REPUBLIQUE DU SENEGAL ---a---- MINISTERE DU...
REPUBLIQUE DU SENEGAL
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MINISTERE DU DEVELOPPEMENT
RURAL ET DE L'HYDRAULIQUE
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INSTITUT SENEGALAIS DE RECHERCHES
AGRICOLES (I.S.R.A.)
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CENTRE DE RECHERCHES
ZOOTECHNIQUES DE KOLDA
FARMERS' PARTICIPATION
IN ACTION/RESEARCH ON LIVESTOCK
CASE STUDY OF PEASANT CATTLE FATTENING
IN THE UPPER CASAMANCE, SENEGAL
Abdou FALL
Adama FAYE
i
COMMUNICATION AFRICAN STUDIES ASSOCIATION ANNUAL
NOVEMBRE 1990
XEETING. 1990. BALTIMORE (USA)
Réf. 097/CRZ. KOLDA
RESUME
La participation des éleveurs dans la mise en oeuvre d’une opération de
rechercheldéveloppement en Haute Casamance est discutée.
Le rôle des agropasteurs dans le processus de recherche s’est manifesté
sous différentes formes :
1) leur engagement à participer,
2) la .mobilisation de leur capital, main-d’oeuvre et intrants pour I’exécu-
tion de l’opération,
3) la gestion de l’opération et la collection des données.
L’implication des paysans dans le processus de recherche a contribué à
élargir leurs connaissances sur les techniques d’élevage et de culture.
Les éleveurs ont eu à modifier le parquet technologique qui leur était
proposé en vue de l’adapter à leurs besoins et leurs contraintes.
En conséquence, les chercheurs ont acquis une meilleure compréhension des
objectifs et des contraintes des agropasteurs, ce qui leur a permis de
mettre en place des activités de recherches complémentaires.
AHSTRACT
The following is a discussion of farmers participation in the implementation
of a research/action stud on livestock in U per Casamance, Senegal. The role
of farmers in the researci process takes dif erent forms: a) their commitment
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to participate; b) the involvement of their capital, labor and inputs in the
operation;. c) the mana ement of the operation; iv) the collection of data and
the partrcrpation in dif erent research activities. Their
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involvement in the
research process enabled them to ac uire a greater knowledge in animal
husbandry and cropping practices. Ale farmers modified the proposed package
in order to make it more adapted to their needs and constraints, which then
allowed the scientists to better understand farmers objectives, strategies and
constraints and to design cornplimentary research activities.
Keywords: Livestock Research/Action, Farmers Participation, Peasant
Fattening Models.
INTRODUCTION
Previously, many agricultural research efforts intended to develo new
technologies to improve the efficiency of production systems an B farmers
welfare did not brmg about expected si mficant changes in African countries
which are still facing the widening gap i etween food production and increasing
food demand.
Approaches to agricultural research in the design and implementation of
appropriate technology for sustained development has markedly evolved. More
emphasis is being put on the development of innovations with consideration to
the farmers actual circumstances. On-farm agricultural research has ained
popularity as a necessa
compliment to conventional approaches.
”r$ational
and international agricu tural research institutions have corne to the
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concensus that technologies intended for small farmers should be identified,
designed and evaluated within the context of systerns practiced by farmers
themselves (Malton and King, 1984). This agreement resulted from the
observation of the low ado tion rate of technologies developed under a
controlled environment wit Iiout the testing and evaluation in the farmers
environment.
It is also widely accepted that farmers should be involved in a11 phases, the
design, implementation and evaluation, of technolo
development. However,
how and what farmers should contribute and what tK e impact of their
articipation are still pertinent issues which merit further elaboration.
K ethodologies for on-farm livestock research and farmers involvement in
technology development are still at their early stage of development.
Therefore, an important step towards a more efficient use of research includes
the conviction of scientists and decision makers of the values of such an
approach to research.
On the basis of information gained through a research/action grant, this paper
,discusses issues of farmers’ participation in on-farm! ,livestock research,
evaluating the technical, financial, and social feasibrhty of which is
I
i I
currently peasant fattening models.
This paper is a preliminary analysis of
the impact of farmers’ contribution in the research carried out in the Upper
Casamance of Senegal, thanks to supporting funds from the African Development
Foundation (ADF).
The second section of this paper provides background information on the
livestock production system in the Upper Casamance. The research problem,
defined in the third and forth sections, describes the experimental design.
Farmers participation and the impact of their involvement in the research
implementation are assessed in section five and six respectively.
1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: THE LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SYSTEM
IN THE UPPER CASAMANCE.
The region of Up er Casamance, situated in Southern Senegal, is endowed with
important nationa P resources:
land and water, making it an area with high
agropastoral potential. It covers 17,718 km2, out of which only 24% are under
cultivation. The mean annual rainfall is relatively high (900 mm).
The farrning system in the Upper Casamance is characterized by a completely
intertwined and closely integrated trop and livestock production sub-system.
Many crops (cotton, groundnut, millet, sorghum, maize, rice, etc.) are grown
and many livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats, equines, poultry) are
raised. The integratron of the livestock and trop production sectors is
facilitated by the convenient symbiotic interactions of these two components.
The trop sector receives animal power and manure while the livestock sector
benefits from cor-p residues. The 244,739 inhabitants of the rural Up er
Casamance secure their subsistence needs from cropping and animal Eusbandry
activities.
The ruminant population in the Upper Casamance is made up of 312,000 heads of
trypanotolerant NDama cattle and 248,000 heads of Djalonke sheep and goats.
Livestock contribute a great deal to the welfare of farmers through their main
functions as:
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sources of auto-consumed goods: milk, meat;
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capital assets;
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source of cash revenues; and
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input to the trop sector: power, manure.
The livestock sector in the Upper Casamance is characterized by:
the wide variety of species raised;
the diversity of farmers objectives for livestock rearing;
the extensive management system with low level of inputs;
the modicity of farmers financial status;
the hostility of the physical environment;
the seasonality of natural resources availability, and the
seasonality of levels of performance achieved;
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the production circumstances of high risk; and
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the mdividual ownership of animals which are grazed on natural
pastures communally accessible.
Despite it natural resources endowment, the livestock productivity in the
Upper Casamance is plagued by important ecological, biological and
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socio-econornic constraints. Although more gifted then the northern Senegalese
zones with regards to the vegetal blomasse and water resources, seasonality in
feed quality and quantity and insufficient watering facilities are major
constraints facing the livestock sector. Interna1 (trypanosomiasis, round
worms) and external parasites, tick-borne diseases and infectious diseases
(anthrax, hemorragic septicemia) are major health roblems. In addition,
management practices, such as excessive milk offta Ee and reduced grazing time,
coupled with the low level of su plemental feedings, have adverse effects on
the overall herd productivity. TEe lack of infrastructure and communication
means and the relative weakness of technical assistance to farmers are, in
part, responsible for the farmers low level of knowledge on improved
production techniques.
Past research efforts undertaken in the Upper Casamance remained removed from
farmers’ problems and realities. Research activities were conducted in a
controlled environment--on station. The ignorance of the structure and
functioning of the livestock system and farmer objectives, strategies and
production circumstances were more conducive to a slower pace in new
technology development and adoption. In addition, the lack of creative
interaction between research institutions, development agencies and farmers
has been an important factor constraining farmers from acquiring new
knowledge, and enabling them to remove or alleviate problems they are facing.
Up to 1985, development efforts payed little attention to the livestock sector
in the Up er Casamance. Cotton production was, until recently, the major
concern o P decision makers.
II. DEFINITION OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM.
A diagnostic of the livestock production system in the Upper Casamance
resulted in the identification of avenues to improve the productivity of this
sector and, therefore, farmers revenues and welfare (Fall, 1988). Devised
alternative solutions address the dry season feed restriction, changes in
management practices and institutional issues. Suggested alterations of the
management system include the development of small scale peasant fattening
models of cattle.
Peasant cattle fattening is widely racticed in the central and western
regions of Senegal (Sine Saloum, b akar) where the availability of trop
residues and agro-industrial byproducts and high meat prices make these
operations financially profitable (FAYE, 1986). With consideration to the
available resources, animals, feed and labor, and the rowing demand of red
meat, farmers in the Upper Casamance were assume d to have at their disposa1
the resource base requrred to develop improved management practices such as
cattle fattening. The validity of this assumption is shared by many
individual farmers, farmers organizations or Non-Governmental organizations
who strive to run or to encourage such enterprises in the Upper Casamance.
The adoption of small scale fattening schemes, not yet popular in the Upper
Casamance, could bring about substantial beneficial effects to farmers’
production--efficiency and revenues. Such advantages emanate from:
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the use of farm trop resides or local agro-industrial byproducts;
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the generation of additional financial revenues;
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the rmproved trop yield through the utilization of better quality
manure produced b fattened animals;
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the utilization of lagor, otherwise idle, in productive activities;
and
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the improvement of farmers’ organizations and knowledge through their
new technological experience.
Past research on cattle fattening in Senegal was undertaken on-station, with
breeds other than the NDama cattle and with a different feed resource base.
This type of research was supposed to support large scale “industrial” feed
lots, regarded as the last stage of the stratification model. This in fact is
the actual framework used for the development of cattle productions in
Senegal. However, knowledge is poor when it cornes to the evaluation of the
technical, financial and social feasibility of peasant fattening models.
As a result of research conducted without farmers’ participation, individuals’
and farmers’ associations are lacking information and knowledge the cari
resort to when they want to initiate or to enhance the efficiency of attening
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entreprises. Consequently, they often raise questions and issues such as:
o
What are the expected responses of the NDama cattle under an improved
management using local resources?
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When and how to operate a fattening o eration?
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What is the approprrate animal choice P
or fattening?
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What is the most appro riate feed system?
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How costs, access to
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di ferent inputs and market prices affect the
profitability of fattening operations?
Responses to such questions and issues are essential in order for farmers to
plan and implement successful small scale feed lots.
III. THE RESEARCH OBJECTIVES.
The objectives of the research are:
1. to evaluate the financial and technical feasibility of peasant fattening
operations;
2. to study the livestock marketing system in the Upper Casamance;
3. to estimate NDama cattle carcass yield;
4. to study farmers organizations; and
5. to evaluate the impact of farmers’ participation in the research.
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VI. EXPECTED RESEARCH OUTPUTS.
Knowledge gained on NDama cattle performances and the levels of profitability
achieved under different management systems and resources bases wrll help
farmers to more efficiently conduct fattening operations for the maximization
of their revenues. As a result, development agencies Will have at their
disposa1 valuabIe information which would enable them to provide farmers with
sohd technical advice. Currently, rural credit agencies are reluctant to
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finance livestock-related activities because of high risks involved in this
sector.. The results of this study on the profitability of peasant fattening
operatlons ~111 contrrbute to assuring them that it IS financially solid to
support such peasant entreprises. Above all, the direct involvement of
farmers in the research process and their permanent interaction with
scientists Will not only broaden their knowledge on animal and cropping
ractrces but also wrll enable scientists to gain an indepth understanding of
Farmers’ objectives, strategies and constraints.
V. METHODOLOGY.
The Research Themes
Five major interrelated themes are identified to evaluate the peasant
fattening models:
1. Technical performances: specifically biolo ical performances such as
weight gains accordin
to such factors as tfi e feeding system, animal
choices and the lengta of the operation.
2. Financial performances: the analysis of the cost and benefits of
fattening operations in order to evaluate its financial profitability.
3. Cattle marketing system: the analysis of the seasonality of cattle
selling prices.
4. The measurement of the NDama cattle carcass yields in order to evaluate
meat gains obtained through fattening.
5. Farmers’ organizations and the social impact of peasant fattening models.
The Research Awroach
The Research/Action a proach to this study has been used as the conceptual
framework to conduct tKe study. Research activities take place on-farm with
the direct involvement of farmers. They fully manage therr own operation,
either on an individual or group basis and receive advice from scientists.
Methods used by researchers to gather information include: close monitoring,
rapid surveys, groups discussions, key respondent and workshops.
Sampline of Research Sites and Fattening WorkshoDs
It has been pointed out that a statistically sound experimental desi n for
on-farm livestock research is difficult to set up. Research sites an a farmers
are usually selected on the basis of subjective criteria. This, however, does
not invalidate the research (Van Eys, 1985).
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In this research, five fattening workshops scattered in four villages and
totaling 91 animals were selected for monitor@. The choice was made on the
basis of accessibility to villages, farmers’ receptrveness and the
possibilities of sound monitoring.
Identification of DarticiDantS
Farmers who were selected to participate in the research were already
operating fattening entreprises on an individual or cooperative basis. They
had varymg degrees of experience and knowledge on cattle fattening practices
and technical assistance.
The “Groupement d’Interet Economi ue: (GIE)” is the new formula for efficient
farmers organizations in rural Senega .
9 The New Agricultural Policies. geared
towards thë realization of the stated objective of naGona1 food security,put
greater emphasis on the roles of peasant organizations. The state attempts to
exert less influence in this sector and subsequently places more emphasis on
farmers’ responsibilities through GIE’s in terms of access to credit,
acquisition of agricultural inputs and equipment, as well as the marketing of
commodities.
Three GIE’s in villages of Dialambere, Medina Koundie and Medina Yorofou l a
made up the sample of coo eratives selected for monitoring. This sample is
also extended to two indivi Bual farmers privately nmning their small business.
The GIE of Dialambere and Medina Doundie have a mixed composition of males and
females, while the GIE of Medina Yoro Foula is entirely made up of females who
had had no previous experience in runnin such operations. In Dialambere and
Medina Koundie, animals were communal y managed by selected members of the
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GIE. In Medina Yoro Foula, each group of three members of the GIE are in
charge of two animals in their own compound.
Evaluation of Biolocical Performances
A monitoring scheme has been desi ned and implemented to gather data on
technical performances obtained in f attening workshops. Observations pertain
to:
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animal liveweight: weights of animals are measured at the onset,
halfway and at the end of the o eration;
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feed consumption: quantities oP distributed feedstuffs as well as
residues are measured on a weekly basis;
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the total quantities of manure produced by animals during the process
are evaluated in sample stalls.
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animal liveweight and carcass weight are measured on a weekly basis
at the slaughter house in Kolda.
Measurements of Financial and Social Variables
The monitoring scheme also allowed the collection of data pertaining to
socio-economic aspects of the enterprise such as data on the cattle marketing
system, prices of inputs and farmers organizations include:
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livestock marketin data: Enumerators are recruited to collect data
on weekly livestoc& markets; the number of animals presented in the
market, the number of animals sold, their category and selling price
are recorded.
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a11 types of inputs and their origin (either purchased or produced
on-farm) and their prices are collected.
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discussions with farmers rovide us with information related to their
organization: structure, Knction, decision making process, division
of labor and constraints.
VI. FARMERS’ PARTICIPATION.
The direct involvement of farmers is a key element of the research/action
approach to the study. What, how, and when farmers contribute (Kirby at
Maltou, 1984) and the impact of their involvement are essential aspects of
farmers participation to on-farm livestock research for appropriate technology
development and a wide dissemination. Farmers have a stock of knowledge which
should be acknowledged and utilized as valuable inputs for the design,
implementation and evaluation of innovations addressin their production
constraints. It requires that farmers be regarded as reaf partners in order
for their participation to be meaningful in this process.
In this study, farmers voluntarily agreed to articipate in the research
before they became involved in the researc K implementation.
Farmers’ Commitmen$
One of the most important aspects of the farmers’ contribution is their
willingness to particrpate and to invest their capital, labor and time in the
research. The CRZ had a long tradition of workin with farmers in the Uppe
Casamance. As a result, a mutual trust has grown % etween the two partners.
This facilitated obtaining the cornmitment of farmers to participate despite
the inconveniences of the research activities such as valuable tlme lost
collecting data during critical periods of the year.
In this research, during the planning phase, a series of discussion sessions
allowed scientists to explain to farmers the research objectives and
experimental design.
Farmers ParticiDation in the Research ImDIementation
Farmers have been mainly involved in research activities dealin with the
evaluation of fattening operations. Studies of the livestock mark eting system
and of carcass yield were conducted by qualified enumerators.
Fa~r~~ers were enthusiastic to articipate in the formulation and distribution
of rations, in the collection oPdata, and in the evaluation of the technology
during the course of the active process and during the dissemination workshop.
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Ration formulation and feeding
Many feed resources cari be used in the Upper Casamance for cattle.fattening
pur-poses including: cottonseed, groundnut hay, cereals, bran and varrous
roughage. According to a full stall feeding system of management as devised
by the CRZ/Kolda, rations were formulated with consideration to available
resource at each site. Rations composed of different proportions of cereal
brans, cottonseeds and ordinary salt would supplement roughages, cereals,
straw, groundnut and hay to meet a11 the nutrient requirements of animais.
Demonstration sessions were organized to show farmers how to mix different
ingredients. Available baskets, caris and buckets were used to measure
uantities of feedstuffs needed for the ration mixing and distribution. After
x
t e demonstration, designated farmers were put in chan e of the daily mixing
of the concentrate, and the weighing of the ration distri 1uted as well as the
quantification of residues after consumption. Al1 data were recorded by
farmers who were trained for such tasks.
Measurement of biological performances
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Animals are periodically weighed with an electronic scale. The
handling of animals and the weighing are executed by farmers who were
taught to use the scale;
0
Farmers also intervened in the extraction and the quantification of
the total manure produced in stalls;
o
The scientists set the diagnosis of diseases affecting animais and
apply a treatment with the assistance of farmers. Some farmers who,
trained in basic veterinary practices, help treat animals and apply
prophylactic measures such vaccination and hygienic actions. At each
occasion, the etiology, mode of dissemination and treatment of the
encountered affection is explained to farmers as well as methods to
prevent it.
Measurement of other inputs
Prices of inputs (feedstuffs, drugs, etc.) and purchasing rices of animals
are recorded by selected enumerators among farmers. f-hey also collect data on
labor inputs to fattening activities with a questionnaire formulated by
scientists.
Participation in the dissemination workshop
Farmers seldom have opportunities to exchange experience and information.
Most workshops dealing with farmers’ problems are held without their
participation. In these cases, it is the scientists who attempt to express
farmers’ objectives, strategies and constraints with their own biases.
Xore than 50 farmers were invited to a workshop on fattening operations,
giving them the opportun@ to exchange experience and information with
researchers and extension agents. Major issues elected for discussion were:
a) the planning of the operation; b the feedin system; c) the marketing of
animals; d) health problems; and e the role o f various a encies intervening
in the sector. Two major categories of farmers composef the pan& 1) farmers
nmning a small
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scale feed-lots entreprises; and 2) those who did not have such experiences.
The workshop was conducted in their own language which facilitated interesting
interactions and enriching discussions on issues cited above.
The Imnact of Farmers ParticiDation
The involvement of farmers in the research process yielded three remarkable
outputs:
1) the increase of farmers knowledge in animal and trop ing
practices leading to a more efficient use of resources; 1) the modi ication of
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the recommended package by farmers according to their needs and production
constraints; and 3) the design of complimentary research activities by
scientists and a better understanding of strategies adopted by farmers to meet
their goals.
Increase in Farmers Knowledge
In the traditional cattle management system in the Upper Casamance, dry season
feed supplementation is not practiced on a broad basls, and if it happens to
occur, it is performed at low levels. The objective of dry season
supplemental feeding is to improve the herd sutival rate. In the current
research, animals stressedby the d
season feed restriction are given
priority in the utilization of scarce eedstuffs
7
such as roundnut hay. For
example, draught animais may receive green leaves oB ‘banc’-pterocarpus
ericeaneus. A dramatic change in the perception of the benefits of the dry
season supplementation has been a positive outcome, brought about b their
participation in the research process. The farmers usually state that thyey
could not believe that such levels of animal performances could be achieved in
the dry season by supplementing their feed. They also realized that dry
season supplementatron,
in addition to its original functions to improve
survival rates, could be extended to alternative productive purposes such as
fattening for improved productivity.
Many farmers were not familiar with the use of cereals brans for cattle
feedrng. These resources are usually consumed by poultry, equine and
sometimes lactating cows one week after calving. In the research, farmers
found alternative uses for important quantities of cereal brans produced by
the domestic cereal processing.
o
The demonstration of the mixing of different in redients which make
up the ration has been beneficial to farmers. +Il ey extended this
practice by using ordinary salt solutions on dry roughage in order to
improve their palatability and then ingestion.
0
Farmers have been very sensitive to the weight measurements. At each
weighing session they remember the animal’s revious performance.
This enables them to judge the efficiency of ti!feir feedmg system on
the basis of the animal liveweight evolution. They also are able to
relate the weight decrease or increase to a particular factor.
Farmers were therefore able to correct the deficient fact under the
supervision of scientists.
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During the dissemination worksho it was noticeable that many farmers
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were not acquainted with certain eeding techniques. They were
(L Y.a-kA
amazed to learn that urea could be used as a non protein source of
nitrogen which also improves the utilization of rou hages. They
however, experienced fatal toxicities of animals waich accidently
consumed urea destined to cereal fields.
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For the majority of farmers it was the first time they had heard of
using animals byproducts such as bornes and blood for feeding
pur-poses.
Many of them had difficulty believing that silage
techniques were an important means to store and preserve high quality
forage for future use.
0
Farmers were reluctant to use the better quality manure for cropping
as recommended by the research team. In the traditional system,
animal dung is de osited in the field throughout the year and
sometimes the fie ds are burnt before ploughing. Whether
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they are
burnt or not, the practice of direct manuring is conducive to hrgh
losses of nitrogen and organic matter due to the deteriorating effect
caused b the sun and the termite invasion. In Medina Koundie, The
farmers irst tested the
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effect of the manure produced by fattened
animal in stalls, on saplin s and then in their communally owned
garden.
%
Positive results o served in the garden in terms of improved
ields convinced farmers to use the manure in their cereal fields.
in the first year of monitoring, we observed that great quantities of
manure remained in the stalls. Once they were convinced of the
beneficial effects of this resource on cereal ‘eld through their own
trails, they began to plan the mode of distri rution of manure among
cooperative members. This was done before the initiation of the
following fattening operation.
0
Farmers adopted and a reciated the beneficial effects of hygienic
measures recommende CEy scientists. In general, farmers are not
familiar with new habitats of animals which may result in new
affections. The regular cleaning of stalls and the periodic
replacement of the litter were recommended measures to lower humidity
in order to prevent parasite development.
Modification of the Technology
Farmers are the source of technology or they cari ad’ust proposed packages to
fit their physical and socioeconomic environment. d is is illustrated by the
farmers attitudes in Djalambere and Medina Koundie.
Farmers changed the animal management from a full staff feeding system to a
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implementation of rigorous on-farm livestock research. However, the
ap reciable qualitative information obtained through this approach may
of set
P
such inconveniences. Further elaboration is needed for the
develo ment of methodologies and criteria for evaluation, not only of the
techno ogy but also of researchers involved in
P
such activities.
3. Farmers participation in the research process has the additional advantage
of enabling them to modify the proposed innovation according to their
objectives and production circumstances. It is therefore obvrous that
scientists should give priority to the better understanding of the farmers
objectives and strategles.
Ongoing communication between farmers and
scientists throughout the research process is an important means for
ro;nTl+;rt tr\\ h*t.neln mr-.vP nn"r.n:mtaA t,3 th.3 nr\\mnl.3":t:or nFtha 1:.rn.-+r\\n17
Farmers bath in Djalambere and Medina Koundie opted not to dispose of the
animais at the end of the operation but rather decided to use them for
traction purposes. Two major goals were pursued in doing SO. First,
ploughing is a high energy demanding operation. Well fed animais, in able
working conditions, are required to plough heavy soils. In the traditional
feed process, draught animals are usuall in poor hysical shape during the
critical plou hing period of the ear anJ
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are unab e to meet high energy
demands. Ifarmers that realize d animals which were originally raised to sel1
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could also be used for loughing. Second, most of the cooperative members did
not own drau ht
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anima s and were faced with the difflculties of land
preparation. !Ile cooperative decided to support them by providing them, on a
temporary basis, with fattened animals during the ploughmg period. In Medina
Koundie, Djalambere no cost was incurred by members who benefited from the
services of animals. In both cases, this system may be advantageous from the
member or group standpoint since it generates cash revenues to the cooperative
or allows increased trop production for members. It may be argue& however,
that these advantages could be offset by the eventual r&duced selling prices
o f a n i m a l s f r o m t h e d r o p o f w e i g h t because o f
the workload or the sale of the animal at an inappropriate time. Scientists
Will have to assess advantages and inconveniences of both management systems
according to the cooperative specificities.
Complementary Research Activities
Regarding the modifications of farmers’ strategy, scientists thou ht that it
was neccesary to implement complimentary research activities. 5-h is would
enable them to take into account a11 outputs for a 8comprehensive evaluation of
the technological package being tested by farmers. Since fattened animals
were used for draught urposes, data were needed on animal erformances in the
field. From a financiaPanalysis perspective, the leasing cost oF the animal
may be appropriate to evaluate, as well as the benefits relinguished by
postponing the selling time and utilizing the animal for ploughing. In the
case of DJalambere where no cost was incurred by members who benefited from
the animal power, it is necessary to evaluate gains in terms of additional
trop production which was generated by utilizing the animals for traction.
A monitoring of draught animais has been set up to evaluate their workin
time, surface of land ploughed and velocity. These variables are measure f in
two groups of animais:
a “treated” grou which benefited from supplemental
feedmg in the dry season; and a “contra P ” group which was raised on an
extensive mode with supplementation.
CONCLUSIONS
1. On farm livestock research is a valuable complement of conventional
livestock research. It not only rapidly utilizies and enhances farmers
knowledge for the adaptation of new technologies but also enables the
farmers’ relevant evaluation of innovations intended to alleviate their
production constraints.
2. The divers@ of the farmers’ ob’ectives in rurming livestock related
activities and the various animai outputs (power, manure, meat, mild) some
of which are non-marketed, intermediate products used as in ut to the
closely integrated trop sector, are serious constraints to the Besign and
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implementation of rigorous on-farm livestock research. However, the
ap reciable qualitative information obtained through this approach may
of set
P
such inconveniences. Further elaboration is needed for the
develo ment of methodologies and criteria for evaluation, not only of the
techno ogy but also of researchers involved in
P
such activities.
3. Farmers participation in the research process has the additional advantage
of enabling them to modify the proposed innovation according to their
objectives and production circurnstances. It is therefore obvlous that
scientists should give priority to the better understanding of the farmers
objectives and strategles.
Ongoing communication between farmers and
scientists throughout the research process is an important means for
scientist to become more acquainted to the complexities of the livestock
production system. This subsequently Will enable them to design more
appropriate innovations.
4. The management s stem of on-farm livestock research is an important aspect
of the approach. XIhen farmers own the animals, assume responsibility for
inputs and consequently endure a11 the risks, they are no longer under the
researcher’s control and therefore, cari change strategies and alter the
innovations as they desire.
This is an im ortant means to evaluate the
performance of the technolo
when useB by farmers and to identify ways of
adapting it to enhance its
P
ef iciency and greater dissemination.
5. The experimental desi n should be flexible enough in order to adjust
research activities to tae farmer’s changing management strategies. This
requires that a permanent and close cornmunicatlon be established between
farmers and scientists and for the latter to detect, at the appropriate
moment, changes which cari affect the analysis of the research results.
6. The dissemination worksho is a key component of the research activities.
P
It is an important tool for armers to excha,nge experiences and
information and for scientists to becorne more familiar with farmers’
concerns. The utilization of their language in the workshop facilitates
the exchange of ideas.
- 12 -
FALL, A. 1988.
Les systemes d’Eleva e en Haute Casamance:
Characterization Pe ri!ormances et
Contraints. Memoire de titularisation.
Direction de Recherches sur les Productions
et la Sanate Animales (DRPSA) Institut
Senegalais de Recherches Agricoles.
FAYE, A. 1986.
L’Embouche Paysanne dans le Centre Nord du
Bassin Archidier au Senegal; In methods pour
la Recherche sur les Systemes d’elevage en
Afri ue Intertropicale. Etudes et Systhese
p.
de 1’ IMVT No 20.
MALTOU, P. KING, D. 1984.Foreword. in Coming full circle farmers’
participation in the Development of
technology. IDRC - 189.
VAN EYS, J.E. 1985.
Conception des Essais en ferme In, methods
de Recherches ap licables aux essais
zootechniques in erme IDRC
P
- 242 P.
t
- 13 -
---a----
MINISTERE DU DEVELOPPEMENT
RURAL ET DE L'HYDRAULIQUE
----w-e-
INSTITUT SENEGALAIS DE RECHERCHES
AGRICOLES (I.S.R.A.)
--------
CENTRE DE RECHERCHES
ZOOTECHNIQUES DE KOLDA
FARMERS' PARTICIPATION
IN ACTION/RESEARCH ON LIVESTOCK
CASE STUDY OF PEASANT CATTLE FATTENING
IN THE UPPER CASAMANCE, SENEGAL
Abdou FALL
Adama FAYE
i
COMMUNICATION AFRICAN STUDIES ASSOCIATION ANNUAL
NOVEMBRE 1990
XEETING. 1990. BALTIMORE (USA)
Réf. 097/CRZ. KOLDA
RESUME
La participation des éleveurs dans la mise en oeuvre d’une opération de
rechercheldéveloppement en Haute Casamance est discutée.
Le rôle des agropasteurs dans le processus de recherche s’est manifesté
sous différentes formes :
1) leur engagement à participer,
2) la .mobilisation de leur capital, main-d’oeuvre et intrants pour I’exécu-
tion de l’opération,
3) la gestion de l’opération et la collection des données.
L’implication des paysans dans le processus de recherche a contribué à
élargir leurs connaissances sur les techniques d’élevage et de culture.
Les éleveurs ont eu à modifier le parquet technologique qui leur était
proposé en vue de l’adapter à leurs besoins et leurs contraintes.
En conséquence, les chercheurs ont acquis une meilleure compréhension des
objectifs et des contraintes des agropasteurs, ce qui leur a permis de
mettre en place des activités de recherches complémentaires.
AHSTRACT
The following is a discussion of farmers participation in the implementation
of a research/action stud on livestock in U per Casamance, Senegal. The role
of farmers in the researci process takes dif erent forms: a) their commitment
P
to participate; b) the involvement of their capital, labor and inputs in the
operation;. c) the mana ement of the operation; iv) the collection of data and
the partrcrpation in dif erent research activities. Their
B
involvement in the
research process enabled them to ac uire a greater knowledge in animal
husbandry and cropping practices. Ale farmers modified the proposed package
in order to make it more adapted to their needs and constraints, which then
allowed the scientists to better understand farmers objectives, strategies and
constraints and to design cornplimentary research activities.
Keywords: Livestock Research/Action, Farmers Participation, Peasant
Fattening Models.
INTRODUCTION
Previously, many agricultural research efforts intended to develo new
technologies to improve the efficiency of production systems an B farmers
welfare did not brmg about expected si mficant changes in African countries
which are still facing the widening gap i etween food production and increasing
food demand.
Approaches to agricultural research in the design and implementation of
appropriate technology for sustained development has markedly evolved. More
emphasis is being put on the development of innovations with consideration to
the farmers actual circumstances. On-farm agricultural research has ained
popularity as a necessa
compliment to conventional approaches.
”r$ational
and international agricu tural research institutions have corne to the
7
concensus that technologies intended for small farmers should be identified,
designed and evaluated within the context of systerns practiced by farmers
themselves (Malton and King, 1984). This agreement resulted from the
observation of the low ado tion rate of technologies developed under a
controlled environment wit Iiout the testing and evaluation in the farmers
environment.
It is also widely accepted that farmers should be involved in a11 phases, the
design, implementation and evaluation, of technolo
development. However,
how and what farmers should contribute and what tK e impact of their
articipation are still pertinent issues which merit further elaboration.
K ethodologies for on-farm livestock research and farmers involvement in
technology development are still at their early stage of development.
Therefore, an important step towards a more efficient use of research includes
the conviction of scientists and decision makers of the values of such an
approach to research.
On the basis of information gained through a research/action grant, this paper
,discusses issues of farmers’ participation in on-farm! ,livestock research,
evaluating the technical, financial, and social feasibrhty of which is
I
i I
currently peasant fattening models.
This paper is a preliminary analysis of
the impact of farmers’ contribution in the research carried out in the Upper
Casamance of Senegal, thanks to supporting funds from the African Development
Foundation (ADF).
The second section of this paper provides background information on the
livestock production system in the Upper Casamance. The research problem,
defined in the third and forth sections, describes the experimental design.
Farmers participation and the impact of their involvement in the research
implementation are assessed in section five and six respectively.
1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: THE LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SYSTEM
IN THE UPPER CASAMANCE.
The region of Up er Casamance, situated in Southern Senegal, is endowed with
important nationa P resources:
land and water, making it an area with high
agropastoral potential. It covers 17,718 km2, out of which only 24% are under
cultivation. The mean annual rainfall is relatively high (900 mm).
The farrning system in the Upper Casamance is characterized by a completely
intertwined and closely integrated trop and livestock production sub-system.
Many crops (cotton, groundnut, millet, sorghum, maize, rice, etc.) are grown
and many livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats, equines, poultry) are
raised. The integratron of the livestock and trop production sectors is
facilitated by the convenient symbiotic interactions of these two components.
The trop sector receives animal power and manure while the livestock sector
benefits from cor-p residues. The 244,739 inhabitants of the rural Up er
Casamance secure their subsistence needs from cropping and animal Eusbandry
activities.
The ruminant population in the Upper Casamance is made up of 312,000 heads of
trypanotolerant NDama cattle and 248,000 heads of Djalonke sheep and goats.
Livestock contribute a great deal to the welfare of farmers through their main
functions as:
0
sources of auto-consumed goods: milk, meat;
0
capital assets;
0
source of cash revenues; and
0
input to the trop sector: power, manure.
The livestock sector in the Upper Casamance is characterized by:
the wide variety of species raised;
the diversity of farmers objectives for livestock rearing;
the extensive management system with low level of inputs;
the modicity of farmers financial status;
the hostility of the physical environment;
the seasonality of natural resources availability, and the
seasonality of levels of performance achieved;
0
the production circumstances of high risk; and
0
the mdividual ownership of animals which are grazed on natural
pastures communally accessible.
Despite it natural resources endowment, the livestock productivity in the
Upper Casamance is plagued by important ecological, biological and
-2-
.
<
socio-econornic constraints. Although more gifted then the northern Senegalese
zones with regards to the vegetal blomasse and water resources, seasonality in
feed quality and quantity and insufficient watering facilities are major
constraints facing the livestock sector. Interna1 (trypanosomiasis, round
worms) and external parasites, tick-borne diseases and infectious diseases
(anthrax, hemorragic septicemia) are major health roblems. In addition,
management practices, such as excessive milk offta Ee and reduced grazing time,
coupled with the low level of su plemental feedings, have adverse effects on
the overall herd productivity. TEe lack of infrastructure and communication
means and the relative weakness of technical assistance to farmers are, in
part, responsible for the farmers low level of knowledge on improved
production techniques.
Past research efforts undertaken in the Upper Casamance remained removed from
farmers’ problems and realities. Research activities were conducted in a
controlled environment--on station. The ignorance of the structure and
functioning of the livestock system and farmer objectives, strategies and
production circumstances were more conducive to a slower pace in new
technology development and adoption. In addition, the lack of creative
interaction between research institutions, development agencies and farmers
has been an important factor constraining farmers from acquiring new
knowledge, and enabling them to remove or alleviate problems they are facing.
Up to 1985, development efforts payed little attention to the livestock sector
in the Up er Casamance. Cotton production was, until recently, the major
concern o P decision makers.
II. DEFINITION OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM.
A diagnostic of the livestock production system in the Upper Casamance
resulted in the identification of avenues to improve the productivity of this
sector and, therefore, farmers revenues and welfare (Fall, 1988). Devised
alternative solutions address the dry season feed restriction, changes in
management practices and institutional issues. Suggested alterations of the
management system include the development of small scale peasant fattening
models of cattle.
Peasant cattle fattening is widely racticed in the central and western
regions of Senegal (Sine Saloum, b akar) where the availability of trop
residues and agro-industrial byproducts and high meat prices make these
operations financially profitable (FAYE, 1986). With consideration to the
available resources, animals, feed and labor, and the rowing demand of red
meat, farmers in the Upper Casamance were assume d to have at their disposa1
the resource base requrred to develop improved management practices such as
cattle fattening. The validity of this assumption is shared by many
individual farmers, farmers organizations or Non-Governmental organizations
who strive to run or to encourage such enterprises in the Upper Casamance.
The adoption of small scale fattening schemes, not yet popular in the Upper
Casamance, could bring about substantial beneficial effects to farmers’
production--efficiency and revenues. Such advantages emanate from:
-3-
0
the use of farm trop resides or local agro-industrial byproducts;
0
the generation of additional financial revenues;
0
the rmproved trop yield through the utilization of better quality
manure produced b fattened animals;
0
the utilization of lagor, otherwise idle, in productive activities;
and
0
the improvement of farmers’ organizations and knowledge through their
new technological experience.
Past research on cattle fattening in Senegal was undertaken on-station, with
breeds other than the NDama cattle and with a different feed resource base.
This type of research was supposed to support large scale “industrial” feed
lots, regarded as the last stage of the stratification model. This in fact is
the actual framework used for the development of cattle productions in
Senegal. However, knowledge is poor when it cornes to the evaluation of the
technical, financial and social feasibility of peasant fattening models.
As a result of research conducted without farmers’ participation, individuals’
and farmers’ associations are lacking information and knowledge the cari
resort to when they want to initiate or to enhance the efficiency of attening
Y
entreprises. Consequently, they often raise questions and issues such as:
o
What are the expected responses of the NDama cattle under an improved
management using local resources?
o
When and how to operate a fattening o eration?
o
What is the approprrate animal choice P
or fattening?
0
What is the most appro riate feed system?
0
How costs, access to
P
di ferent inputs and market prices affect the
profitability of fattening operations?
Responses to such questions and issues are essential in order for farmers to
plan and implement successful small scale feed lots.
III. THE RESEARCH OBJECTIVES.
The objectives of the research are:
1. to evaluate the financial and technical feasibility of peasant fattening
operations;
2. to study the livestock marketing system in the Upper Casamance;
3. to estimate NDama cattle carcass yield;
4. to study farmers organizations; and
5. to evaluate the impact of farmers’ participation in the research.
-4-
VI. EXPECTED RESEARCH OUTPUTS.
Knowledge gained on NDama cattle performances and the levels of profitability
achieved under different management systems and resources bases wrll help
farmers to more efficiently conduct fattening operations for the maximization
of their revenues. As a result, development agencies Will have at their
disposa1 valuabIe information which would enable them to provide farmers with
sohd technical advice. Currently, rural credit agencies are reluctant to
-
finance livestock-related activities because of high risks involved in this
sector.. The results of this study on the profitability of peasant fattening
operatlons ~111 contrrbute to assuring them that it IS financially solid to
support such peasant entreprises. Above all, the direct involvement of
farmers in the research process and their permanent interaction with
scientists Will not only broaden their knowledge on animal and cropping
ractrces but also wrll enable scientists to gain an indepth understanding of
Farmers’ objectives, strategies and constraints.
V. METHODOLOGY.
The Research Themes
Five major interrelated themes are identified to evaluate the peasant
fattening models:
1. Technical performances: specifically biolo ical performances such as
weight gains accordin
to such factors as tfi e feeding system, animal
choices and the lengta of the operation.
2. Financial performances: the analysis of the cost and benefits of
fattening operations in order to evaluate its financial profitability.
3. Cattle marketing system: the analysis of the seasonality of cattle
selling prices.
4. The measurement of the NDama cattle carcass yields in order to evaluate
meat gains obtained through fattening.
5. Farmers’ organizations and the social impact of peasant fattening models.
The Research Awroach
The Research/Action a proach to this study has been used as the conceptual
framework to conduct tKe study. Research activities take place on-farm with
the direct involvement of farmers. They fully manage therr own operation,
either on an individual or group basis and receive advice from scientists.
Methods used by researchers to gather information include: close monitoring,
rapid surveys, groups discussions, key respondent and workshops.
Sampline of Research Sites and Fattening WorkshoDs
It has been pointed out that a statistically sound experimental desi n for
on-farm livestock research is difficult to set up. Research sites an a farmers
are usually selected on the basis of subjective criteria. This, however, does
not invalidate the research (Van Eys, 1985).
.:.r‘C
;
In this research, five fattening workshops scattered in four villages and
totaling 91 animals were selected for monitor@. The choice was made on the
basis of accessibility to villages, farmers’ receptrveness and the
possibilities of sound monitoring.
Identification of DarticiDantS
Farmers who were selected to participate in the research were already
operating fattening entreprises on an individual or cooperative basis. They
had varymg degrees of experience and knowledge on cattle fattening practices
and technical assistance.
The “Groupement d’Interet Economi ue: (GIE)” is the new formula for efficient
farmers organizations in rural Senega .
9 The New Agricultural Policies. geared
towards thë realization of the stated objective of naGona1 food security,put
greater emphasis on the roles of peasant organizations. The state attempts to
exert less influence in this sector and subsequently places more emphasis on
farmers’ responsibilities through GIE’s in terms of access to credit,
acquisition of agricultural inputs and equipment, as well as the marketing of
commodities.
Three GIE’s in villages of Dialambere, Medina Koundie and Medina Yorofou l a
made up the sample of coo eratives selected for monitoring. This sample is
also extended to two indivi Bual farmers privately nmning their small business.
The GIE of Dialambere and Medina Doundie have a mixed composition of males and
females, while the GIE of Medina Yoro Foula is entirely made up of females who
had had no previous experience in runnin such operations. In Dialambere and
Medina Koundie, animals were communal y managed by selected members of the
f
GIE. In Medina Yoro Foula, each group of three members of the GIE are in
charge of two animals in their own compound.
Evaluation of Biolocical Performances
A monitoring scheme has been desi ned and implemented to gather data on
technical performances obtained in f attening workshops. Observations pertain
to:
0
animal liveweight: weights of animals are measured at the onset,
halfway and at the end of the o eration;
o
feed consumption: quantities oP distributed feedstuffs as well as
residues are measured on a weekly basis;
0
the total quantities of manure produced by animals during the process
are evaluated in sample stalls.
0
animal liveweight and carcass weight are measured on a weekly basis
at the slaughter house in Kolda.
Measurements of Financial and Social Variables
The monitoring scheme also allowed the collection of data pertaining to
socio-economic aspects of the enterprise such as data on the cattle marketing
system, prices of inputs and farmers organizations include:
-6-
-11
---
0
livestock marketin data: Enumerators are recruited to collect data
on weekly livestoc& markets; the number of animals presented in the
market, the number of animals sold, their category and selling price
are recorded.
0
a11 types of inputs and their origin (either purchased or produced
on-farm) and their prices are collected.
0
discussions with farmers rovide us with information related to their
organization: structure, Knction, decision making process, division
of labor and constraints.
VI. FARMERS’ PARTICIPATION.
The direct involvement of farmers is a key element of the research/action
approach to the study. What, how, and when farmers contribute (Kirby at
Maltou, 1984) and the impact of their involvement are essential aspects of
farmers participation to on-farm livestock research for appropriate technology
development and a wide dissemination. Farmers have a stock of knowledge which
should be acknowledged and utilized as valuable inputs for the design,
implementation and evaluation of innovations addressin their production
constraints. It requires that farmers be regarded as reaf partners in order
for their participation to be meaningful in this process.
In this study, farmers voluntarily agreed to articipate in the research
before they became involved in the researc K implementation.
Farmers’ Commitmen$
One of the most important aspects of the farmers’ contribution is their
willingness to particrpate and to invest their capital, labor and time in the
research. The CRZ had a long tradition of workin with farmers in the Uppe
Casamance. As a result, a mutual trust has grown % etween the two partners.
This facilitated obtaining the cornmitment of farmers to participate despite
the inconveniences of the research activities such as valuable tlme lost
collecting data during critical periods of the year.
In this research, during the planning phase, a series of discussion sessions
allowed scientists to explain to farmers the research objectives and
experimental design.
Farmers ParticiDation in the Research ImDIementation
Farmers have been mainly involved in research activities dealin with the
evaluation of fattening operations. Studies of the livestock mark eting system
and of carcass yield were conducted by qualified enumerators.
Fa~r~~ers were enthusiastic to articipate in the formulation and distribution
of rations, in the collection oPdata, and in the evaluation of the technology
during the course of the active process and during the dissemination workshop.
- 7 -
Ration formulation and feeding
Many feed resources cari be used in the Upper Casamance for cattle.fattening
pur-poses including: cottonseed, groundnut hay, cereals, bran and varrous
roughage. According to a full stall feeding system of management as devised
by the CRZ/Kolda, rations were formulated with consideration to available
resource at each site. Rations composed of different proportions of cereal
brans, cottonseeds and ordinary salt would supplement roughages, cereals,
straw, groundnut and hay to meet a11 the nutrient requirements of animais.
Demonstration sessions were organized to show farmers how to mix different
ingredients. Available baskets, caris and buckets were used to measure
uantities of feedstuffs needed for the ration mixing and distribution. After
x
t e demonstration, designated farmers were put in chan e of the daily mixing
of the concentrate, and the weighing of the ration distri 1uted as well as the
quantification of residues after consumption. Al1 data were recorded by
farmers who were trained for such tasks.
Measurement of biological performances
0
Animals are periodically weighed with an electronic scale. The
handling of animals and the weighing are executed by farmers who were
taught to use the scale;
0
Farmers also intervened in the extraction and the quantification of
the total manure produced in stalls;
o
The scientists set the diagnosis of diseases affecting animais and
apply a treatment with the assistance of farmers. Some farmers who,
trained in basic veterinary practices, help treat animals and apply
prophylactic measures such vaccination and hygienic actions. At each
occasion, the etiology, mode of dissemination and treatment of the
encountered affection is explained to farmers as well as methods to
prevent it.
Measurement of other inputs
Prices of inputs (feedstuffs, drugs, etc.) and purchasing rices of animals
are recorded by selected enumerators among farmers. f-hey also collect data on
labor inputs to fattening activities with a questionnaire formulated by
scientists.
Participation in the dissemination workshop
Farmers seldom have opportunities to exchange experience and information.
Most workshops dealing with farmers’ problems are held without their
participation. In these cases, it is the scientists who attempt to express
farmers’ objectives, strategies and constraints with their own biases.
Xore than 50 farmers were invited to a workshop on fattening operations,
giving them the opportun@ to exchange experience and information with
researchers and extension agents. Major issues elected for discussion were:
a) the planning of the operation; b the feedin system; c) the marketing of
animals; d) health problems; and e the role o f various a encies intervening
in the sector. Two major categories of farmers composef the pan& 1) farmers
nmning a small
-8-
‘i
. . .4
‘E
.; $,
scale feed-lots entreprises; and 2) those who did not have such experiences.
The workshop was conducted in their own language which facilitated interesting
interactions and enriching discussions on issues cited above.
The Imnact of Farmers ParticiDation
The involvement of farmers in the research process yielded three remarkable
outputs:
1) the increase of farmers knowledge in animal and trop ing
practices leading to a more efficient use of resources; 1) the modi ication of
P
the recommended package by farmers according to their needs and production
constraints; and 3) the design of complimentary research activities by
scientists and a better understanding of strategies adopted by farmers to meet
their goals.
Increase in Farmers Knowledge
In the traditional cattle management system in the Upper Casamance, dry season
feed supplementation is not practiced on a broad basls, and if it happens to
occur, it is performed at low levels. The objective of dry season
supplemental feeding is to improve the herd sutival rate. In the current
research, animals stressedby the d
season feed restriction are given
priority in the utilization of scarce eedstuffs
7
such as roundnut hay. For
example, draught animais may receive green leaves oB ‘banc’-pterocarpus
ericeaneus. A dramatic change in the perception of the benefits of the dry
season supplementation has been a positive outcome, brought about b their
participation in the research process. The farmers usually state that thyey
could not believe that such levels of animal performances could be achieved in
the dry season by supplementing their feed. They also realized that dry
season supplementatron,
in addition to its original functions to improve
survival rates, could be extended to alternative productive purposes such as
fattening for improved productivity.
Many farmers were not familiar with the use of cereals brans for cattle
feedrng. These resources are usually consumed by poultry, equine and
sometimes lactating cows one week after calving. In the research, farmers
found alternative uses for important quantities of cereal brans produced by
the domestic cereal processing.
o
The demonstration of the mixing of different in redients which make
up the ration has been beneficial to farmers. +Il ey extended this
practice by using ordinary salt solutions on dry roughage in order to
improve their palatability and then ingestion.
0
Farmers have been very sensitive to the weight measurements. At each
weighing session they remember the animal’s revious performance.
This enables them to judge the efficiency of ti!feir feedmg system on
the basis of the animal liveweight evolution. They also are able to
relate the weight decrease or increase to a particular factor.
Farmers were therefore able to correct the deficient fact under the
supervision of scientists.
- 9 -
i
f
0
During the dissemination worksho it was noticeable that many farmers
P
were not acquainted with certain eeding techniques. They were
(L Y.a-kA
amazed to learn that urea could be used as a non protein source of
nitrogen which also improves the utilization of rou hages. They
however, experienced fatal toxicities of animals waich accidently
consumed urea destined to cereal fields.
,G--
0
For the majority of farmers it was the first time they had heard of
using animals byproducts such as bornes and blood for feeding
pur-poses.
Many of them had difficulty believing that silage
techniques were an important means to store and preserve high quality
forage for future use.
0
Farmers were reluctant to use the better quality manure for cropping
as recommended by the research team. In the traditional system,
animal dung is de osited in the field throughout the year and
sometimes the fie ds are burnt before ploughing. Whether
P
they are
burnt or not, the practice of direct manuring is conducive to hrgh
losses of nitrogen and organic matter due to the deteriorating effect
caused b the sun and the termite invasion. In Medina Koundie, The
farmers irst tested the
r
effect of the manure produced by fattened
animal in stalls, on saplin s and then in their communally owned
garden.
%
Positive results o served in the garden in terms of improved
ields convinced farmers to use the manure in their cereal fields.
in the first year of monitoring, we observed that great quantities of
manure remained in the stalls. Once they were convinced of the
beneficial effects of this resource on cereal ‘eld through their own
trails, they began to plan the mode of distri rution of manure among
cooperative members. This was done before the initiation of the
following fattening operation.
0
Farmers adopted and a reciated the beneficial effects of hygienic
measures recommende CEy scientists. In general, farmers are not
familiar with new habitats of animals which may result in new
affections. The regular cleaning of stalls and the periodic
replacement of the litter were recommended measures to lower humidity
in order to prevent parasite development.
Modification of the Technology
Farmers are the source of technology or they cari ad’ust proposed packages to
fit their physical and socioeconomic environment. d is is illustrated by the
farmers attitudes in Djalambere and Medina Koundie.
Farmers changed the animal management from a full staff feeding system to a
-~ __ -1 1 -M-L--.-.
.~. . ” ._------
_. --._
implementation of rigorous on-farm livestock research. However, the
ap reciable qualitative information obtained through this approach may
of set
P
such inconveniences. Further elaboration is needed for the
develo ment of methodologies and criteria for evaluation, not only of the
techno ogy but also of researchers involved in
P
such activities.
3. Farmers participation in the research process has the additional advantage
of enabling them to modify the proposed innovation according to their
objectives and production circumstances. It is therefore obvrous that
scientists should give priority to the better understanding of the farmers
objectives and strategles.
Ongoing communication between farmers and
scientists throughout the research process is an important means for
ro;nTl+;rt tr\\ h*t.neln mr-.vP nn"r.n:mtaA t,3 th.3 nr\\mnl.3":t:or nFtha 1:.rn.-+r\\n17
Farmers bath in Djalambere and Medina Koundie opted not to dispose of the
animais at the end of the operation but rather decided to use them for
traction purposes. Two major goals were pursued in doing SO. First,
ploughing is a high energy demanding operation. Well fed animais, in able
working conditions, are required to plough heavy soils. In the traditional
feed process, draught animals are usuall in poor hysical shape during the
critical plou hing period of the ear anJ
P
are unab e to meet high energy
demands. Ifarmers that realize d animals which were originally raised to sel1
*
could also be used for loughing. Second, most of the cooperative members did
not own drau ht
P
anima s and were faced with the difflculties of land
preparation. !Ile cooperative decided to support them by providing them, on a
temporary basis, with fattened animals during the ploughmg period. In Medina
Koundie, Djalambere no cost was incurred by members who benefited from the
services of animals. In both cases, this system may be advantageous from the
member or group standpoint since it generates cash revenues to the cooperative
or allows increased trop production for members. It may be argue& however,
that these advantages could be offset by the eventual r&duced selling prices
o f a n i m a l s f r o m t h e d r o p o f w e i g h t because o f
the workload or the sale of the animal at an inappropriate time. Scientists
Will have to assess advantages and inconveniences of both management systems
according to the cooperative specificities.
Complementary Research Activities
Regarding the modifications of farmers’ strategy, scientists thou ht that it
was neccesary to implement complimentary research activities. 5-h is would
enable them to take into account a11 outputs for a 8comprehensive evaluation of
the technological package being tested by farmers. Since fattened animals
were used for draught urposes, data were needed on animal erformances in the
field. From a financiaPanalysis perspective, the leasing cost oF the animal
may be appropriate to evaluate, as well as the benefits relinguished by
postponing the selling time and utilizing the animal for ploughing. In the
case of DJalambere where no cost was incurred by members who benefited from
the animal power, it is necessary to evaluate gains in terms of additional
trop production which was generated by utilizing the animals for traction.
A monitoring of draught animais has been set up to evaluate their workin
time, surface of land ploughed and velocity. These variables are measure f in
two groups of animais:
a “treated” grou which benefited from supplemental
feedmg in the dry season; and a “contra P ” group which was raised on an
extensive mode with supplementation.
CONCLUSIONS
1. On farm livestock research is a valuable complement of conventional
livestock research. It not only rapidly utilizies and enhances farmers
knowledge for the adaptation of new technologies but also enables the
farmers’ relevant evaluation of innovations intended to alleviate their
production constraints.
2. The divers@ of the farmers’ ob’ectives in rurming livestock related
activities and the various animai outputs (power, manure, meat, mild) some
of which are non-marketed, intermediate products used as in ut to the
closely integrated trop sector, are serious constraints to the Besign and
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implementation of rigorous on-farm livestock research. However, the
ap reciable qualitative information obtained through this approach may
of set
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such inconveniences. Further elaboration is needed for the
develo ment of methodologies and criteria for evaluation, not only of the
techno ogy but also of researchers involved in
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such activities.
3. Farmers participation in the research process has the additional advantage
of enabling them to modify the proposed innovation according to their
objectives and production circurnstances. It is therefore obvlous that
scientists should give priority to the better understanding of the farmers
objectives and strategles.
Ongoing communication between farmers and
scientists throughout the research process is an important means for
scientist to become more acquainted to the complexities of the livestock
production system. This subsequently Will enable them to design more
appropriate innovations.
4. The management s stem of on-farm livestock research is an important aspect
of the approach. XIhen farmers own the animals, assume responsibility for
inputs and consequently endure a11 the risks, they are no longer under the
researcher’s control and therefore, cari change strategies and alter the
innovations as they desire.
This is an im ortant means to evaluate the
performance of the technolo
when useB by farmers and to identify ways of
adapting it to enhance its
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ef iciency and greater dissemination.
5. The experimental desi n should be flexible enough in order to adjust
research activities to tae farmer’s changing management strategies. This
requires that a permanent and close cornmunicatlon be established between
farmers and scientists and for the latter to detect, at the appropriate
moment, changes which cari affect the analysis of the research results.
6. The dissemination worksho is a key component of the research activities.
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It is an important tool for armers to excha,nge experiences and
information and for scientists to becorne more familiar with farmers’
concerns. The utilization of their language in the workshop facilitates
the exchange of ideas.
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FALL, A. 1988.
Les systemes d’Eleva e en Haute Casamance:
Characterization Pe ri!ormances et
Contraints. Memoire de titularisation.
Direction de Recherches sur les Productions
et la Sanate Animales (DRPSA) Institut
Senegalais de Recherches Agricoles.
FAYE, A. 1986.
L’Embouche Paysanne dans le Centre Nord du
Bassin Archidier au Senegal; In methods pour
la Recherche sur les Systemes d’elevage en
Afri ue Intertropicale. Etudes et Systhese
p.
de 1’ IMVT No 20.
MALTOU, P. KING, D. 1984.Foreword. in Coming full circle farmers’
participation in the Development of
technology. IDRC - 189.
VAN EYS, J.E. 1985.
Conception des Essais en ferme In, methods
de Recherches ap licables aux essais
zootechniques in erme IDRC
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- 242 P.
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