Manure has been used as a fertilizer since ancient times and if well-managed it can be an asset, promoting sustainable agriculture, and increasing crop production, particularly for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, most farmers in SSA do not apply recommended manure management practices, such as roofing animal housing, having a waterproof floor or covering manure during storage, causing large nutrient losses during manure storage, increasing greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing the quality of the manure as a fertilizer. This paper compares manure management practices in representative SSA countries, and summarizes government policies and socio-cultural practices that influence the adoption of good (recommended) manure management practices. Three steps were applied in this analysis: (i) review of manure management practices from various literature sources, (ii) interviews on manure management practices and policies with key stakeholders from 13 SSA countries, and (iii) surveys of manure management practices on small, medium, and large scale farms in Ethiopia and Malawi. The review confirms the potential of manure to improve crop yields and promote sustainable agriculture in SSA. Unfortunately, most SSA countries (a) do not explicitly mention manure management in their policies (b) have different ministries that share responsibilities on manure management, often leading to incoherent policies and abnegation of these responsibilities (c) take limited action to promote good practices or enforce legislation on manure management. Also, the field survey indicated that farmers lack knowledge on manure management. However, farmers are able to access agricultural extension services from both government and non-government agencies, although these extension services rarely included information on improved manure management practices. Extension services that encourage exchange and interaction between farmers were most successful in increasing adoption of good manure management practices, and are recommended. In addition, efforts to improve manure management in SSA should strengthen the enforcement of existing policies and provide an enabling environment for adoption of good manure management practices.

No abstract

No abstract

Bangladesh, like other South Asian countries, has a dairy system characterized by small-scale operations, integrated with crops and other off-farm activities. Dairying is considered a major source of nutrition and income, and offers good opportunities for both farm families and non-farm rural and urban employment. Consequently, several dairy development programmes and models have been implemented for improving the dairy sector. The gradual shift from subsistence to market-oriented dairy units demands more advanced knowledge and dairy technology. However, adequate information about the dairy sector and its technological advancement is scanty, which increases the need to identify opportunities for technical and institutional development. This paper updates information on key changes in the dairy sector and the characterization of dairy production systems in Bangladesh and considers their implications for South Asian countries. Milk demand, measured by per capita consumption, is increasing by 4% per year, which is higher than the growth in milk production (3.6%). This has led to a continuous widening of the gap between milk supply and demand. Institutional support and policies play a major role in narrowing this gap and should therefore be considered in developing strategies for dairy development.