Livestock production systems and livestock development in tropical Africa

This book, written from the viewpoint of an economist, synthesizes data accumulated by ILCA. Following an introductory overview, quantitative data on the resources engaged in livestock production in Tropical Africa, as a whole, by different ecological zones, and by level of tsetse infestation, are provided. Livestock production (meat, milk, and egg production; hide, skins, pelts, horns; dung as fuel and fertilizer; etc.) is then characterized by country and by ecological zone. Next, livestock development to date is examined and development considerations are linked to a typology of livestock production systems. This typology, adapted from Ruthenberg"s classification of tropical farming systems, includes: pastoral range systems; lowland and highland crop-livestock systems; ranching; and landless systems (the latter focusing on pigs, poultry, and intensive beef fattening). The general characteristics of each system are described, production and productivity levels are characterized, and specific development possibilities are outlined. Finally, conclusions for livestock development planning that go beyond specific systems are discussed. Attention is given to the role of, limitations of, and context for planning; specific strategies are discussed and the importance of monitoring stressed. A 253-item bibliography (1906-1981), 75 tables, and 18 figures are included.