Animal production systems in South-East and east Asia are discussed in the context of their potential and challenges for research to address poverty alleviation, increased food production and food security and environmentally sustainable development. The projected human population increase, rising incomes and changing consumer preferences will accelerate the demand for, and access to food in the future. This will place considerable pressures on the use of natural resources (land, crops and animals).

The objectives of this consultation are to identify priority requirements for improved livestock productivity and development of the sustainable production systems in the developing regions; to identify cross-regional priorities, major constraints, the researchable areas and issues in livestock production most likely to bring distinct benefits and impacts; and to assist identification of participants and planning for future regional research workshops.

The important position and role of mixed farming systems in land use intensification in subSaharan Africa is reviewed. This is done by examining the current situation that is followed with a justification for mixed farming. Further sections follow on changing patterns of land use, including the effects of tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis, and on constraints to further crop-livestock integration.

In preparing an investment project, development strategies and project components are defined and revisited during project formulation through a consultative process that often includes Socio-economic and Production Systems Studies. These studies are conducted to develop an appreciation of the situation in which the intended beneficiaries live, and their perceptions of their problems, needs and priorities.

This paper is intended to guide non-bankers, especially economists working on Investment Centre missions, on the application of the tools of financial analysis in project work.

The National Agricultural Policy of Namibia is a multi-sectoral policy with the following objectives: achieve growth rates and stability in farm income, agricultural productivity and production levels that are higher than the population growth rate; ensure food security and improve nutritional status; create and sustain viable livelihood and employment opportunities in rural areas; improve the profitability of agriculture and increase investment in agriculture; contribute towards the improvement of the balance of payments; expand vertical integration and domestic value-added for agricultura

A large body of literature makes the argument that commercialization of agriculture has mainly negative effects on the employment, incomes, food production and consumption, health, and nutrition of the poor. In Commercialization of Agriculture, Economic Development, and Nutrition, Joachim von Braun and Eileen Kennedy find that the conclusion that commercialization of agriculture is generally bad for nutrition is flawed.