The Logic of Fodder Legumes in Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	The Logic of Fodder Legumes in Africa
Author:	Sumberg, J.
Year:	2002
Periodical:	Food Policy
Volume:	27
Issue:	3
Period:	June
Pages:	285-300
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Subsaharan Africa Africa
Subjects:	agropastoralism feed crops feed Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Development and Technology
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0306-9192(02)00019-2
Abstract:	This paper explores the long-standing interest in the introduction of fodder legumes as an essential component of mixed farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa. The central argument is that because of certain biological characteristics and their association with historic changes in European agriculture, fodder legumes have become endowed with a mantle of absolute goodness. However, while the screening of fodder legumes has been an important theme in agricultural research for over 70 years, the actual level of use by farmers and livestock keepers in Africa is still insignificant. This analysis, which focuses on livestock research and development in sub-Saharan Africa, leads to a call for a more realistic approach to legume research and promotion. Particular attention is placed on the idea that the biophysical and socioeconomic factors that have previously been seen as constraints to legume adoption should now be viewed as system properties and incorporated into the design specification of technology. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]