Crop-livestock interactions in the Ethiopian highlands and effects on sustainability of mixed farming : a case study from Ada district

Abstract

This study, carried out in the former Ada district of Ethiopia, assesses the cause and effects of competitive crop-livestock interactions at a Macro (district) level and complementary interactions at a Micro (PA) level on sustainability of mixed farming in the Ethiopian highlands. At a macro-level, the effects of crop encroachment and population pressure on disappearance of grazing areas and fallow lands and extension of cropping into marginal areas was looked into. Furthermore, disparities in feed supply and demand and current feeding systems in the district were assessed.