The inability of CERES-Maize v3.0 to simulate a fluctuating water table has been identified as a major constraint in using this particular model in South Africa and in Kenya. Information regarding fluctuating water tables under specific conditions, and their influence on maize production, has been presented in South African literature. The objective of this study was to construct a simple water-logging subroutine based on these mechanisms, using the existing input data structure of CERES-Maize.

To understand the potential role of forest products in household livelihoods, a study of the woodcraft industry in Zimbabwe was initiated. The woodcraft industry has increased steadily since the late 1980s. The factors driving the upsurge in the woodcraft industry are: (1) the increased demand by tourists; and (2) the need by rural households to find cash income sources. The structural adjustment programme, with one of its emphases being the decontrol of the currency, has probably played a key role in driving the rise in woodcraft production.

This strategy takes into account the new market opportunities being created for small-scale livestock producers by increasing local and global demand for high-quality livestock products (termed the Livestock Revolution) and the many pathways by which livestock has traditionally reduced poverty.

CGIAR system-wide meeting on integrated natural resource management (INRM). The second was held from 20-25 August 2000, at the new headquarters of ICLARM in Penang, Malaysia. Convened by the Centre Directors Natural Resouce Managemnet Task Force, four dozen scientists from 13 of the 16 CGIAR centres and their partner institutions discussed integrated natural resource management in relation to the CGIAR's research program. This report summarises some of the issues discussed at that meeting.

This 2010-12 MTP presents relatively few adjustments to research plans from the previous MTP. One main cross-cutting change in the ILRI research program in 2010 will be to accelerate efforts to align research activities to the livestock development challenges presented. In preparation for that, ILRI is conducting a center-commissioned external review in 2009 looking at research into sustainable intensification of smallholder crop-livestock systems to provide a review of past activities and advice on this future focal area.