The complex nature of mixed farming systems requires multidimensional actions supported by integrative research and development efforts

Animal : an International Journal of Animal Bioscience
E González-GarcíaMette Vaarst

Abstract

Mixed farming systems (MFS) have demonstrated some success by focusing on the use of integrative and holistic mechanisms, and rationally building on and using the natural and local resource base without exhausting it, while enhancing biodiversity, optimizing complementarities between crops and animal systems and finally increasing opportunities in rural livelihoods. Focusing our analysis and discussion on field experiences and empirical knowledge in the Caribbean islands, this paper discusses the opportunities for a change needed in current MFS research-development philosophy. The importance of shifting from fragile/specialized production systems to MFS under current global conditions is argued with an emphasis on the case of Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) and the Caribbean. Particular vulnerable characteristics as well as the potential and constraints of SIDS and their agricultural sectors are described, while revealing the opportunities for the 'richness' of the natural and local resources to support authentic and less dependent production system strategies. Examples are provided of the use of natural grasses, legumes, crop residues and agro-industrial by-products. We analyse the requirement for a change in research s...Continue Reading

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Feb 3, 2009·Conservation Biology : the Journal of the Society for Conservation Biology·Jim C ManolisMichael P Dombeck
May 1, 2010·Animal : an International Journal of Animal Bioscience·X XandéD Renaudeau
Jul 1, 2010·Animal : an International Journal of Animal Bioscience·F Bocquier, E González-García

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Citations

Dec 22, 2012·Animal : an International Journal of Animal Bioscience·B DumontM Tichit
Oct 25, 2013·Reproduction : the Official Journal of the Society for the Study of Fertility·C ViñolesG B Martin
May 30, 2014·Animal : an International Journal of Animal Bioscience·B DumontM Tichit
Jun 12, 2016·Hepatology : Official Journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases·Fen HuangQiuwei Pan
Jul 25, 2018·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Adalinda HernandezCarlos Galina
Jan 13, 2021·Tropical Animal Health and Production·Gisele AlexandreHarry Archimède
Jun 19, 2012·Animal : an International Journal of Animal Bioscience·N MandonnetM Boval
May 1, 2021·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Olufemi Oluwaseun BabatundeOlayiwola Adeola
Sep 9, 2021·Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene·David A ContrerasPeter Chenoweth

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