For the objective of "Raising the profile and understanding of the contributions of small-scale livestock producers." they need to be engaged in an integrated farming system with crop land and livestock rearing in a circular system in which livestock waste contributing to soil enhancement through organic manure and soil producing healthy grass and nutritious grain for livestock in return. This integrated system should also have biogas production for small scale processing to meet the energy need of small farmer. The small farm should be subsidized with solar powered roof tops and beneath providing shade for animals. Agroecological systems can play important role, Some models have been tested in Pakistan for small scale farmer where one acre farms that give income through out the year to sustain livelihood have been tested and livestock should be tested specifically for Ecological & economic concerns.
- For common constraints to improved small-scale livestock productivity could be improved by keeping and practicing healthy environment at the small farm, hygiene, sufficient space, advanced breeds and knowledgeful farmer are prerequisite to overcome most of farming problems.
- Actions and practices that small-scale livestock producers and allied value chain actors could implement or advocate for include capacity building of farmers, a skilled person can manage the farm better, deploying smart gadgets and monitoring systems can improve productivity. Keeping a record at farm is essential which is lacking at most farms, and they don't consider it a business where own generated data and records of production and health of animals can play pivotal role.
- Themes identification should be focused on Small farm economics, ecology, energy and emissions in current scenario (4E) model.
In voluntary guidelines, it may be made necessary for farmers to take a one-week Audio-visual training at local livestock/ animal husbandry training school?office or farmer field school, Animal health check up process and basic kit at all farms should be available at all registered farms and farmers should subscribe to sms or any social media campaign by the Ministry of livestock for sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity.
Farmers may be given a star Ranking like hotels, 5 stars, 4 star category of farms for those who manage voluntary guidelines and implement sustainable farm practices.
Dr. Fahd Rasul