Livestock Development Research Articles

Vulnerability of People's Beef Cattle Farming to Sustainable Livestock Development

Smallholders beef cattle farming business is a small-scale livestock business that is traditionally managed and has access to limited resources but is generally run in a sustainable manner. This study aims to determine the effect of vulnerability aspects of smallholder beef cattle farming business on sustainable livestock development. The research variables consist of the influence of the vulnerability aspect (X) and the five dimensions of sustainable livestock development consisting of the ecological dimension (Y1), the economical dimension (Y2), the social and cultural dimension (Y3), the institutional dimension (Y4), and the technological dimension (Y5). The research was conducted in Purnama Village, Tegalampel Sub-District, Bondowoso District, East Java Province. The research method was carried out by observation, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and surveys. The results showed that the vulnerability aspect of smallholder beef cattle business had a negative effect on the 5 (five) dimensions of sustainable livestock development, but significantly affected the economical, social and cultural dimensions, as well as technology. The conclusion of this study is that the vulnerability of smallholder beef cattle farming business must receive attention from various parties as an effort towards sustainable livestock development.

Effect of unseasonal rainfall on rice production in Nepal during the year 2021: A case study

Our study explicit the information regarding the status losses and the compensation amount We browsed the website of Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) and visited Agriculture Knowledge Centre to obtain the information. Rice is a major cereal crop, contributing around 25% of GDP and majority of working population are engaged in rice production for at least half year. Increasing population and pernicious natural hazards had declined the rice production leading to increment in import of rice from neighboring countries. Nepal received 15% more rain than average monsoon in year 2021. Flooding in various areas of Nepal occurred, causing huge loss of rice production along with destruction of lives and property indirectly leading to food insecurity. The onset of heavy unseasonal monsoon, occurred at the period when rice crops were ready to harvest or ready to thresh, undermined the labor, time and money invested by the farmers. The total rice production has been reduced to 5.13 million tons in 2021 from 5.55 million tons in 2020 at the rate of 8.74%. Lumbini Province faced the highest loss, followed by Sudarpaschim Province of Nepal. Climate change was the major factor responsible for this, hampering the agricultural productivity. Government of Nepal had decided to provide compensation to them based on three categories: small farmers having holdings of up to 10 katthas received compensation of 65% of their cost of production , medium farmers having land holdings from 11 to 40 katthas received 30% of their cost of production ,the large farmers having land holdings more than 40 katthas received compensation 20% of their cost of production. Also, the partially affected farmers received compensation 20% of their cost of production.

Bevaluasi Sumatif Program Desa Maslahat Di Desa Kalipucang Kecamatan Tutur Kabupaten Pasuruan

Poverty is one of the nation's problems that is the cause of the emergence of social inequality, unemployment and economic backwardness. In order to reduce the poverty rate, it is necessary to have innovative policies that are reflected by the Pasuruan Regency Government in response to these problems through Regent Decree no. 9 of 2016 concerning the Maslahat Village Program. The location of the Maslahat Village Program, one of which is in Kalipucang Village, Tutur District, has an agricultural and livestock base. The Maslahat Village Program is the flagship program of the Pasuruan Regent in optimizing village potential so that villages that are considered lagging behind in terms of development and economy can become developed villages and reduce poverty, unemployment and social inequality in them. This type of research uses descriptive qualitative research. The data collection technique was by direct interviews with informants consisting of the Village Head and Village Apparatus, the Community, Head of the Pasuruan Regency Government Service and Apparatus and Members of the Pasuruan Regency DPRD. This study uses the theory of summative evaluation or impact evaluation by using several indicators. Based on the results of the research that has been done, it can be said that this program seems to be quite successful where from the 10 summative evaluation indicators used there are several indicators that are considered very good, namely the aspect of public perception. The community does give a good perception and actively participates. In indicators of results and influence of the program, the community has felt the impact and results, although in reality there are other supporting factors and actors. Keywords: Capacity, Local Wisdom Values. Meanwhile, the indicators for general and specific objectives, cost effectiveness and cost efficiency appear to be quite good. But there are also many indicators that are not implemented, such as the absence of policy evaluations from the Regional Government which are then communicated to stakeholders. Kalipucang Village also did not anticipate well the outputs that were not anticipated by the program, namely those related to land transfer and the availability of village funds in the program. In general, the Maslahat Village Program contributes to improving the economy and development in the village with the birth of the development of MSMEs, the agricultural, livestock and tourism sectors. However, the Maslahat Village Program, if evaluated, is only a formality and routine. In addition, in the management of program implementation, there is a mal function management that does not evaluate the program so that it appears that the Maslahat Village program is a symbolic and prestigious program from the political aspect that tends to be an unsustainable program.

Bevaluasi Sumatif Program Desa Maslahat Di Desa Kalipucang Kecamatan Tutur Kabupaten Pasuruan

Poverty is one of the nation's problems that is the cause of the emergence of social inequality, unemployment and economic backwardness. In order to reduce the poverty rate, it is necessary to have innovative policies that are reflected by the Pasuruan Regency Government in response to these problems through Regent Decree no. 9 of 2016 concerning the Maslahat Village Program. The location of the Maslahat Village Program, one of which is in Kalipucang Village, Tutur District, has an agricultural and livestock base. The Maslahat Village Program is the flagship program of the Pasuruan Regent in optimizing village potential so that villages that are considered lagging behind in terms of development and economy can become developed villages and reduce poverty, unemployment and social inequality in them. This type of research uses descriptive qualitative research. The data collection technique was by direct interviews with informants consisting of the Village Head and Village Apparatus, the Community, Head of the Pasuruan Regency Government Service and Apparatus and Members of the Pasuruan Regency DPRD. This study uses the theory of summative evaluation or impact evaluation by using several indicators. Based on the results of the research that has been done, it can be said that this program seems to be quite successful where from the 10 summative evaluation indicators used there are several indicators that are considered very good, namely the aspect of public perception. The community does give a good perception and actively participates. In indicators of results and influence of the program, the community has felt the impact and results, although in reality there are other supporting factors and actors. Keywords: Capacity, Local Wisdom Values. Meanwhile, the indicators for general and specific objectives, cost effectiveness and cost efficiency appear to be quite good. But there are also many indicators that are not implemented, such as the absence of policy evaluations from the Regional Government which are then communicated to stakeholders. Kalipucang Village also did not anticipate well the outputs that were not anticipated by the program, namely those related to land transfer and the availability of village funds in the program. In general, the Maslahat Village Program contributes to improving the economy and development in the village with the birth of the development of MSMEs, the agricultural, livestock and tourism sectors. However, the Maslahat Village Program, if evaluated, is only a formality and routine. In addition, in the management of program implementation, there is a mal function management that does not evaluate the program so that it appears that the Maslahat Village program is a symbolic and prestigious program from the political aspect that tends to be an unsustainable program.

DETERMINAN PRODUKSI AYAM BROILER DI KOTA KUALA PEMBUANG KABUPATEN SERUYAN

Our sub-sector is the sector that not only plays a role as a producer of meat for the community, but also has an important role in the development of the agricultural sector in general and in the development of livestock. Increasing population and production does not always represent a large profit or income for businesses. In broiler farming, there are several factors that are often faced by breeders, including broiler breeders in Kuala Pembuang City, Seruyan Regency. Uncertain availability and fluctuations in the price of production factors are serious problems that are always faced by farmers. The purpose of this study was to analyze the determinants of broiler production in Kuala Pembuang. This research was carried out from February to July 2021, starting from preparation, data analysis to report preparation. In this study, the population was broiler breeders in the city of Kuala Pembuang, especially in Seruyan Hilir and Seruyan Hilir Timur subdistricts, which collected 27 broiler breeders who were actively running a business. Data collection technique uses the census method and data processing uses linear regression analysis method with the help of Eviews 7 software. Based on the research, it was obtained: The significant determinants of broiler chicken production in Kuala Pembuang City were DOC and cages, where the DOC had a positive effect on production, while the cage had a negative effect on broiler production, and the insignificant determinants on broiler chicken production were feed, medicines, and labor use (TKDK and TKLK).Key words: Broiler Chicken, Determinants, Production.

A pilot study on the advancement of livestock healthcare bio-capsules and development of customized long-range network in the United Arab Emirates

The UAE's environment is characterized by low rainfall, high temperatures, poor soil and lack of natural waterways. The country has been making tremendous efforts to build a sustainable agricultural and animal wealth sector that is better able to contribute to its national agenda of food security. Commercial cattle farming in such challenging conditions would require an effective disease prediction and warning system for optimizing the production dynamics. Therefore, we are proposing the use of smart livestock system comprising of orally ingested bio-capsules for monitoring the livestock health, connected through a customized long-range network (430 MHz) in the United Arab Emirates, which monitors the real time animal body condition data (temperature and body activity) using a mobile or web-based application. The study demonstrated a 100% success rate in estrus alarms in the test animals, 61.29% for calving alerts and an accurate disease prediction warning in all the animals diagnosed unhealthy. the conception rate in these estrus diagnosed animals with artificial insemination was 61.53%, which was significantly higher than the conception rate in the absence of this detection technology at the farm. The capsule was well tolerated in all the test animals and did not show any acute adverse or allergic reactions. This is the first of its kind of study using these advanced bio-capsules and development of the customized long-range network in the United Arab Emirates for smart livestock healthcare management.

Animal welfare analysis: a case of smallholder farmers in Zambia.

Animal welfare remains a contemporary issue in livestock development as World Organization for Animal Health stresses its importance in the livestock trade. Key elements of good animal welfare include animals being healthy, comfortable, well-nourished, safe, not suffering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress, and expressing behaviours that are important for their physical and mental health. These are important for the high performance of animals in terms of productivity and product quality. Given the importance of animal welfare in enhancing livestock productivity, quality, food safety, and economic returns, the study aimed to identify the aspects of animal welfare that need more attention among the Zambian smallholder livestock farmers and determine whether the current policy and legal frameworks governing animal welfare are adequate. Using data collected from 271 smallholder households, the study found that routine management practices such as dipping animals, branding, castration, and vaccination were the major animal welfare concerns that needed more attention. Therefore more efforts and extension services should also be dedicated to addressing these concerns. Furthermore, the policy framework guiding animal welfare is inadequate as particular welfare concerns such as housing and nutrition are not well covered. This calls for the revision of the policy framework to incorporate all aspects of animal welfare.

Supply chain analysis of Large Cardamom in Eastern Nepal

Abstract. The study was conducted to analyze growth rates and financial profitability of supply chain actors of Large Cardamom based on a sample survey of randomly selected 90 farmers, 10 input suppliers, and 15 traders. Secondary data of area and production were obtained from Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development whereas price information was acquired from the Federation of Large Cardamom Entreprenuers of Nepal. The area, production and productivity of Large Cardamom in Ilam district was found in decreasing trend. Market data analysis showed that the price was drastically fluctuating but the compound annual growth rate was significantly increasing by 4.48%. Financial analysis indicated that the enterprise with a project life of 10 years was viable and highly profitable with benefit cost ratio of 3.14, payback period 4.09 years, internal rate of return 81.4%, and net present value of NPR 3.58 million per hectare. Four major supply chain actors were involved. The profit margin was found the highest for the producers (45.68%) followed by regional level traders (28.42%), district level traders (16.36%) and least for the village level traders (9.54%). Traditional driers were still used for curing the capsules with a compromise to the quality of the product. The producers were not found doing value addition activities, whereas tail removing, grading, and packaging were done by regional level traders. Training the farmers on value addition and providing them market information can help to scale up large cardamom production enterprises.

Potential development based on the agricultural waste in the eastern region of West Java Province

Development of ruminant livestock requires to a stable availability of feed because feed is a determining factor for the continuity and success of businesses in livestock production The aimed of this study was to analyses the potential for beef cattle development based on the availability of forage from agricultural waste in the eastern region of West Java province. The sample locations were taken from 3 regencies based on low of population density per unit of agricultural land, namely Majalengka, Indramayu, and Ciamis Regency. Time series data on land use and agricultural waste production at the Regency’s from 2015 to 2019 were used in this research. Data analysis used LQ (location question) and IDD (carrying capacity index). The results showed that the total sub-Regency’s from 3 Regency’s was 84 sub-districts, where there were 24 sub-districts that have LQ> 1, indicates that these sub- districts were the base area for beef cattle development. Furthermore, based on the IDD analysis, all of the 24 sub-districts have IDD values > 2, which means that based on the availability of forage from agricultural land, it was in the safe category to increase of the beef cattle population. The twenty-four sub-districts in West Java Province can serve as the basis for the development of beef cattle that need to be considered by farmers and the local government, namely increasing production (especially quality forage feed even though the availability of agricultural waste is sufficient), productivity and efficiency (marketing infrastructure) supported with policy government.

Being a Woman Livestock Keeper in Rural India

The mounting global evidence suggests that women’s participation and active engagement in livestock keeping and livestock product markets trigger financial gains and enhanced household food security alongside several tangible and intangible outcomes. However, to overcome systemic and structural gendered barriers, there is a pertinent need for systematic efforts to increase women’s access, participation and benefit sharing in livestock keeping. Being a woman livestock keeper with legitimate recognition of contribution and benefit-sharing remains a culture-specific phenomenon that has a bearing on the overall impact of gender-equitable livestock development interventions. A focused phenomenological inquiry was conducted to explore and document the lived experiences of women livestock keepers in rural India. The pathways to becoming a woman livestock keeper run through several hurdles yet well-planned inputs, supportive institutional arrangements and culturally suitable gender-sensitive handholding play enabling roles for women livestock keepers to realize their equitable roles and position themselves in the growing livestock product markets. Furthermore, this study suggests that it is critical to put interventional emphasis on converging multimodal efforts to equip women to effectively bargain and engage in the marketing and benefit-sharing process.

A survey of Muscovy duck production in rural areas of Tra Vinh Province, Vietnam

In case of livestock development in the rural areas of Tra Vinh province of Vietnam, Muscovy duck breeds are diversified by importing and breeding, which is more valuable for social and economic benefits. A total of 7,921 Muscovy ducks were observed to collect data for this survey to identify the current status of its production, feeding, and performance. Farmers, who owned at least 30 ducks, were interviewed to analyze data ownership, feeding, and growth performance of three breeds relating to the Muscovy including local Muscovy ducks (LMDs), France Muscovy duck (FMDs), and Crossbred Muscovy ducks (CMDs). The findings indicated that most farmers kept a small duck herd of fewer than 100 heads per householder, and the majority of Muscovy duck was LMDs. Farmers fed them local feed resources, with low nutritive diets (CP: 7.35 – 12.0 % and ME: 11.44 - 11.83 MJ/kg DM). A small number of farmers used a concentrate feed (CP: 16.5-19.3; ME: 11.96-12.69 MJ/kg DM) for supple-mentation with the daily weight gain was 16.7 g for LMDs and 22.7 g for CMDs, whilw the FMDs was fed a better quality of concentrate and gave the daily gain of 25.7 g.

ZOONOSIS CONTROL POLICY IN THE STATE OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL (PART 2)

Background: This is the transcription of the interview with the scientist, graduated in veterinary medicine, coordinator of the Herbivorous Rabies Control Program, Wilson Hoffmeister Júnior, was interviewed. The Inspector of the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, and Rural Development (SEAPDR) of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, which develops one of the work fronts of sanitary defense. Objective: to analyze the work of prevention and control of rabies in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). Methods: the interview was formulated using the Herbivorous Rabies Control Program (PNCRH-RS) as an information base. Results and Discussion: The PNCRH-RS is a public policy program that has operated for decades in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, and it has contributed to the elimination of certain types of rabies in the state. In addition to keeping rabies transmitted by vampire bats under control, preventing or reducing economic losses, and ensuring the health and quality of the herd in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Conclusions: the uninterrupted continuity of the PNCRH-RS guaranteed the economic viability of rural producers, increased their profitability, and ensured animal health and public health in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

A typology of smallholder livestock production systems reflecting the impact of the development of a local milk collection industry: Case study of Fatick region, Senegal

Senegal is a country where millions of livelihoods directly depend on smallholder livestock production activities. Unfortunately, these farmers now face the effects of a changing climate and associated societal responses. In addition, the lack of understanding of the specific farmers’ problems in their respective production systems by assuming homogeneity has led to inappropriate planning of interventions and inefficient utilization of resources. The variations in individual farming systems and local contexts require to understand each system separately to inform decision-makers and relevant stakeholders about specific entries of intervention for farmers based on customized needs. Using a Fatick region case study, different statistical clustering techniques were adopted to develop a livestock typology that reflects the above realities. This typology confirmed the co-existence of three livestock production cluster systems with differences and similarities in their production targets and quantities, market access, animal breeds, and the livestock management system of the animals. The studied region represented a new format of smallholder livestock development, where the implementation of a dairy processor and its milk collection centre created a new dynamic in production activities. Farmers confirmed that the extension services and a consistent market opportunity provided by the dairy processor increased local productivity and offered an alternative source of income but they have also reiterated concerns like the dairy processor’s low milk buying prices which need to be addressed. To harness the growth and the regional opportunities, there is a need to establish robust and continuous collaboration structures between the Government, agro-industries, and producers. These public-private partnerships will help producers lower the cost of inputs and services and increase productivity while boosting local dairy production.

Обґрунтування підходів і стратегічних напрямів щодо секвестрації й збільшення органічного вуглецю в ґрунтах зони Полісся

Goal. To scientifically substantiate zonal approaches and directions of organic carbon management in the soils of the Polissia zone and search for ways of its sequestration, restoration of soil fertility, and reduction of carbonic acid production in the atmosphere, which will be taken as a basis for the formation of key carbon farming systems in this area. Methods. System approach, scientific analysis of information, comparison, theoretical and practical generalization, abstract-logical. Results. Problems of restoration of humus reserves in low-yielding sod-podzolic soils of the Polissia zone, and preservation of their ecological and energy potential are analyzed. The possibilities and expediency of organic carbon management at the regional level and its sequestration in the soils of the Polissia zone are highlighted. Scientific approaches and strategic directions for the reproduction, absorption, and retention of organic carbon in sod-podzolic soils to ensure neutral land degradation are considered. The main ways of development of carbon agriculture at the regional level to achieve the stabilization of organic carbon in the soils of the Polissia zone and its further increase are proposed. Conclusions. Carbon uptake and retention in the soil reservoir are ensured through appropriate zonal farming systems that regulate soil fertility. This problem is solved by arranging arable land, introducing low-carbon use with reforestation, stimulating livestock development, including the creation of hayfields and pastures, increasing production, and applying optimal doses of organic and mineral fertilizers, including secondary organic raw materials and local natural resources. As well as changing the structure of sown areas with a reduction of row crops, increasing the share of perennial grasses, the inclusion of legumes and cover and green crops in crop rotations, increasing crop yields, and introducing technologies of minimal tillage. With the application of anti-degradation measures, agro-technologies of soil cultivation, and involvement of all renewable organic resources, a positive balance of humus is achieved, which is a prerequisite for reducing carbon emissions, restoring and increasing soil fertility and productivity of agrocenoses.

Diversity in smallholder dairy production systems in the Brazilian semiarid region: Farm typologies and characteristics of raw milk and water used in milking

Smallholder dairy farms (SDF) producers are being challenged by market demands combined with competition and limited access to productive and market inputs, contributing for reducing its participation in the dairy activity. Thus a sustainability assessment for SDF development is necessary, opening the opportunity for recognizing the diversity between production systems. Farm typologies are often used for this purpose. The objective was to develop a typological analysis of the smallholder dairy farms in the Brazilian semiarid region and evaluate characteristics of raw milk and water used in milking. A semi-structured questionnaire containing social, physical, livestock, herd management, technological, productive, and economic indicators with 49 variables was applied in 28 SDF. Of these, 23 were selected, and collections of milk and water used for milking management were performed. Three multivariate analysis techniques were used: exploratory factor analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and canonical discriminant analysis. Three production systems have been identified: Conventional system: Mature illiterate and rural farmers, small herds and farms, low technological level, less intensive management, and low milk production with in nature marketing (15 farms; 53.6%); Traditional system: Mature farmers with basic education, farms managed with hired labor, large herds and areas, extensive management, low technological level, high production of milk for the manufacture of cheese (6 farms; 21.43%); and Emerging system: Young farmers with a high level of education, small herds and farms, intensive management, intermediate technological level, and high milk production and productivity with in nature marketing (7 farms; 25.0%). The social, physical, livestock, herd management and technological, and productive indicators showed discriminatory power (P < 0.05) to differentiate the typologies. Milk and water traits were similar (P > 0.05) among the production systems. The average values of the milk composition are in the threshold of the Brazilian legislation, unlike the somatic cell count (CSS) and standard plate count (SPC). Antibiotic residue was not found in milk from any SDF.The water used in milking management was characterized by high counts of aerobic mesophilic bacteria and total and thermotolerant coliforms, hard water, and neutral pH. For the continuity of SDF in the Brazilian semiarid, it is essential (i) participation of young people in the sector; (ii) feed planning for the dry period; (iii) herd health calendar according to legislation; (iv) water treatment (chlorination) and use of alkaline detergent for use in milking management, and (v) formal marketing of milk and its derivatives. Finally, our results can be used to inform and support public decision-makers responsible for the formulation and implementation of livestock development policy in the Brazilian semiarid region and being useful for other drylands.

The Early Prediction of Common Disorders in Dairy Cows Monitored by Automatic Systems with Machine Learning Algorithms.

Simple SummaryIdentifying cows with a higher risk of health disorders such as clinical mastitis, subclinical ketosis, lameness, and metritis could be advantageous for farms to prevent and ameliorate the negative effects of these disorders in a timely manner. In this study, we adopt eight machine learning algorithms using an R software for analyzing a dataset of 14-dimensions of dairy cows with health disorders across the whole lactation period in intensive Chinese dairy farms, applying automatic monitoring systems and milking systems. The variables analyzed by the machine learning algorithms include milk yield, physical activity, changes in rumination time, and the electrical conductivity of milk. Six parameters were presented to evaluate the performance metrics of the models, with the Rpart algorithm outperforming others and indicating a strong generalization ability of this algorithm. A total of 10 variables of greater importance in three models of Rpart, eXtreme Gradient, and Adaboost demonstrated the consistency of those variables as predictors for disorders of dairy cows monitored by automatic systems. The results obtained in this study highlighted the importance of using big data on the farm to develop predictive and prescriptive decision support tools to boost the development of precision livestock farming.We use multidimensional data from automated monitoring systems and milking systems to predict disorders of dairy cows by employing eight machine learning algorithms. The data included the season, days in milking, parity, age at the time of disorders, milk yield (kg/day), activity (unitless), six variables related to rumination time, and two variables related to the electrical conductivity of milk. We analyze 131 sick cows and 149 healthy cows with identical lactation days and parity; all data are collected on the same day, which corresponds to the diagnosis day for disordered cows. For disordered cows, each variable, except the ratio of rumination time from daytime to nighttime, displays a decreasing/increasing trend from d-7 or d-3 to d0 and/or d-1, with the d0, d-1, or d-2 values reaching the minimum or maximum. The test data sensitivity for three algorithms exceeded 80%, and the accuracies of the eight algorithms ranged from 65.08% to 84.21%. The area under the curve (AUC) of the three algorithms was >80%. Overall, Rpart best predicts the disorders with an accuracy, precision, and AUC of 81.58%, 92.86%, and 0.908, respectively. The machine learning algorithms may be an appropriate and powerful decision support and monitoring tool to detect herds with common health disorders.

Multi-year Prediction of Rice Yield under the Changing Climatic Scenarios in Nepal Central Terai Using DSSAT Crop Model

NASA-POWER derived weather data of Dumkauli in Nawalparasi (27.68˚ N, 84.13˚E) district in the Nepal central Terai for the past 33-years (1984/85-2017/18) were purposively downloaded and validated with recorded weather data of Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM). The trend analysis for grain yield of rice in Nawalparasi was drawn with the historical data of the maximum and minimum temperatures and rainfall. Positive correlations between grain yields and minimum temperature and rainfall each showed an acceptable coefficient of determination (R2). The CSM-CERES-Rice embedded in DSSAT ver 4.7 was used for multi-year prediction of rice yield using both historically recorded and simulated climatic scenarios. The model simulated results closely agreed with the observed rice yield recorded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) in Nepal. The correlation between precipitation and observed rice yield was 0.71 and the correlation between precipitation and observed and DSSAT simulated yield was 0.379. The multi-year predicted rice yield using historical weather data and the DSSAT rice model showed that rice yield could be sustained with the use of the current crop cultivars only for the upcoming few years. The climate index, mainly the rainfall index, was found to be more sensitive to rice production in the Nepal central Terai region. This study suggests for the development of new climate change ready rice cultivars to feed the increasingly growing Nepalese population.

The Contribution of Smallholder Beef Cattle Farming to Household Development in Chipinge Rural District, Zimbabwe

Smallholder beef farming is a critical tool for combating rural poverty. Several less developed countries have promoted smallholder beef farming with twin objectives to encourage rural development and sustainable rural livelihoods. This study was conducted in Chipinge South Rural District, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe, with the aim of examining the extent to which smallholder beef farming contributes to rural household development. An assessment was made to ascertain the level of household development for the sampled respondents before and after the beef farming project intervention. An embedded mixed method approach, which combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, was used in the study. The research made use of key informant interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires, observations and project reports in the collection of both quantitative and qualitative research data. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in the study and out of a total population of 1740 farm households in Chipinge South, a sample of 174 farm units was selected from all the six farmer groups registered and operating under the Chipinge Livestock Development Trust (CLDT). In addition, 30 key informants were conveniently sampled for interviews among members of the project management, extension staff, and farmer committee leaders. The results from the study showed that smallholder beef farming enhanced the economic status of the smallholders which translated into improved household assets, better education, adoption of new technology, capacity building and improved food security, among others. While the beef farming project yielded notable benefits to rural households in Chipinge South, the project’s ability to foster sustainable rural livelihoods in the long run was negatively affected by, among other factors, limited access to key livelihood capitals. The study recommends that the responsible authorities in Chipinge South Rural District urgently address the challenges threatening the sustainability of the project in order to promote long-term investment in the beef farming sector in the study area.

The Agricultural Sector and Climate Change in Mexico

Introduction: The agricultural sector is extremely vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns would reduce crop production and lead to the proliferation of weeds, diseases and pests on crops. Changes in rainfall patterns increase the likelihood of short-term crop failure and long-term production reduction. Although some crops in certain regions of the world may benefit, the impacts of climate change are generally expected to be negative for agriculture. Likewise, the low availability of feed for livestock uses and the decrease in the availability of water will affect the productivity of milk and meat of the different breeds of cattle. Both low agricultural and livestock productivity threaten global food security.&#x0D; Objective: This research aims to highlight the impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector in Mexico. The present analysis uses regional modeling of climate variables under climate change conditions that impact crop growth and livestock development, using two scenarios to simulate future climate.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: the methodology is to present a set of regional projections of humidity, temperature, rainfall and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Indices (SPEI) for Mexico under the IPCC AR6 climate change scenarios, improving the projections of the Ocean-Atmospheric General Circulation Models and estimating the possible impacts of climate change on the agricultural sector of Mexico.&#x0D; Results and Discussion: Regional models for Mexico show temperature increases ranging from 0.5 to 5 °C, while the % change in rainfall will range from -20.3% to 13.5% depending on the scenario and analysis period. The low soil moisture (mm), the negative changes of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and SPEI 12 show that the North, West and Bajío areas presented reductions in precipitation and increase in temperature that caused a severe deficit of soil moisture and water stress in the plants, considering these areas with scarce vegetation and presence of semi-permanent meteorological drought. Under these scenarios it is expected that practically the entire country will be subjected to moderate droughts (Center and South) to extremely strong (North) that will continue and sharpen between now and the end of the century. In Mexico, climate change will have various effects on crop yields, livestock reproduction and production of meat and its derivatives in all regions of the country in a differentiated way according to soil and climatic conditions. This will lead to additional price increases for major crops for both human and animal consumption. It will also cause not enough land suitable for cultivation and grazing; and availability of surface and groundwater demanded by the agricultural sector by the end of the 21st century.&#x0D; Conclusions: Finally, climate change will put Mexico's food security at risk during the present century.

ПРИОРИТЕТЫ РАЗВИТИЯ АГРОПРОМЫШЛЕННОГО КОМПЛЕКСА И ЗАДАЧИ АГРАРНОЙ НАУКИ И ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ

Modern agriculture both in the world and in the Russian Federation is at the stage of profound transformation. The growing natural, socio-economic and production risks dictate the need for a detailed analysis of the medium-term prospects and priorities of agro-industrial complex. Taking into account the need to ensure high competitiveness of domestic food production, the need for such analysis is of great practical importance. &#x0D; The article presents the results of the analysis of the agro-industrial complex of the Republic of Tatarstan, identifies the existing medium-term trends. As the most significant medium-term trends in the development of agriculture are highlighted: the adaptation of agricultural production technologies to global climate changes; the development of efficient production systems with maximum environmental safety while reducing the need for labor resources; the formation of a specialized industry to meet the demand for high quality and healthy food; digitalization and computerization of agricultural production, including In addition, the main trends in the development of crop, livestock and agricultural engineering are given. At the same time, the special role of new technologies in the sustainable development of these industries is pointed out. &#x0D; In the conclusion proceeding from highlighted tendencies of medium-term development of agroindustrial complex the main tasks, facing agrarian science and education are given