This note on the Machobane system is based on information gathered by an FAO Investment Centre mission which visited Lesotho in July 1996 on behalf of the Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, to prepare the ground for the formulation of a Sustainable Mountain Agriculture Programme for possible IFAD financing. Observations of farmers attitudes and behaviour as well as relevant socio-economic data were collected in February 1996 in several villages of two Districts in Lesotho and are presented. See also the related FAO Investment Centre Occasional Paper N.

The President-Elect of the African Farming Systems Research and Extension Network sent a request to the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa inviting Mr. G.I. Abalu, the Commission's Senior Regional Adviser in Food and Agricultural Policy and Planning to attend the Second International Symposium of the African Farming Systems Research and Extension Research Network.

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.