2. Feed Assessment: The Problem
Conventionally focuses on:
The feeds
Nutritive value of the feeds
Ways of improving the nutritive value
2
3. What is FEAST?
A tool to assess feed resource availability and
use at site-level
A systematic and rapid method
Broadens feed assessment to determine:
is livestock is an important livelihood strategy?
how important are feed problems relative to other problems?
What about labour, inputs, credit, seasonality, markets?
Helps in the design of site-specific strategies for
feed supply and utilization through technical and
organizational interventions
3
4. Components of the FEAST Tool
PRA
Exercise
Individual
Farmer
Survey
Data
Analysis &
Developing
Interventions
4
• Overview of Farming System
• Description of the Livestock Production System
• Major Problems, Issues and Opportunities within
the livestock system
• Quantitative Information on crop-livestock
production, feed availability, feeding rations
• Qualitative Information - perception on feed
• Enter data into FEAST Template
• Based on result, develop ideas for Intervention
5. PRA
General description of farming system
range of farm sizes,
farm labour availability
annual rainfall pattern
irrigation availability
types of animals raised by households
General description of livestock production
the types of animals raised
the purpose of raising these animals
the general animal husbandry
Ease of access to credit
How available are necessary inputs
Problem identification and potential solutions
5
6. Individual Farmer Survey
Quantitative questionnaire
Land size of small, medium, large farmer
Animals – livestock inventory
Crops - yields and areas to derive crop residue availability
Cultivated forages – yields and areas
Collected fodder: proportion of diet
Purchased feed
Grazing: proportion of diet
Contributors to household income
Production
o
o
Milk production
Sale of livestock
Seasonality
o Feed supply: overall seasonal availability
o What is fed in different months?
6
11. Final Output
Feast report with some ideas for key problems and
solutions
Better links and understanding between farmers,
research and development staff
11
13. Thank You
Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation
africa-rising.net
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