Crop–livestock integration in smallholder farming systems of Goromonzi and Murehwa, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Poor productivity in smallholder farming systems has necessitated research on the potential of crop–livestock integration to sustainably improve productivity. The study hypothesized that improvement in individual agronomic and livestock systems and synergistic utilization of by-products of either system increases productivity, profitability and integration. Smallholder farming households were classified into: old and resource endowed (OR); part time (PT); and young, risk-taking and enthusiastic (YRE) following a survey conducted in Murehwa and Goromonzi districts of Zimbabwe. Crop–livestock systems’ integration scenarios were developed for each farmer category. Expression of crop–livestock integration in physical terms, e.g., kg ha−1, can be complex and confounding, hence the expression of integration in monetary values. Baseline scenario results indicate that OR had the highest crop–livestock integration of $3981 compared with PT and YRE despite OR having the lowest manure usage compared with PT and YRE farmers. Moreover, OR had the least legume yields of <800 compared with 3530 kg ha−1 in YRE farmers. Subsequent crop–livestock integration scenarios increased maize grain yields by at least 50%, thus increasing profitability to $1210, $3230 and $3100 yr−1 for mucuna, cowpea and groundnut, respectively. Total income increased by 135, 132 and 101% translating to $9880, $2960 and $6290 yr−1 in OR, PT and YRE farmers, respectively. Crop–livestock integration therefore has the potential to improve smallholder crop and livestock productivity, variable with socio-economic status.

Crop-livestock integration practices, knowledge, and attitudes among smallholder farmers: Hedging against climate change-induced shocks in semi-arid Zimbabwe

“…This, according to Kreitler et al [ 30 ], is critical to enhance their understanding of the various dimensions of these integrated crop-livestock innovations and how they can play a part in supporting the functions along various value chain pillars. Mkuhlani et al [ 12 ] also reported the need for human capital development programs which can unlock the entrepreneurship capacity of small-scale farmers.…”

“…There are several strategies that farmers can adopt to face climate change, contrasting vulnerabilities, and insecurities. Some of these strategies have been scientifically proven to work well by many research institutes such as CIMMYT [ 12 , 13 ]. Among the most notable climate change, adaptation and welfare security-enhancing strategies are the adoption of drought-resistant crops and crop varieties, and the rearing of drought-tolerant livestock types and breeds.…”

“…Zimbabwe lags behind a number of southern African countries in research related to crop-livestock integrated systems and their welfare-enhancing potential [ 12 , 19 ]. However, there has been some work done by CIMMYT-Zimbabwe and ICRISAT-Zimbabwe in areas such as Mutoko, Matobo, and Goromonzi concerning the potential of crop-livestock integration systems in the smallholder farming communities.…”

“… A conceptual perspective of crop-livestock integration networking systems. Adapted from Mkuhlani et al [ 12 ] and Musara et al [ 20 ]. …”

“…This could also have trickling effects on economic and ecological sustainability when manure stock becomes an immediately locally available, relatively cheaper, and sustainable substitute of conventional fertilizers. Inspired by Mkuhlani et al [ 12 ], designing and evaluating these crop-livestock cocktails should help identify appropriate synergies between these two enterprises, which are currently seemingly practiced as mutually exclusive ends. Finally, this might help to provide efficient ecological services.…”