Investment in Research and Extension for Intensification

Specific technology options already exist for ameliorating pasture degradation and weed control in humid grazing systems, but a general policy of prioritising research and extension on intensification and on better pasture management will lessen the incentives to clear new forest areas.

As well as research on pastures and adaptive research on cattle nutrition, such a policy could also prioritise research on alternative livestock species to meet domestic meat demand, and, more speculatively, strategic research on manipulating cattle rumen ecology to increase the acceptability of poor quality fibrous feed.

In general, technological change in the ranching system (and smallholder systems on forest frontiers) has been very slow, with no basic changes since the early 1960s. Technological change requires:

- investment in research
- relevant (client-oriented) research
- effective extension, and
- a favourable policy environment.

It is not clear which of these elements has been most limiting, and the answer may be different in different countries of the humid tropics. There is also an argument that the value of livestock to smallholders lies largely in non-production objectives (risk management etc.) This would make investment in new technologies less attractive to smallholders than it would first appear.

Some general policy pointers are as follows:

- Research on these topics is likely to have substantial public good elements, and thus is likely to require funding by government and donors
- Research must be targeted to achieve cost effectiveness, but also to achieve more sustainable production per hectare on areas already cleared, rather than increase incentives for new clearing
- Participatory methodologies will contribute to making research more relevant to farmers, and therefore increasing uptake
- Extension systems are generally poorly adapted to delivering livestock production messages and may need reform. CLick here for discussion for improved extension.
- Extension systems tend to have high recurrent budgets, which argues for some element of cost-recovery; but cost recovery may also reduce extension contact and therefore uptake, especially among the poor
- Other policy measures, particularly land taxation and critical appraisal of road building (in this case to increase access to areas of established livestock production) must be implemented to bring about technological change.

Research/Appraisal Methods

There is a vast literature on the analysis of agricultural research and extension systems - some key references relevant to livestock are given below. RAAKS (Rapid Appraisal of Agricultural Knowledge Systems) is a relatively new technique for appraising and planning research and extension systems.

Key References

Biggs, S. and Farrington, J. 1991. Agricultural Research and the Rural Poor: a Review of Social Science Analysis, IDRC, Ottawa.

McLeod, A., Mulinge, W., Mbabu, A. and Rushton, J. 1998. The Social and Economic Importance of Livestock and their Influence on Setting Research Agendas" in Gill, M., Smith, T., Pollott, G,. Owen, E. and Lawrence, T. (eds) Foods, Lands and Livelihoods: Setting Research Agendas for Animal Science, BSAS Occasional Publication No.21, Edinburgh.

Morton J, Keengwe, M., Konde, A., Curry, J. and Mbugua, D. 1998. How Can Participation Contribute To Effective Research Agendas?" in Gill, M., Smith, T., Pollott, G,. Owen, E. and Lawrence, T. (eds) Foods, Lands and Livelihoods: Setting Research Agendas for Animal Science, BSAS Occasional Publication No.21, Edinburgh.

Morton, J. and Matthewman, R. 1996. Improving Livestock Production through Extension: Information Needs, Institutions and Opportunities. ODI Natural Resource Perspectives, No.12 http://www.oneworld.org/odi/nrp/12.html

Sere, C. and Jarvis, L. 1992. Livestock Economy and Forest Destruction. In Downing, T.E. Hecht, S.B Pearson, H.A. and Garcia-Downing, C. (eds) Development or Destruction: The Conversion of Tropical Forest To Pasture in Latin America Westview, Boulder

Umali, D., Feder, G. and de Haan, C. 1992. The Balance between Public and Private Roles in the Delivery of Livestock Services. World Bank Discussion Paper 163, Washington DC.

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