Abstract

Malawi is a landlocked country with a population of 6.4 million people. Agriculture is the backbone of the country's economy. Food crop production of cereals and pulses meets the national requirements. However, livestock production has lagged behind and consumption levels are low: 2.5 kg beef, 0.7 mutton and 76 kg milk per capita. Major constraints are inadequate feed supplies, poor management practices, and inappropriate cattle strains. The government has initiated small-scale beef and milk production development projects. This project studies the traditional livestock sector and the emerging small-scale beef and milk production systems. Researchers will identify production constraints and potentials of existing dairy and beef production systems; develop new or improved technologies of cattle feeding and management for small-scale farmers; and test the developed technological packages on-farm and evaluate their acceptance by farmers.

Post-Project Summary

The project was terminated before research was completed. Preliminary work achieved some results. The "Farming Systems Research Approach" was applied for the first time on livestock in Malawi. Researchers undertook a diagnostic survey that identified various constraints to the improvement of beef and dairy production in the country. On-farm research facilitated technology transfer to the participating farmers. Recommendations to improve some aspects of dairy and beef production were given.

The project provided an opportunity for the staff of the University of Malawi and the Ministry of Agriculture to collaborate and interact among themselves and with other livestock institutions in the region. Project researchers participated in different international scientific fora.

Recipient Institution(s)