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The idea sounds great, but it seems also one sided: i.e. the crop and its overspill (the residues)… I agree that feed/biomass is crucial and also an interface between many of crop-livestock system components even including the climate change challenges. I agree also with idea that some basic work must be undertaken (from the crop-side) to improve the availability and quality of feed. But it must be recognized that this needs a simultaneous improvement in the animal efficiency. If we do not strive to address efficient conversion of improved feed resources (e.g. improved dairy, goat…) it may not bring anticipated change! Other aspect which I feel important is to look at long-term and short term impacts on environment and livelihood. I am not sure if the idea of trade-off is to include this one.

Folks, there are lessons (and possible templates) to be drawn from recent projects along this line (though they did not include the animal component). I will be very happy to share our experience with TL II project when we meet next week. I am very happy to see the energy and enthusiasm about this initiative. Cheers, Tsedeke

1. Question : prioritizing key elements of sustainable intensification. Response: a)Support wide supply and distribution of improved varieties through farmers seed production mechanisms, kind seed loan , improved agronomic practices etc b)Use of improved pest control methods both at field and storage level c) producers need to be linked to effective market /value chain development model 2. Question\; Determining the drivers and trajectories of intensification response: a)better price, increased yield and better production, continuous demand from internal & external market of tropical legume for animal feed and human food will be drivers of intensification b)trajectories of intensification is through small holder participation in the action research, production process and linkage to market 3. Q. Selecting geographic focus for the project: Response: Good to give due focus and attention for major legume growing woredas and zones to be covered in the project. For chickpea intervention selection of woredas/districts with Black clay soil areas in West Shoa Zone(Ambo, &Dendi Districts), South West Shoa Zone(Becho area), Guraghie Zone (Abeshgie & kebena districts) etc. For common bean woredas around rift valley area are preferred. 4. Q. How markets for animal & crop commodities interact with sustainable intensification: Response: Positive correlations are expected between them as price for both increases based on current trends. Private sector is intersected in agro-processing, import and export markets. 5. Q. Mapping on-going research and development activities offering synergies. Response: FARM Africa is negotiating with private company in UK to work on chickpea improvement at small farmers’ level so that small holder farmers in Ethiopia produce good quality chickpea with technical assistance from FARM Africa and the company to buy the produce at optimal market prices. FARM Africa is best placed to work with International, national and regional research institutions to take forward the proposed development work as well as farmer based adaption trails as it have earlier experience of undertaking farmers’ participatory research (year 1992 to 2003 in SNNPRS). It is still working on legume forage adaptation and demonstration works in various areas of the country. Furgassa Bedada from FARM Africa