This paper reviews the studies of property institutions that have been undertaken by researchers affiliated with the International Livestock Centre for Africa (ILCA) since 1980. Particular attention is given to the systems studies and an ongoing study of the impacts of trypanosomiasis control on property institutions. Past and current studies by other workshop participants are mentioned but not reviewed in any detail. The majority of the completed studies have been concerned with two fundamental questions: (1) How do property institutions affect the use and management of resources?

This report is divided into seven sections. The first section deals with biology of Stylosanthes and its importance in West Africa and Latin America. The second section presents papers on the screening and evaluation of Stylosanthes germplasm. This includes genetic diversity, genetic resources, species screening, multi-locational testing and evaluation of accessions. The third part discusses the dynamics, nutrient requirements, and pests and diseases of Stylosanthes species. Section four looks at Stylosanthes-based pastures for livestock production.

This workshop was conceived in recognition of the fact that, over the years, a great deal of research has been conducted on trypanotolerance. With the advent of new and powerful means to identify markers and genes controlling traits of interest, and with the developments in animal breeding bringing greater speed in dissemination of desirable genotypes, there is increasing interest in trypanotolerance as a way forward in trypanosomiasis control.

This presentation concerns the key property rights issues arising in the West African Semi-Arid Tropics (WASAT). The WASAT contains three main agro-climatic zones: Sahel (300–600 mm of annual rainfall falling in 2.5–4 months); Sudanian (600–900 mm, 4 to 6 month rainy season); and Guinean (900–1100 mm, 6–7 month rainy season). The author presented a conceptual framework to explain the responses that farmers in the WASAT region have adopted to deal with changes in their environment.

This issue of Unasylva examines a number of facets of forestry research, emphasizing needs for and efforts made towards strengthening national capability in the developing countries.

Meeting symbol/code: CSC(94)AGR-21

As the only international centre that is solely concerned with African livestock, ILCA has a responsibility to play a lead role in defining the agenda of research issues related to livestock development and environmental policy in Africa. This paper presents a framework appropriate for defining that agenda and for guiding analysis of particular research issues and gives some detail on how ILCA might approach the specific area of range management policy in the arid and semi-arid areas.

Some of the papers in this report deals with nutrient management; land, soil and water management; grain, fodder and residue management; and technology validation and transfer. The other papers looks into development of coordinated research efforts; distribution and importance of Ethiopian vertisols and locations of study sites; a survey of the farming systems of Vertisol areas of the Ethiopian highlands, and modifying the management of vertisols. The report ends with a discussion on retrospect and prospects of the Joint Project on Vertisols management.

Animal agriculture can add to agricultural development through income generation, intensification, foreign exchange earnings and non-agricultural development. The primary justification for being concerned with animal agricultural in sub-Saharan Africa at present is the need to increase farmer incomes. Technological change is the primary means of raising farmer incomes. However, while new technology is a necessary ingredient in the process of agircultural development, it is not sufficient without conductive policy.