The term “livestock farming systems” refers to the various methods used to rear animals
for food production, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry. These systems can differ
based on things like the type of animal being raised, the locality, the demand in the market, and
the resources available. Extensive livestock farming, which involves raising animals in open
areas like pastures or rangelands, allowing them graze on natural flora, and supplementing
their diet with hay or other feed. Intensive livestock farming involves rearing animals in
confined spaces, employing high-density stocking methods, and giving them a high-nutrient diet
to promote quick growth and weight gain. Mixed farming is achieved by combining crop
production with livestock husbandry in the same agricultural system. In this type of farming, the
animals are often raised on the farm and their manure is used to fertilize the crops, resulting in
a sustainable and integrated system. In free-range farming, animals are given shelter and
protection from predators while being allowed to graze on open pastures and roam freely. The
choice of farming system depends on elements including the availability of resources, the
sophistication of technology, and the local market's appetite for livestock products. Each of
these farming systems has advantages and disadvantages of its own.
The holistic and sustainable integrative approach to livestock farming systems strives to
optimize the positive effects of livestock production while reducing its detrimental effects on
the environment and animal welfare. To build a more effective and resilient farming system,
various farming techniques and technology must be integrated. Crop-livestock integration,
which combines crop and livestock production to improve soil fertility, increase crop yields, and
provide a source of income through the sale of animal products, can also be a part of the
integrative approach. Agroforestry is the practice of integrating trees and shrubs with crops and
livestock to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and provide shade and shelter for animals. The
use of alternate feeds, like agricultural by-products or agro-industrial waste, to lessen reliance
on pricey and environmentally harmful feed sources, like soybean meal and maize. The use of
renewable energy sources, like solar or wind power, to cut greenhouse gas emissions and
lessen energy prices. It can increase production, profitability, and resilience in the face of
climate change and other difficulties. The integrative approach to livestock farming systems
emphasizes the significance of maintaining a balance between economic, environmental, and
social sustainability.
In Africa, there are several examples of integrated livestock farming systems. Zimbabwe
is one country in Southern Africa that uses integrated crop-livestock systems based on
conservation agriculture. This entails combining agricultural production with livestock raising in
a system of conservation agriculture. Animal manure is used to fertilize crops, eliminating the
need for synthetic fertilizers, and crop residues are employed as feed for livestock. It has been
demonstrated that this approach enhances soil health, boosts crop yields, and generates cash
from the sale of animal products. The integrated agroforestry and livestock systems in Ethiopia
combine crops and livestock with trees and shrubs to reduce soil erosion, increase soil fertility,
and give animals shade and shelter. It has been demonstrated that this approach increases food
yields, increases animal production, and generates cash through the sale of animal products
and timber. In Kenya, small-scale integrated crop-animals systems combine the rearing of
livestock and the production of crops. Animal excrement is used to fertilize crops that are
grown for human use and livestock feed. This technique has been found to enhance revenues,
lessen environmental damage, and improve food security. In Burkina Faso, integrated crop-
livestock systems combine crop production with livestock husbandry while utilizing agroforestry
practices to increase soil fertility and decrease erosion. It has been demonstrated that this
technique enhances food security, boosts incomes, and slows down soil deterioration.
Integrated livestock farming methods are becoming more and more common in
Botswana, especially in the rural areas where agriculture is the primary source of income for
many households. On their fields, farmers in Botswana combine the raising of crops and cattle.
For human consumption and animal feed, crops like maize, sorghum, and cowpeas are
cultivated. For meat, milk, and eggs, livestock are reared, including cattle, goats, and chickens.
The crop residues are used as animal feed, while the animal excrement is used to fertilize the
crops. Farmers are combining the raising of livestock and fish in some areas of Botswana.
Tilapia fish are raised in ponds and the pond water is used to irrigate crops. Crops provide
shade for the fish, and fish faeces is employed to fertilize the crops. The farm also raises
chickens, and the manure from the chickens is used to fertilize the crops. Farmers are
combining trees and bushes with crops and livestock in other parts of Botswana. Animals can
find cover and shelter thanks to this, which also lessens soil erosion and increases soil fertility.
The animals feed on the leaves of the trees and shrubs and graze on the grass. While tree
leaves and branches are utilized as animal feed, animal faeces is used to fertilize fields.
Botswana's integrated livestock farming systems have the potential to improve farmer income,
boost food security, and slow down environmental damage. Yet, issues like funding access, a
lack of technical expertise, and climate change do have an impact on how well these systems
perform in Botswana.
