Organic farming principles related to agro-ecological tropical smallholder livestock systems

Abstract

acceptance. Intensive feeding systems have been developed with in situfeeding of OPF and PKC for cattle and goats, often with rice bran or copra cake The results from 21 case studies over the past three decades showed increased yields of 0.49-3.52 mt of fresh fruit bunches (FFB)/ ha/yr ; increased income by about 30% ; savings in weeding costs by 47-60% equivalent to 21-62 RM/ha/yr ; and an internal rate of return of 19% based on the actual field data The advances highlight demonstrable increased productivity of animals and meat offtakes, value addition to the palm oil crop, environmental sustainability and distinct economic impacts. Additionally, carbon sequestration is enhanced through more widespread use of grasses and tree legumes, and improved forage management practices, with resultant decreased carbon atmospheric emissions and global warming. Concerted future research and development efforts are necessary on the following: > Measurements of animal performance and crop yields under different nutritional and management regimes > Assessments of the effects on soil > Improved understanding of the management of animals under tree crops > Demonstration of beneficial animal performance > Sustainability of the production systems > Economic benefits, and, > The impact of integrated systems.The resultant impact provides important socio-economic benefits and food security for resource-poor small farmers. Increasing the adoption rate in the future is associated with promoting greater awareness of the potential of integrated systems, overcoming resistance by the crop-oriented plantation sector, and promotion of wider technology application. These issues are linked directly with defining coherent policy, institutional commitment,increased investments, private sector involvement, and a stimulus package of incentives.Organic farming is built on a set of principles, e.g. expressed by IFOAM as the principles of health, ecology, fairness and care. These principles are in various ways practiced and implemented in standards and rules for organic farming, some of which is certified, labelled and marketed at a higher price than non-organic produce, typically in countries with privileged consumers who can afford to choose to pay premium price. In other settings, following the principles do not necessarily lead to certification and premium prices, but improves farming, soil fertility and/or production on short and long term basis. This paper will examine the requirements, restrictions and opportunities for organic livestock production across diverse systems of smallholder production in the tropics. We use the term organic and agro-ecological farming, meaning farming in accordance with the organic principles.Organic livestock is unlikely to gain widespread interest for export. In relation to the local market and local consumers, it will gain interest if it produces high quality products or meets local economic conditions for low inputs or meets local sustainability requirements. The major challenge in agro-ecological and organic li...