The Contribution Of Participation To The Grassland Research Of The Louis Bolk Institute,
2023
Louis Bolk Institute, The Netherlands
The Contribution Of Participation To The Grassland Research Of The Louis Bolk Institute, J. De Wit, T. Baars, N. Van Eekeren
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Participatory research methods are well described, but the contribution of participation to the R&D process often remains unreported. In this paper some benefits of participatory on-farm research (OFR) carried out by the Louis Bolk Institute (LBI) are highlighted.
Farmer-Driven Research For Developing Models Of Successful Low Input Dairy Farms Of Small To Medium Size In The American Midwest,
2023
University of Minnesota - Morris
Farmer-Driven Research For Developing Models Of Successful Low Input Dairy Farms Of Small To Medium Size In The American Midwest, D. G. Johnson, M. V. Rudstrom, R. Imdieke, E. Ballinger, G. J. Cuomo
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The dairy industry in the upper Midwest continues to evolve with a drastic reduction in the number of dairy farms with less than 100 cows that utilise tie-stall housing. Many of the farms that do remain are at a critical point where facilities require renovation or replacement that is not economic. Rural communities have fewer residents engaged in agriculture to participate in the local economy and the rural landscape includes many farm sites that are abandoned. Low input dairies are an alternative system developed by farmers as a grass-roots movement. Low input farms may include grazing, outdoor housing throughout the …
Management Of Gastro-Intestinal Parasite Pressure, Under Grazing In Organic Farms: Development Of A Decision Support System Through The Mobilisation Of A Participative Research Process,
2023
CRA-W, Belgium
Management Of Gastro-Intestinal Parasite Pressure, Under Grazing In Organic Farms: Development Of A Decision Support System Through The Mobilisation Of A Participative Research Process, D. Jamar, Virginie Decruyenaere, Y. Seutin, D. Stilmant, L. Perriaux, P. Stassart
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Under grazing, gastro-intestinal parasite management remains a major problem in ruminant production systems, more especially in systems respecting organic farming rules following their obligations (1) to perform grazing as soon as pedo-climatic conditions are adapted and (2) to use anti-parasitic products only in a curative way. Surprisingly, this problem has not been highlighted by the different stakeholders in the food chain from cattle meat production to consumption. This could arise from the lack of a clear and pertinent norm or infestation threshold that would allow differentiation between preventive and curative treatments. Such a norm would indicate to the breeder whether …
Organic Herbage Seed Production In Wales - Working With Farmers To Develop The Technology,
2023
Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, UK
Organic Herbage Seed Production In Wales - Working With Farmers To Develop The Technology, H. Mccalman, A. M. Marshall
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The National Assembly Government of Wales is providing incentives for organic farming through its agri -environment schemes and has set a target of 10% by 2010. The organic systems in Wales are grassland based, including some with crop rotations and grass-clover leys. Reseeding currently relies on 60% conventional seed, but this derogation to the organic standard of 100% will be removed by August 2005. Conventional methods of seed production are not acceptable under organic standards. Following farmer discussion group meetings highlighting the difficulty of sourcing and the cost of organic seed, a feasibility project to tackle some of the practical …
Farmer Adoption; Ten Years Of Productive Pasture Systems In Southern Australia,
2023
Department of Primary Industries, Australia
Farmer Adoption; Ten Years Of Productive Pasture Systems In Southern Australia, Geoffrey Saul, H. L. Quinn, J. T. Trompf
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
n Southern Australian sheep and beef farmers have been slow to adopt technology related to grazing management and pasture utilisation despite clear evidence of a strong link between utilisation (stock per ha) and profitability. Between 1971-95, the average stocking rate on farms was 10-12 dry sheep equivalent per hectare (dse/ha) (Anon 2004). Results from the Hamilton Long-term Phosphate Experiment (Cayley et al., 2002) show higher pasture production, herbage digestibility, stocking rates and profitability as phosphorus fertiliser applications increase. In 1993, the Grassland Productivity Program (GPP) started in the winter rainfall areas of southern Australia (Trompf & Sale 2000), initiated …
Participatory Development Of A Forage Grass Cultivar,
2023
USDA–ARS
Participatory Development Of A Forage Grass Cultivar, Michael D. Casler, P. G. Pitts, P. C. Bilkey, C. A. Rose-Fricker
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Perennial forage grasses exist in both nature and agriculture as a highly heterogeneous mixture of genotypes. Extreme environments, fluctuating environments, and severe managements can impose selection pressures that will result in loss of unadapted genotypes. Mortality of unadapted genotypes leads to dominance of fewer highly adapted genotypes which may be useful as superior germplasm in other similar environments.
Livestock Producers And Researchers - A Case Study Of An Effective Partnership,
2023
University of New England, Australia
Livestock Producers And Researchers - A Case Study Of An Effective Partnership, R. D. B. Whalley, I. H. Simpson, W. K. Mason
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The Sustainable Grazing Systems Programme (SGS) ran from 1996-2002 with 11 regional producer committees (Regional Producer Network - Simpson et al., 2003) and 6 research sites (National Experiment Andrew & Lodge, 2003) distributed throughout the high rainfall zone of temperate Australia. Each regional committee had a core of producers, with invited scientists and extension practitioners and a paid facilitator. The chair was always a producer and rotated annually. Each regional committee conducted a number of paddock-sized demonstrations of improved grazing management practices on a number of farms within the themes; grazing management and weeds, high input systems, innovative grazing …
Adoption Of Participatory Rural Appraisal: A Case Study From China,
2023
Massey University, New Zealand
Adoption Of Participatory Rural Appraisal: A Case Study From China, A. Chu, A. D. Meister, P. Guo, J. Reid, B. Nowak, S. Morris, John Hodgson, P. N. P. Matthews, P. Gregg, K. Cai, J. Xie, X. Y. Li
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
There are many models of technology transfer. They vary from the linear "scientist-extension worker-farmers" model to the integrative "natural resource management" model (Jiggins, 1993). International experience has shown that for small holding farmers in developing countries a farmer driven model based on participatory approaches (the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Model) is more effective and efficient.
On-Farm Research To Improve The Measure Of Variability Of Forage Production Across The Landscape For Evaluating Economic Risk In Forage-Based Enterprises,
2023
West Virginia University
On-Farm Research To Improve The Measure Of Variability Of Forage Production Across The Landscape For Evaluating Economic Risk In Forage-Based Enterprises, Ed B. Rayburn
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Experiment station trials provide forage crop mean yields and standard deviations (SD) useful in evaluating risk in forage production (Rayburn, 2003). However, in the northeast USA many of these sites are on valley soils atypical of hill-farms in the Appalachian Mountains. This study used on-farm and experiment station research to evaluate the variability of forage yield across a range of soils. This information was used in stochastic budgets to evaluate the economic risks in forage production on soils differing in yield potential.
Leygrain: A Participatory Action-Learning Model For Ley Pastures In Cropping Systems,
2023
PO Box 102, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia
Leygrain: A Participatory Action-Learning Model For Ley Pastures In Cropping Systems, D. L. Lloyd, B. Johnson, S. M. O'Brien
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Since the 1930s, crop/pasture rotation systems have been used in the wheat-sheep belt of temperate southern Australia to maintain the productivity and environmental sustainability of farming systems (Puckridge & French, 1983). Yet, in the northern grain belt of Australia, there is limited adoption of ley pastures, owing to inherently fertile and well-structured vertisol soils. However, soil fertility decline now costs the grain industry about $450 m per year. Legume-based leys are an option for improving soil OM and N and providing other benefits to cropping and livestock production systems (Lloyd et al., 1991). Despite strong one-on-one extension processes since …
Farmer-Directed On-Farm Experimentation Examining The Impact Of Companion Planting Barley And Oats On Timothy-Lucerne Forage Establishment In Central Newfoundland,
2023
University of Alberta, Canada
Farmer-Directed On-Farm Experimentation Examining The Impact Of Companion Planting Barley And Oats On Timothy-Lucerne Forage Establishment In Central Newfoundland, D. Spaner, A. G. Todd
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Growing barley or oats in the year of forage establishment is a common agronomic practice in marginal growing regions, but is often not recommended to growers in Newfoundland. Spaner & Todd (2003) reported that barley seeded at rates of 100-150 kg seed/ha and undersown with a timothy-clover mixture (harvested at mid-milk) resulted in the planting year in greater forage yield of poorer quality than pure-stand timothy-clover. A barley seeding rate of 100 kg seed/ha did not impede forage production in the subsequent year.
Use Of Forage Legumes To Restore Overgrazed Natural Grasslands In Uganda,
2023
Makerere University, Uganda
Use Of Forage Legumes To Restore Overgrazed Natural Grasslands In Uganda, Elly N. Sabiiti, S. Mugasi, F. B. Bareeba
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The natural grasslands of Uganda support over 95 % of the country's livestock. They are also used by wildlife and protect soil resources from heat and erosion. Unfortunately, the pastoral/agro-pastoral communities which derive their livelihoods from these grasslands have in turn degraded them through overgrazing and uncontrolled burning, thus lowering their productivity (pasture and animal production) and biodiversity. The natural grasses (e.g. Panicum maximum, Brachiaria brizantha, Setaria anceps, Themeda triandra) mature rapidly and lose quality. Furthermore, the indigenous legumes (e.g. Neonotonia wightii, Desmodium adcsendens, Indigofera errecta) are less persistent and productive to maintain feed quality and hence animal …
Carbon Sequestration In Desertified Rangelands Of Hossein-Abad, Iran: A Participatory Approach,
2023
Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Management Organization, Iran
Carbon Sequestration In Desertified Rangelands Of Hossein-Abad, Iran: A Participatory Approach, F. Amiraslani
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The Hossein-abad (H.A) area is located in Southern Khorasan Province of Iran and covers some 148,000 ha. This is one of the poorest regions in the country and has a large area of degraded rangelands. Following a request from local people and in line with national and global goals, a carbon sequestration initiative has been funded by I.R.Iran and GEF(Global Environmental Facility) from April 2003. The objective is to promote and model carbon sequestration through developing range species in cooperation with local people and using a participatory approach. The immediate target beneficiaries are the people living in the project area …
Herders And Wetland Degradation In Northern Cameroon,
2023
University of Dschang, Cameroon
Herders And Wetland Degradation In Northern Cameroon, E. Tedonkeng Pamo, F. Tendonkeng, J. R. Kana
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Livestock rearing in Northern Cameroon is carried out under two majors systems: the nomadic and the transhumance production systems (Pamo & Pamo, 1991). Nomadism is the practice of wandering from place to place, while transhumance involves seasonal displacement of flocks from one area to another by herders. These production systems involved large grazing areas, which may encompass different ecosystems. The Yaére, the only wetland of the northern Cameroon, is the major dry season grazing lands for livestock and wildlife. The main characteristic of this wetland is that the whole area is excluded from grazing during the growing season as a …
Grazing Prohibition Programme And Sustainable Development Of Grassland In China,
2023
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China
Grazing Prohibition Programme And Sustainable Development Of Grassland In China, X. Y. Hou, L. Yang
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Prohibition of grazing is now the main grassland management measure in China. From 1999, prohibition of grazing has been implemented on a trial basis in some areas. From 2001, the grazing prohibition programme (GPP) has been carried out in five provinces (Shaanxi, Gansu, Hebei, Jilin and Yunnan) and two autonomous regions (Inner Mongolia and Ningxia), with the objective of protecting and restoring grassland by seasonal or yearly banning of grazing with subsidiary assistances. The area within which grazing was prohibited of 2.93×107 ha in 2001 was increased to over 3.33×107 ha in 2004. With a view to improving …
Degraded Rangeland: Can The Balance Be Restored In The Absence Of Satisfactory Range Management Practices?,
2023
Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, South Africa
Degraded Rangeland: Can The Balance Be Restored In The Absence Of Satisfactory Range Management Practices?, F. J. Mitchell, R. G. Bennett, B. D. Forbes, R. N. Reynolds
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The rangelands of KwaZulu-Natal play a fundamental role in the wealth and security of communal populations who are dependent on these forage-producing lands for their livelihoods. In most communal areas of the Province, there is an absence of satisfactory range management practices and the utilization of resources is generally non-sustainable. A major threat to the productivity of rangeland is inappropriate land use, such as overgrazing and incorrect burning practices, leading to extensive degradation of both the vegetative and soil components. Range vegetation and soil reserves show vastly reduced productivity. Degradation also results in increased susceptibility to erosion, loss of vegetative …
Contribution Of Grasses To Soil Fertility And Improved Livelihoods,
2023
Capital Research Center, Nepal
Contribution Of Grasses To Soil Fertility And Improved Livelihoods, G. P. Ojha, B. K. Dhital
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Vegetable farming is increasing in Nepal as it provides better economic returns than growing other crops, especially in areas that have easy access to markets. Vegetable farming demands intensive care and balanced supplies of nutrients. Therefore, farmers cultivate vegetables near their residence and because vegetable growing is more profitable, farmers allocate more resources, including organic manure, for its cultivation. In general, using more organic manure on vegetables means that less organic manure is available for non-vegetable crops and farms, unless alternative arrangements are made for producing more organic manure or manure of higher quality.
Transhumance In Protected Areas In Benin,
2023
University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin
Transhumance In Protected Areas In Benin, E. A. Sogbohossou, Marcel Houinato, C. Tamou, K. Sounkere, Brice Sinsin
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Every year, protected areas and regions in West Africa receive transhumant herds. This movement of herds from the dry zone (the Sahelian region) to more humid costal zones is a tradition for the Fulani people. In general, protected areas in West Africa are located at the border of the Sahelian zones through which most transhumants must pass. This periodic movement has an impact on natural resources and the people in the reception zones, especially around and in the protected areas. The objectives of the study were to define and describe the type of transhumant cattle breeding systems around these protected …
Sustaining The Multi-Functionality Of The Zamfara Reserve In Semi-Arid Nigeria: What Is The Role Of Co-Management?,
2023
Usman Danfodiyo University, Nigeria
Sustaining The Multi-Functionality Of The Zamfara Reserve In Semi-Arid Nigeria: What Is The Role Of Co-Management?, B. F. Umar
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Unhealthy competition and conflicts among the diverse users (herders, farmers, fishermen, etc.) of the natural resources (pasture, water, land, etc.) in the Zamfara reserve, Nigeria have undermined the reserve's capacity to serve its intended multi-functional roles. The reserve (3, 650 km2), which was established in 1919 with 4 enclave villages where farmers live and cultivate crops, was meant also to provide pasture and water for Fulani herdsmen. Vast numbers of people are, however, becoming landless or near landless in the reserve. Powerful non-local actors are forcing their way into the reserve area and are extracting resources with no respect to …
Land Subdivision, Heterogeneity, And Declining Food Security For African Pastoralists,
2023
Colorado State University
Land Subdivision, Heterogeneity, And Declining Food Security For African Pastoralists, R. B. Boone
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Pastoral livestock inhabit landscapes that are spatially heterogeneous and have forage patches that pulse in their value to animals. Mobile pastoralists have evolved movement patterns to maximize use of these ephemeral food sources. In pastoral communities across Africa, changes in land tenure policy and socioeconomic pressures have caused pastoralists to decrease their mobility. Pastoralists recognize that shrinking access to land reduces their options to find forage, and theory suggests that the capacity of land to support herbivores decreases as a power of the square root of area accessible. We used ecosystem modelling in South Africa and Kenya to quantify declines …
