Exploring Trade Offs Around Farming Livelihoods Activities in Smallholder Crop Livestock Systems in Kenya
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Date
2006
Authors
Kung'u, J.B.
Ng’ang’a, S. K.
Tittonell, P.
Estada, E. G.
Nico, D. R.
Carlos, Q.
Herrero, M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Livestock Research Institute
Abstract
We outline the use of the IMPACT (Integrated Modelling Platform for mixed Animal
Crop systems) tool in exploring the trade offs around farming livelihoods activities in small-
holder crop livestock systems in Kenya. The tool was used to collect information relating
to the characteristics of the farm household (household size, labour time budgets, off-farm
income and dietary pattern), as well as the physical components of the farming systems
(land, crops, soils, pastures, number of plots, etc) and their management practices. Data on
prices of inputs and outputs and nutrient composition of all resources were also collected.
The minimum data requirement for characterising and analysing small holder mixed far-
ming systems in Kenya was identified. The information was collected from two contrasting
sites, Central and Western Kenya. IMPACT framework was then used to analyse the cur-
rent livelihoods, to explore options for their development and reveal trade-offs between
objectives farmers are facing in Kenya. Standard data files for running a variety of models
and nutrient flows were generated for testing alternative scenarios related to poverty al-
leviation, soil fertility and the role of livestock. We describe some baseline results which
provide summary analysis of the household’s economic, food security, soil fertility balances
and labour efficiency. Results on comparative system analysis of the different sites were
performed on the contribution and the role of each component such as livestock, crops, and
off-farm incomes sources to the farmers livelihood and trade-offs between farmers objecti-
ves are also presented. The paper concludes with discussion of an in-depth analysis that
can be made out of such system using a household simulation model which is linked to the
impact tool to explore option for improving farmer’s livelihood
Description
Keywords
Households, impact, livelihoods, Smallholder farms