Centre on Arid and Semi-Arid Agro-ecosystems
The core work of this Centre is to conduct research relevant to farming systems based in arid and semi-arid areas.
Eighty percent of the world’s poor live in areas characterized as rainfed, livestock-oriented, and largely subsistence based. Intensification of agriculture and livestock production often pushes beyond the capacity of the ecosystem, resulting in overgrazing and severe environmental degradation such as soil compaction, erosion, and desertification. As climate change progresses, more areas could become arid and semi-arid and current areas could become further degraded. Since livestock is a vital and integral part of the production system, well managed pastures and adequate stocking rates are necessary to optimize the feed production potential of the ecosystem. Agricultural inputs in these ecosystems are often too expensive for small holder farmers and also difficult to purchase. Moreover, lack of knowledge often results in incorrect application methodologies by small farmers.
Organic farming methods, which are more resilient to drought conditions, could be the solution against poverty and hunger, reducing overgrazing and improving soil fertility. The main challenge of converting to organic agriculture in this agro-ecosystem is dealing with the scarcity and the disrupted dynamics of biomass decomposition during the long dry season(s) which result in a very slow build-up of soil organic matter. Research on best practices for animal husbandry to raise livestock with high productivity within an arid and semi-arid organic system is another need.
The proposed Key Topics are: Pastures & Livestock.
