interventions is properly understood and appreciated.

Effect of nocturnal grazing and supplementation on diet selection, eating time, forage intake and weight changes of cattle

This paper discusses the historical development of fat-tailed sheep in Indonesia, the dynamics of production systems, production and reproduction performances under farmers’ conditions, and roles of sheep in livelihoods. In the eighteenth and nineteenth century, fat-tailed sheep from southwest Asia and Africander sheep from South Africa were introduced. Crossing of fat-tailed sheep with the local thin-tailed sheep produced the Javanese fat-tailed sheep. Main motives for the gradual change-over to fat-tailed sheep have been their potential larger body size and the preference of consumers for their meat. Management systems are changing in response to the intensification of land use. The reproductive performances of fat-tailed sheep are good. Households keep four to six animals, housed close to the family quarters. This results in very high levels of faecal bacteria contamination of drinking water sources. Sheep provide a small income, manure, security and help to accumulate capital. Sheep also play a key role in religious festivities. Farmers hardly profit from the increased demand for the feast of sacrifice; animals are sold mainly when the owners have urgent cash needs. Systematic sheep fattening can contribute to higher economic results, if sufficient family labour and crop residues are available.