The contemporary concern about anthropogenic release of greenhouse gas (GHG) into the

environment and the contribution of livestock to this phenomenon have sparked animal

scientists’ interest in predicting methane (CH4) emissions by ruminants. Focusing on milk

production, we address six basic nutrition models or feeding standards (mostly empirical

systems) and five complex nutrition models (mostly mechanistic systems), describe their key

characteristics, and highlight their similarities and differences. Four models were selected to

Presents papers on inventory of animal feed resources in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Burundi, Madagascar, Botswana, Swaziland and Mozambique, research and development experiences in Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Zimbabwe; socioeconomic aspects of feed resources; and regional/sub-regional research programmes.

This training resource is presented in five modules. 1) Global perspectives on animal genetic resources for sustainable agriculture and food production in the tropics. This module provides some insight into the need for better use of animal genetic resources (AnGR) in the context of projected demand for food in developing countries until 2020. 2) Improving our knowledge of tropical indigenous animal genetic resources.

Animal production systems in South-East and east Asia are discussed in the context of their potential and challenges for research to address poverty alleviation, increased food production and food security and environmentally sustainable development. The projected human population increase, rising incomes and changing consumer preferences will accelerate the demand for, and access to food in the future. This will place considerable pressures on the use of natural resources (land, crops and animals).

Discusses the potential of leguminous trees to increase crop-livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa. Describes major management issues influencing tree introduction and contributions to the system. Gives a detailed account of the management techniques suitable for different agro-ecological zones.

In Ethiopia food production lags behind while population growth increase, poor management of Soil and Water, poor agronomic practices and environmental degradation are wide spread. In the study area, agriculture depends on rain water; however rain water is not evenly distributed spatially and temporally. The general objective of the study is to assess agro-ecology, and crop management practices effect on crop water productivity of major crops.

Low water use efficiency is a challenge to crop production in Sub-Sahara African countries. Water is getting continuously scarce due to increased demand and shrinking availability induced mainly by climate change. As agriculture is the major consumer of water, improving crop water productivity is among the ways of overcoming the challenge. Crop production under rainfed system is the major livelihood strategy for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.