Policy Options for Mixed Crop-Livestock Systems
Overview

Mixed crop-livestock systems (general definitions of mixed systems) represent a continuum from systems in which communal grazing plays a key part to systems reliant on external feed, closely resembling industrial systems. At the extensive end of the continuum. The policy pressures contributing to environmental degradation are largely inappropriate financial instruments which give incentives to producers not to integrate crop and livestock production: subsidies on inorganic fertiliser, concentrates and mechanisation, and high exchange rates. Inappropriate land tenure systems are also an issue for extensive mixed farmers.

Policy options are therefore the phasing out of subsidies, but also improved land tenure (though not necessarily land titling), an investment in appropriate extension to inform and motivate on crop-livestock integration, development of infrastructure such as roads and markets, and development of savings and credit institutions. In densely populated areas, there may be a case either for stimulating non-farm rural employment, or for moving livestock production systems further towards an industrial model. In the latter case, due regard will need to be paid to policy options to mitigate the risks of such a shift

[Note on policy options for mixed systems dependent on external feed to be prepared using material from Industrial Systems]

Proceed to matrix of policy options and systems

[Livestock & Environment Toolbox Home]