Livestock Intensification

Livestock is an important component of the farming systems in the Yungtoed valley. Cows are used for milk, bulls for plowing and horses for transportation; the ensuing manure is used as fertilizer for the agricultural fields. Cattle are grazed over uncultivated fields and in the forest. Some farmers keep the cattle in a shed overnight which helps in the collection of manure.

Grazing of livestock in forest areas represents a serious threat to biodiversity, through reduction of undergrowth (habitat of various species) and change in structure and tree species composition. Cattle are traditionally reared in an extensive system, in large herds with a relatively low productivity per head. As forests are often regarded as an open access resource, grazing areas are often stocked with livestock up to the level of the carrying capacity, in terms of the number of animals that can be sustained. This stocking rate normally exceeds the optimum from a livestock production point of view. Lowering the number of cattle would increase livestock production (Gibson, 1991). Secondly the carrying capacity from forest production point of view is lower, as current grazing practices are found to hamper regeneration of (useful) tree species. Therefore, livestock intensification to reduce pressure on natural resources as alternatives to forest grazing is to be promoted. In an intensified system small herds of productive livestock are kept near the village throughout the year. Improved management of the pastures should compliment the livestock intensification. The extensive system is geared towards intensive manure production with minimum labor input. The outlets (markets) for the increased production will be made available.

Activities:

1. Development of a pasture

Pasture at Tigchung Wog

2. Promote Poultry