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About the Book
Food production results from the interaction of human, animal, land, water and capital resources. In many farming systems of the developing countries animals have an integral role and the full range of animal products are utilized. Many of these outputs are also important farm inputs, such as, manure and draught power. Animals also provide a strategic source of cash which can be called on as required to purchase other essential farm inputs and food during the critical periods of the year, thus helping to alleviate poverty and increase household food security. With an increasing world population, food production cannot be allowed to stagnate, clearly, there is a need for more sustainable increases in agricultural output. The complementary between crops and livestock, which allows for nutrient recycling, energy and value added production is unique and needs fully exploiting. FAO has attached the higher priority to sustainable development of both plants and animal agriculture in its programmes. The Animal Production and Health Division (AGA) of FAO has instigated a number of case studies examining aspects of sustainability in the different agro ecological zones and the major animal production sytems in the world. The book examines the role of animal productions in the small farm systems in South-East Asia, with their ecological and socio-economic impact.
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