Describes the Ethiopian highlands assessing their potential for improved agricultural production; reports ILCA's studies on the traditional smallholder production system of the highlands; and analyzes productivity aspects of the system's crop and livestock components. Discusses the approach to farming systems research (FSR) along with the implications for adoption of the approach and its results by a national agency, some research experiences and the outlook for future research.

This conference proceeding is divided in four major sessions, viz, regional overviews; technology and adoption processes; markets and smallholder participation; and food safety and quality quality. The overviews include ILRI, HOPEA (a regional small scale start-up project for household poultry enterprises in Asia); SEARCAR & D programme; Asia-Pacific region and other global studies.

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.