Sustainable intensification of crop livestock integration systems in the Upper West Region of Ghana N. Karbo (Chairman) R. Abaidoo E.O. Otchere G. Gamor H. Abu S.S. Buah (secretary) M.S. Abdulai M. Abdulai Ben. Alenyorege I. Dzomeku
Dec 30, 2015
Sustainable intensification of crop livestock integration systems in the
Upper West Region of GhanaN. Karbo (Chairman)
R. Abaidoo
E.O. Otchere
G. Gamor
H. Abu
S.S. Buah (secretary)M.S. AbdulaiM. AbdulaiBen. AlenyoregeI. Dzomeku
For the first hour, the Group expected to come out with integrated research ideas (sequencing) that leverage the integration of crop/livestock/soil-water/nutrition/markets at household level.
- Develop a rich picture to explain how it works in an integrated way
- Present ideas after an hour
Task
Based on constraints, what do you see as key research areas to improve household productivity (crop-livestock-NRM-nutrition-markets)?
What available technologies and institutional arrangements do we have that can be integrated to improve productivity and NRM?
What specific activities will allow leveraging the power of integrated research?
- Which ones are region-specific?
- Which ones cut across regions
Task
Need to look at the interface among crops, livestock and soil and water relationships
Conceptual picture
Crops
Soil and water
Livestock
Access to land and water resources
- Project should collect secondary data (including case studies) to get a better understanding of the land and water issues in the region (i.e., land and water management/administration in the region) for integration.
Research ideas
Drought
Need to look at the weather forecasting systems in the region and improve upon it, if necessary.
Explore indigenous methods of weather forecasting
Research ideas
Are there adapted varieties for crop-livestock integration
Promotion of varieties that are drought tolerant or escape drought, e.g. quality protein maize varieties that produce good yield under drought and striga conditions.
Promotion of dual-purpose varieties – varieties that will produce fodder without comprising grain production
Introduction of vegetables
Research ideas
Causes of low productivity
Mindsets – Farmers consider farming as a way of life instead of a business entity
Poor soil fertility Striga infestation Pests and disease problems Weak extension system Labour constraints/distribution Poor farming practices High cost and accessibility to input
Research ideas
Integrating crop and livestock production offers ways to increase production while
protecting the environment.
Varieties, crop diversification,Weather forecasting?
Quality of crop residue?Marketability
Feed, health, genetics?
Quality and quantity etc?
Quality and quantity etc?
Nutritional qualities? Income. Value addition? Time allocation