The role of forages in reducing poverty and degradation of natural resources in tropical production systems.

摘要: The paper reviews the role of forage crops in improving productivity smallholder farming systems and breaking cycle poverty resource degradation. It contributions to increasing farm incomes, intensifying production, contributing better human nutrition. Several case studies are presented, including mucuna Central America West Africa, peanut Colombia, a legume China, Costa Rica production crop seed Bolivia. also describes strategy for farmer participatory research identifying suitable Southeast Asia. Research findings • Improved forages pastures help increase land use efficiency. High-yielding cut-and-carry enhance year-round animal reduce labour requirements. Leguminous used as cover can weeding costs lower need chemical fertiliser. introduction improved legumes grasses reclaim severely degraded lands. Policy implications needs emphasise market opportunities rural reduction, livestock play an important role. Forages versatile more is needed identify appropriate species different systems. Participatory approaches essential developing options smallholders.