Assisting smallholder farmers in mixed crop-livestock systems to understand the potential effects of technologies and climate change through participatory modeling

Masikati, P and Van Rooyen, A F and Homann-Kee Tui, S (2013) Assisting smallholder farmers in mixed crop-livestock systems to understand the potential effects of technologies and climate change through participatory modeling. In: 22nd International Grasslands Congress, 15 - 19 September 2013, Sydney.

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Abstract

Smallholder farming systems in the semi-arid areas of Zimbabwe are characterized by low production. This low production is not solely due to lack of technologies but also due to a lack of integrating a diversity of viewpoints belonging to local, expert and specialized stakeholders during technology development. Participatory approaches combined with computer-based modeling are increasingly being recognized as valuable approaches to jointly develop sustainable agricultural pathways. The paper discusses the application of this integrated and iterative process in developing and evaluating the impact of interventions aimed at improving food and feed production. The paper concludes that the process allows farmers to determine the impact of their decisions, evaluate new options and define realistic production and management options tailored to their particular circumstances. While in-turn scientists and other stakeholders learn more about the farmers’ decision-making process, input and managerial potentials as well as knowledge gaps.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Divisions: UNSPECIFIED
CRP: UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords: participatory, modeling, crop-livestock systems, APSIM
Subjects: Others > Agriculture-Farming, Production, Technology, Economics
Others > Climate Change
Depositing User: Mr Siva Shankar
Date Deposited: 31 Jan 2014 03:47
Last Modified: 11 Nov 2016 10:04
URI: http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/7462
Acknowledgement: UNSPECIFIED
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