61
and increase milk productivity. Kenya has already made strides in this direction; the
country is home to more than 70% of the cross-bred and high-grade dairy cows in
Africa. Sixty percent of the milk produced in Kenya (three billion liters) comes
from high-grade cattle and cross-breeds. But high-grade dairy cattle are more susceptible to disease than local cattle varieties, so breeding for disease resistance is a
top priority.
The health of cattle in Kenya and exposure to disease continue to threaten productivity and farmer livelihoods. Part of the county is infested with tsetse fly, the
biological vector of trypanosomiasis (sometimes called sleeping sickness), a parasitical disease that causes anemia and emaciation in cattle. The condition is chronic,
and if left untreated, it is often fatal. If a cow survives the infection, its milk productivity can drop by 30 to 40%. Trypanosomiasis is a zoonotic disease that is passed
between animals and humans via the tsetse fly, although the number of human cases
in Africa has dropped substantially due to sustained public health efforts.
To ensure a sustainable livelihood and earn sufficient incomes to invest for the
future, small-scale dairy farmers need consistently healthy, productive herds. Good
animal care and feeding practices promote productivity and prevent disease, but
access to affordable, quality animal healthcare products is also essential.
2.8.4 Mechanizing for the Future in India
India’s small-scale farms have enjoyed healthy yields, thanks to the Green
Revolution and continued improvements in seeds, crop protection products, and
access to fertilizers (Box 2.11). Nevertheless, labor productivity on small farms
remains stubbornly low. Family members do the bulk of the farm work because
mechanization rental and ownership are more expensive than family or hired labor.
Not only is this an inefficient use of labor, but it contributes to high rates of rural
poverty and food insecurity. For example, the income from a one-hectare farm, even
if it is high-yielding, must meet the needs of as many as 12 people. As a result, small
farmers are heavily dependent on food rations, wage labor, and government support
to supplement their farming incomes.
Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) give farmers affordable access to mechanization
without having to own the machines themselves. Farmers can rent tractors and
implements for soil preparation, seeding, application of nutrients, and crop protection and harvesting. CHCs are centrally located to serve several villages, reducing
These nutritious grasses are easier for cattle to digest. Demand for these
improved grasses is skyrocketing, and farmers are now diversifying their
income by growing and selling them at the local “fodder stores” which purchase and sell fodder in local markets.
(continued)
2 Productivity in Agriculture for a Sustainable Future
and increase milk productivity. Kenya has already made strides in this direction; the
country is home to more than 70% of the cross-bred and high-grade dairy cows in
Africa. Sixty percent of the milk produced in Kenya (three billion liters) comes
from high-grade cattle and cross-breeds. But high-grade dairy cattle are more susceptible to disease than local cattle varieties, so breeding for disease resistance is a
top priority.
The health of cattle in Kenya and exposure to disease continue to threaten productivity and farmer livelihoods. Part of the county is infested with tsetse fly, the
biological vector of trypanosomiasis (sometimes called sleeping sickness), a parasitical disease that causes anemia and emaciation in cattle. The condition is chronic,
and if left untreated, it is often fatal. If a cow survives the infection, its milk productivity can drop by 30 to 40%. Trypanosomiasis is a zoonotic disease that is passed
between animals and humans via the tsetse fly, although the number of human cases
in Africa has dropped substantially due to sustained public health efforts.
To ensure a sustainable livelihood and earn sufficient incomes to invest for the
future, small-scale dairy farmers need consistently healthy, productive herds. Good
animal care and feeding practices promote productivity and prevent disease, but
access to affordable, quality animal healthcare products is also essential.
2.8.4 Mechanizing for the Future in India
India’s small-scale farms have enjoyed healthy yields, thanks to the Green
Revolution and continued improvements in seeds, crop protection products, and
access to fertilizers (Box 2.11). Nevertheless, labor productivity on small farms
remains stubbornly low. Family members do the bulk of the farm work because
mechanization rental and ownership are more expensive than family or hired labor.
Not only is this an inefficient use of labor, but it contributes to high rates of rural
poverty and food insecurity. For example, the income from a one-hectare farm, even
if it is high-yielding, must meet the needs of as many as 12 people. As a result, small
farmers are heavily dependent on food rations, wage labor, and government support
to supplement their farming incomes.
Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) give farmers affordable access to mechanization
without having to own the machines themselves. Farmers can rent tractors and
implements for soil preparation, seeding, application of nutrients, and crop protection and harvesting. CHCs are centrally located to serve several villages, reducing
These nutritious grasses are easier for cattle to digest. Demand for these
improved grasses is skyrocketing, and farmers are now diversifying their
income by growing and selling them at the local “fodder stores” which purchase and sell fodder in local markets.
(continued)
2 Productivity in Agriculture for a Sustainable Future