Theme 3-1: Livestock Production Systems--Oral Sessions

Description

The development of markets and agricultural productivity need participative research approaches that involve farmers, stakeholders and actors in the value chains of agricultural products and inputs. This study illustrates the use of multi-stakeholder platforms to address critical issues that often curtail effective implementation of development strategies and achievement of objectives. The process used to facilitate stakeholder participation and achieve enhanced understanding of collective actions to achieve objectives is illustrated by case studies in Niger and Burkina Faso. The process that determines the causal relationships among the various problems is also presented; results from the process can be used to determine entry points for addressing system challenges. Finally, the study offers specific insights and analysis related to small-ruminant and feed value chains within Niger and Burkina Faso. The strengths and weaknesses of each node of the value chain are assessed and appropriate upgrading, management, and development strategies suggested. Entry points for action and strategies for intervention are identified to improve functioning of the crop-livestock value chain and the productivity of agro-pastoral farming systems. Participative analysis and understanding of the functioning of agricultural value chains enable farmers and actors to improve agricultural productivity and marketing. The multi-stakeholder platform approach is a more suitable tool for socio-economic analysis of integrated systems, and identification and implementation of development strategies, than traditional disciplinary research approaches.

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Involving Stakeholders in Crop-Livestock Systems Analysis: Innovation Platforms in Burkina Faso and Niger, West Africa

The development of markets and agricultural productivity need participative research approaches that involve farmers, stakeholders and actors in the value chains of agricultural products and inputs. This study illustrates the use of multi-stakeholder platforms to address critical issues that often curtail effective implementation of development strategies and achievement of objectives. The process used to facilitate stakeholder participation and achieve enhanced understanding of collective actions to achieve objectives is illustrated by case studies in Niger and Burkina Faso. The process that determines the causal relationships among the various problems is also presented; results from the process can be used to determine entry points for addressing system challenges. Finally, the study offers specific insights and analysis related to small-ruminant and feed value chains within Niger and Burkina Faso. The strengths and weaknesses of each node of the value chain are assessed and appropriate upgrading, management, and development strategies suggested. Entry points for action and strategies for intervention are identified to improve functioning of the crop-livestock value chain and the productivity of agro-pastoral farming systems. Participative analysis and understanding of the functioning of agricultural value chains enable farmers and actors to improve agricultural productivity and marketing. The multi-stakeholder platform approach is a more suitable tool for socio-economic analysis of integrated systems, and identification and implementation of development strategies, than traditional disciplinary research approaches.