INTEGRATED CROP-LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA - AN OPTION OR AN IMPERATIVE

Rapid growth of the human and livestock populations in sub-Saharan Afr ica is creating un precedented increases in food and feed demands. The se population pressures on a fixed landbase are likely to promote seve re competition for resources and drive agriculture progressively towar ds intensification, Integrated crop-livestock systems, already common in the highlands, are expected to evolve rapidly elsewhere. Research i s required to develop technological alternatives which promote better resource use through synergies from crop-livestock integration. Mainte nance of soil fertility and provision of livestock feeds appear to be the main areas of reciprocal benefits, while animal traction may be an option for increasing land and labour productivity, In this paper we assess the challenge facing sub-Saharan agriculture and the potential contribution of crop-livestock integrated systems towards agricultural growth and sustainability.