As the problems of impact assessement are rather intractable, a fairly simple dual approach is proposed. First the major components of environmental impact of current agricultural production systems in Africa (i.e. impact of cropping, livestock keeping, fuelwood and timber extraction and burning) are summarised. Second, "danger zones" in which current and future environmental impacts will be most severe and on which ILCA has focused its problem solving-research is identified.

Presents papers discussing the potential for impacts within ILCA's organisational framework and mandate. The introductory paper raises general issues and poses questions that are pursued in the other papers. These papers address the environmental, economic and social components of impact within the organisation. Case studies on ILCA's research on tenure policy and alley farming, forage legumes, animal traction, milk processing, hay making and studies on pricing policies, technology generation and ILCA's research networks are presented in the papers.

The systems of livestock production, marketing and research have been profoundly transformed by recent policies in Central Asia since the break up of the Soviet Union. Decollectivisation of state farms has transferred livestock ownership to new private farming units. These receive little or no state support for inputs, or for processing and selling livestock products. Most livestock-keeping families have much-reduced incomes compared to the Soviet period.

Presents papers dealing with the use of crop residues as livestock feed in smallholder crop/livestock farming systems, and the role of plant breeding in maintaining or improving their nutritive value. Discusses factors limiting the nutritive value of crop residues, and the effect of genotype and environment on the nutritive value of crop residues. Outlines perspectives and implications for crop improvement programmes. Includes recommendations.

In many developing countries, smartphone and internet usage has become a revolution for the population and has opened up many possibilities to use new services for communication purposes. For researchers and development organizations, it is now possible to engage more directly with beneficiaries during the implementation phase of a project. However, many regions still face the problem of a non-existent or unreliable internet connection, which is why mobile applications have to be able to work offline as well as online.

This introductory paper raises general issues and poses questions that are pursued in the other papers. The initial premise of this paper is that impact cannot be discussed in isolation from the broader context of research and development and the overall priorities guiding the centres research, training, and networking activities.