Does producing forages improve livelihoods in dry areas? The case of Afghanistan (on-going research)

Abstract

Agriculture is the main livelihood and a major contributor to the Afghan economy. Livestock production contributes with almost 50% of agricultural GDP in Afghanistan where out of 75% Afghans who live in rural areas, 85% keep some livestock (AusAID and ACIAR, 2011). In particular, small ruminants (sheep and goats) provide small holder rural Afghan families with livelihoods, food and capital. However, insufficient feed is a key constraint that limits productivity, income growth and sustainability in the crop-livestock farming (GIRoA, 2009). The purpose of this research was to assess and identify which forage production technologies offers high productivity and resilience to farmers to maintain productive small ruminant flocks.