21 Jan 2003 13:30
Unit:
Wageningen University
Location:
Aula (gebouw 362), Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Promotor:
prof.dr. A.J. van der Zijpp (Animal Production Systems)
Co Promotor:
dr.ir. H.M.J. Udo, dr. B. Thorpe (International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya)
The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of the intensification of farming systems on the dynamics of smallholder dairy herds in the Kenya highlands in order to better understand the constraints to, and opportunities for, the continued intensification of smallholder dairying. Intensification through integrating dairy with crop production and shifting from free-grazing to semi-zero- or zero-grazing (stall feeding) faces many constraints. These include the pressures of continuously shrinking landholdings, worsening soil fertility and reduced access to formerly public delivered livestock input and output services, while imported nutrients remain relatively low and other job opportunities remain lacking. The study identifies the drivers of intensification, highlights the dangers involved in pursuing intensification and provides insights into research and development needs necessary if development agencies are to effectively support the continued intensification to the benefit of smallholder farmers.
Intensification requires increased use of external resources for which affordable working capital is essential. A rational policy is to promote intensification only when other dairy production systems capable of producing replacement stock are functional. Breeding policies would meet the needs of smallholders if the breeding goal were broadened to include more milk, adaptability to local feed conditions and diseases, and the provision of non-marketed production such as manure, insurance and financing roles of cattle. Technology uptake, however, depends upon household’s economy.
Implications of results arising from this work will be discussed further in a coming seminar on Dynamics of smallholder farming: with particular emphasis on Kenya highlands on Wednesday 22, 2003, at International Agricultural Centre, Wageningen.