Transitions in agro-pastoralist systems of East Africa : Impacts on food security and poverty

Rufino, M. C. and Thornton, P. K. and Ng'ang'a, S. K. and Mutie, I. and Jones, P. G. and van Wijk, M. T. and Herrero, M. (2013) Transitions in agro-pastoralist systems of East Africa : Impacts on food security and poverty. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 179. pp. 215-230. ISSN 0167-8809

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Abstract

Climate-induced livelihood transitions in the agricultural systems of Africa are increasingly likely. There is limited evidence on what such transitions might look like. We carried out fieldwork in 12 sites in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to understand changes in farming systems in the recent past, and to test the hypothesis that sedentary farmers in zones that may become warmer and drier in the future may be forced to increase their reliance on livestock vis-à-vis cropping in the future. We estimated the contribution of crop and livestock activities to incomes, food security and poverty. Householders were asked how to adapt farming in the future. We found no direct evidence for the hypothesised extensification of production across study sites. Human diets have changed considerably in the last 40 years, as cropping has been taken up by increasing numbers of pastoral households, even in marginal places. Maize and legumes predominate, but some householders are increasing their crop and diet diversity, particularly in locations with annual rainfall higher than 800. mm. At all sites people want more livestock. Food insecurity is common at all sites with an annual rainfall of 800. mm or less, and critical levels are seen at sites with

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1102
Subjects:
?? climate changediversificationlivestocksmallholdersvulnerabilityagronomy and crop scienceanimal science and zoologyecology ??
ID Code:
86488
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
30 May 2017 12:04
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 17:01