The report is divided in 12 sections. The first section is introductory. The second section presents research on animal health of working animals. Diversified uses of animal traction including animal-powered rice-huller, weed control are discussed in the 3rd section. The fourth section looks into harnessing and implements used in the different regions of West Africa. The management and nutrition of working animals is discussed in the fifth and sixth sections.

Inadequate feed supplies remain a major constraint to sustainable cattle production in general, and milk production in particular, in smallholder production systems throughout sub-Saharan Africa. In the emerging peri-urban dairy production systems in West and central Africa, for example, poor development of feed resources has invariably resulted in milk production being sustained at comparatively high feed costs, thus reducing the competitiveness of locally produced milk.

Discusses the historical context of ILCA's research, the principal types of animal production systems and the stages in ILCA's farming systems research. Describes the smallholder farming in the Ethiopian highlands & humid zone, the agropastoralists of the sub-humid zone, systems research in pastoral areas of eastern Africa (Kenya & Ethiopia), characteristics of the arid and semi-arid zones of West Africa and the role of modelling in the system. Ends with a summary of past experience.