Among LEAD's suggested reading material for this newsletter is:


  Read this book
KNOW TO MOVE, MOVE TO KNOW

Edited by Nikolaus Schareika
Published by The Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN

ISBN: 92-5-105061-9
Copyright 2003

Click here to read this publication on line

The present case study sets out the vital role that local knowledge plays in conserving biodiversity and ecosystem function in semi-arid rangelands. This study describes in detail the activities of the Wodaabe nomads, who strive to promote the prosperity of their herds through pastoral mobility and labour. The latter comprises many tasks such as driving animals to graze, watering animals at wells, feeding them minerals, searching for pastures. The relationship between the herder, his red Zebu cattle and the bush land (ladde) is marked on the one hand by cultural values such as the endeavour to leave the herd in good shape to his descendants; and on the other hand by Sahelian economic life in which the Wodaabe work to maximize herd fertility in order to gain animal wealth for market exchange and milk for household consumption.

The Wodaabe’s ecological analysis of the two landscape units that they occupy is discussed, and the quality of the grasslands is related to soil quality. Their consideration of the vegetative cycle of grasses illustrates the Wodaabe’s precise knowledge of plants, and the capacity of their scouts (pastoral sentinels) to predict the quality and quantity of grasses available for their livestock. Their indigenous knowledge, related to feeding schemes and the stage of the animals’ nutritional development is investigated, as well as the animal watering schemes. The application of Wodaabe environmental and pastoral knowledge to the pursuit of herding is reported, and the relevance of their knowledge to make a significant contribution to economic production of the region and to sustainable use of its natural resources and biodiversity is presented in the conclusions.

If you've already read this book, send a review




  Read this book
PASTORALISM IN THE NEW MILLENIUM

Published by The Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN

ISBN: 92-5-104673-5
Copyright 2001

Click here to read this publication on line

Extensive pastoral production covers some 25 percent of the world's land area and produces 10 percent of the meat used for human consumption, while supporting some 20 million pastoral households. Pastoralists make substantial contributions to the economies of developing countries, in terms both of supporting their own households and of supplying protein - meat and milk - to villages and towns. Agricultural encroachement, conflict and drought continue, however, to erode pastoral livelihoods.

If you've already read this book, send a review




  Read this book
INTEGRATED LIVESTOCK-FISH FARMING SYSTEMS

Edited by D.C. Little and P. Edwards
Published by The Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN

ISBN: 92-5-105055-4
Copyright 2003

Click here to read this publication on line

Integrated farming in Asia is either considered an eco-friendly good that should be preserved for environmental reasons or a poor practice that will soon be superseded by industrial aquaculture. The reality, as this book describes, is a dynamic set of practices that have expanded rapidly under certain conditions but have proved inconsequential in others. An analysis concludes that most livestock-fish integration is sound business conducted by entrepreneurs accessing urban markets where the price of fish is relatively low. It can be used as part of a strategy to reduce environmental impacts of intensive livestock production and to produce low-cost food. Farmers have proved adept at both developing their systems to meet their own needs and diversifying the role of ponds, fish and livestock within their complex livelihoods. This overview identifies the factors that lead to success or failure and gives an insight into both concept and practice.

If you've already read this book, send a review




  Read this book
TRANSHUMANT GRAZING SYSTEMS IN TEMPERATE ASIA

Edited by J.M Suttie and S.G. Reynolds
Published by The Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN

ISBN: 92-5-104977-7
Copyright 2003

Click here to read this publication on line

This book brings together studies by national scientists on traditional transhumant grazing systems, emphasizing grazing management and overall land use. Focus is on two zones in temperate Asia: the Himalaya-Hindu Kush and the colder areas of China, Mongolia and parts of Central Asia. Under prevailing conditions, mobile herding is the only sustainable way the population can make best use of the natural resources, but systems were dislocated by collectivization. In the Himalaya there is conflict between herders and sedentary groups. While poor pasture condition is a major constraint, the main problems are socio-economic and institutional and relate to land tenure and grazing rights. Fodder crops are, however, of great interest for settled groups who use the same pastures. Focus on technical solutions, herder training and participatory approaches should be within the context of- political decisions.

If you've already read this book, send a review




  Order this book
DROUGTH AND DRY SEASON: FEEDING STRATEGIES FOR CATTLE, SHEEP AND GOATS

Edited by R.A. Leng AO, DRurSc
Published by Penambul Books

ISBN: 0-86774-013-2
Copyright 2003

Click here to order from the Penambul Book Website

The new book by the author of Drought Feeding Strategies: Theory and Practice reviews many new areas for drought and dry season feeding strategies. It provides many alternative strategies for both drought feeding and for production feeding in dry seasons maximizing the use of available feed resources. The book’s target readers are innovative property owners and farm managers, agricultural consultants and professional people, especial bank managers, accountants and undergraduate and diploma students in Agricultural Science. .

If you've already read this book, send a review




Read this book
FROM INDIFFERENCE TO AWARENESS
Edited by Gianluca Serra, Douglas Williamson and Caterina Batello
Published by The Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN

ISBN: 92-5-105054-6
Copyright 2003

Click here to read this publication on line

Agricultural biodiversity in FAO FAO’s goal is to alleviate poverty and hunger by promoting sustainable agricultural development, improved nutrition and food security – the access of all people at all times to the food they need for an active and healthy life. The importance of biological diversity for food security and sustainable agriculture has been recognized by FAO and the Organization is working to promote its conservation and sustainable use in an agricultural context.

If you've already read this book, send a review




Download this CD-ROM
DREAM: A Tool for Evaluating the Effects of Agricultural R&D (CD-ROM)

Published by IFPRI - Communications Division

Copyright 2003

System Requirements:
DREAM is designed to run under Windows 95 or Windows NT. As a minimum the program requires a 486DX 66Mhz processor (but in practice a Pentium 150Mhz or higher is strongly recommended), a mouse, 16MB RAM and 12MB of hard disk space (allowing for the required Visual Foxpro 5.0 modules and the data directories "\database\" and "\examples\"). A minimum screen resolution of 640x480 is required, but 800x600 is preferred, and the display system should be capable of displaying 256 colors

With DREAM you can define a range of technology investment, development, and adoption scenarios and save them in an integrated database. Scenarios are described using market, R&D, and adoption information for any number of separate “regions." Some factors, such as taxes, subsidies, growth rates, and price elasticities, can be specified as constant or as changing over the analysis period. Each region in which production takes place may have its own pattern of technology adoption. After specifying the initial conditions for each region, you can simulate the likely effects of technology development and adoption on prices; on quantities produced, consumed, and traded; and on the flow of economic benefits to producers, consumers, and government.

If you've already used this CD-ROM, send a review




Order this CD-ROM
DROUGHT-RESISTING STRATEGIES AND MECHANISMS IN PLANTS EXPLOITED BY HUMANS(CD-ROM)

Published by The Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN

Copyright 2003

System Requirements:
Windows 95/98/2000/NT/XP
32 MB RAM, CD-ROM drive
Internet browser (Netscape 4 or Internet Explorer 5) and
Adobe Acrobat Reader

This CD-ROM contains information related to biochemical, molecular, physiological and structural strategies of a selected number of plants to respond to drought. A description of some plants exploited by humans, as well as an updated bibliography including a selection of full articles, complete the CD-ROM. The CD-ROM is addressed to young scientists and plant breeders dealing with research and development of drought resisting plants to meet the challenge of increasing production in dryland ecosystems.

If you've already used this CD-ROM, send a review




Order this CD-ROM
DAIRYING IN THE SOUTHWEST PACIFIC (CD-ROM)

Published by The Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN

Copyright 2000

System Requirements:
IMB compatible PC or MAC
486 microprocessor 100MHz or higher
(recommended: pentium 166 processor or higher)
Windows 3.1 or later version
32 MB RAM and 40 MB space on hard disk

This CD-ROM has been produced with the financial support of the Government of France through project GCP/SAM/007/FRA and with Regular Programme resources from the Animal Production and Health and Plant Production and Protection Divisions of FAO. It incorporates materials generated under a variety of projects and also from other FAO sources. It is designed to provide a comprehensive source of information for extension officers and for anyone interested in developing a dairy enterprise in the Southwest Pacific and is a follow up to the regional workshop on "Milk Production and Processing"held in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa from 20 - 27th April, 1998 under project GCP/SAM/007/FRA. It contains training manuals, searchable databases, bibliographies, full-text documents, country profiles and photographs relating to feeds, forages, milk production and processing and smallholder farmers.

If you've already used this CD-ROM, send a review




  Read this book
WORLD AGRICULTURE TOWARDS 2015/2030: AN FAO PERSPECTIVE

Edited by Jelle Bruinsma
Published by Earthscan - Email: earthinfo@earthscan.co.uk

Copyright 2003

Click here to read this publication on line

This follow up volume to the FAO's 1995 global study 'World agriculture: towards 2010' offers updated projections on the world's food supplies, nutrition and agriculture, and summarises current areas of concern and potential. Projections are made for all the major commodity crops, for livestock production and consumption, and for forestry and fisheries. Agricultural trade is expected to play a bigger role in securing the future food needs of developing countries; cereal imports by the developing world, for example, are expected to triple over the next 30 years; meat imports are likely to increase at an even faster rate. In terms of commodity exports, resource-rich but otherwise poor countries may, depending on trade negotiations, have greater development opportunities through export-oriented agriculture, but resource-poor countries are likely to face higher prices for imports, and lack the capacity to increase their domestic production. Other areas of discussion include the likely role of agriculture in poverty alleviation and economic development, developments in agricultural technology, including organic and bio-technology, the impact of climate change, and competition between agricultural and environmental interests. Essentially a reference book for agricultural organisations and ministries.

If you've already read this book, send a review




Order this book
FACTORY FARMING IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD

Written by Danielle Nierenberg
Published by Worldwatch Institute

Copyright 2003

Click here to order this book on the Worldwatch Institute Website

Large-scale expansion of factory farming into developing countries such as Mexico, India, China, and the Philippines is bringing unanticipated dangers to environmental and human health. While increasing the production of meat, these mass-producing facilities threaten the survival of indigenous livestock and are contributing to groundwater pollution, the spread of food-borne illnesses, and antibiotic resistance.

If you've already read this book, send a review





   Order this book
ORGANIC ANIMAL HUSBANDRY STANDARDS

Edited by Mahesh Chander
Published by Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar


Copyright 2003

Organic farming is fast emerging as an alternative for the sustainable agricultural development globally. Organic farming systems are knowledge intensive contrary to the input intensive conventional production systems which are now being increasingly considered detrimental to the environment, soil, human and animal health. Organic food sales have registered impressive growth in recent times. This obviously has generated a demand for information on organic farming in general and livestock production in particular especially in developing countries which find a great opportunity in this sector primarily for exports. However, such information is not readily available in developing countries. Realizing this vacuum, a National Workshop on Organic Animal Husbandry (OAH) Standards was organized at Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) during November 26-27, 2002 with twin objectives (i) To sensitize various stakeholders on OAH standards, and (ii) To review the standards for OAH especially the Developing Countries.

If you've already read this book, send a review




Order this CD-ROM
CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE. WHEN AGRICULTURE IS PROFITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE (CD-ROM)

Published by The Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN

Copyright 2002


This CD-ROM contains detailed information and literature about Conservation Agriculture to improve the knowledge base of those interested in this concept of sustainable agriculture. It will provide technical staff as well as policy- and decision- makers with information and arguments that will help to support, promote and introduce Conservation Agriculture.

If you've already used this CD-ROM, send a review




Get this CD-ROM
THE LIVESTOCK GEOGRAPHY: NEW PERSPECTIVES ON GLOBAL RESOURCES

Published by The Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN

Copyright 2001


Livestock Geography: New Perspectives on Global Resources includes a copy of the Livestock Atlas Website and a summary report entitled: Livestock Geography: An Introductory Atlas of Animal Resources which explains the background, objectives and methods developed to map livestock distribution across Africa and Eurasia. This exploratory study was commissioned by FAO and carried out by the Environmental Research Group Oxford Limited and the Animal Health and Production Division, Rome.

If you've already used this CD-ROM, send a review




 Order this book
THE DOMESTIC ANIMAL/WILDLIFE INTERFACE: ISSUES FOR DISEASE CONTROL, CONSERVATION, SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION, AND EMERGING DISEASES
Volume 969


Edited by E. Paul J. Gibbs and Bob H. Bokma
Published by The New York Academy of Sciences

ISBN: 1-57331-438-2
Copyright 2002

Click here to order this book on the New York Academy of Sciences Website

In the last century, wildlife conservation and the need to increase production of animal agriculture have been in conflict at times, yet both have financial, biological, social, and even spiritual value for society. This publication addresses the problems of disease in both wildlife and domestic animals and the transmission of disease between the two populations. It examines ways in which we can conserve and manage animals in both sectors for optimal health and production, while preserving ecological communities. Diseases such as tuberculosis, foot and mouth, and rinderpest are discussed. Global disease surveillance, the transmission of diseases between animals and people, and human dependence on healthy livestock and wildlife are also emphasized.

If you've already read this book, send a review




 Order this book
GREENHOUSE GASES AND ANIMAL AGRICULTURE

Compiled from Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Greenhouse Gases and Animal Agriculture in Obihiro, Japan on 7-11 November, 2001
Edited by J. Takahashi, Department of Animal Science at the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan; and
B.A. Young, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia

ISBN: 0-444-51012-5
Copyright 2002

Click here to order this book on the Elsevier Science Website

The theme of the book is environmental preservation through the controlled release of undesirable greenhouse gases and the sustainable development of animal agriculture. Technology is discussed for the effective collection of methane generated from anaerobic fermentation of animal effluent and its use as a biomass energy source, as well as the reduced consumption of fossil fuel and increased use of locally available energy sources. Also, promoting environmentally-conscious agriculture independent of chemical fertilizer can be accomplished through effective use of animal manure and compost products.

If you've already read this book, send a review




 Order this book
World Resources 2000-2001
PEOPLE AND ECOSYSTEMS: THE FRAYING WEB OF LIFE


Edited by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Bank, and the World Resources Institute
Published by World Resources Institute

ISBN: 0-08-0437818
Copyright 2000 - 2001

Click here to order this book on the World Resources Institute Website

World Resources 2000-2001 is an evaluation of current conditions in ecosystems that advocates an ecosystem approach and with recommendations on how it can be applied. This analysis is valuable because it compares information already available on a global scale about the condition of five major classes of ecosystems: agroecosystems, coastal areas, forests, freshwater systems, and grasslands. It examines the quantity and quality of outputs, the biological basis for production including soil and water condition, biodiversity, and changes in land use over time. The analysis considers not only marketed products such as food and timber, but a variety of ecosystem goods and services that people rely on but do not buy in the marketplace as well.

If you've already read this book, send a review




  Read this book
LINKING POVERTY REDUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Edited by Paul Steele, Simon Le-Grand, Philip Dobie, Peter Hazlewood, Jan Bojö, et. al.
Published by Department for International Development, UK (DFID); Directorate General for Development, European Commission (EC); United Nations Development Program (UNDP); The World Bank

Copyright 2002

Click here to read this publication using Adobe Acrobat

Linking Poverty Reduction and Environmental Management focuses on methods to reduce poverty and sustain growth by improving environmental management. It attempts to draw out the ties between poverty and the environment, and to show that sound management of the environment is essential for the elimination of extreme poverty and hunger, the reduction of child mortality, the fight against major diseases and the ensurance of environmental sustainability. The document goes beyond the action that environmental institutions can take and examines opportunities across all sectors.

If you've already read this book, send a review




 Order this paper
ANIMAL DIET MODIFICATION TO DECREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS POLLUTION

Edited by Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska
Published by Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST)

Copyright 2002


This paper outlines the technologies and approaches that poultry and livestock producers can employ to decrease the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus that enter the environment. By lowering the amounts of protein and phosphorus that are fed to poultry and livestock, producers can limit the animals' excretions of nitrogen and phosphorus that may contribute to water and air pollution.

If you've already read this book, send a review




   Get this book
GUIDELINES FOR HUMANE HANDLING, TRANSPORT AND SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK

Compiled by Philip G. Chambers and Temple Grandin
Edited by Gunter Heinz and Thinnarat Srisuvan
Published by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) and HSI (Humane Society International) - Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

Copyright 2001

Click here to read this publication online

Several developing countries have animal welfare problems regarding livestock handling, transport and slaughter. The humane treatment of animal slaughter is increasing in importance as the demand for meat from developing countries is growing and animals may have been made to suffer excessively. The Guidelines for Humane Handling, Transport and Slaughter of Livestock offers guidance to animal welfare personnel, transport operators, farmers and slaughterhouse management in improving slaughter, livestock productivity and animal welfare. The book also includes a chapter dedicated to the maintenance of good animal welfare standards.

If you've already read this book, send a review




   Get this book
DRYLANDS: SUSTAINABLE USE OF RANGELANDS INTO THE 21ST CENTURY

Edited by Victor R. Squires and Ahmed E. Sidahmed
Published by IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development)

ISBN: 92-9072-006-9
Copyright 1998

Drylands provides the reader with an analysis of changes on sustainable use of drylands, particularly of those where livestock raising depends on grazing natural vegetation at a time when the world is undergoing great changes. The book offers papers and case studies enhanced with models and tables to present current dryland situations and address the measures taken to reduce rangeland degradation. Drylands is an extension of the four-day workshop on sustainable use of rangelands and desertification control held in Jeddah in November 1996.

If you've already read this book, send a review




 Order this book
CAN LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE CO-EXIST?
An Interdisciplinary Approach


Edited by David Bourn and Roger Blench
Published by ODI (Overseas Development Institute) and
      ERGO (The Environmental Research Group Oxford)

ISBN: 0-85003-408-6
Copyright 1999

Click here to order this book on the ODI Website

The interdisciplinary approach presented in Can Livestock and Wildlife Co-exist? demonstrates how livestock and wildlife can co-exist sustainably in semi-arid rangelands of eastern Africa in spite of demographic pressures, limited natural resources and agricultural expansion. Harmonious co-existence between wildlife and livestock is possible but only in particular conditions under which livestock owners and local communities both receive benefits. The book offers a view on the pastoral-wildlife relationship with recommendations for research and development initiatives on integrated management of livestock and wildlife.

If you've already read this book, send a review




  Download the Toolbox
THE LIVESTOCK AND ENVIRONMENT TOOLBOX
ISBN: 92-5-104445-7
Copyright 2000

System Requirements:
Windows 95/98/NT
32 MB RAM, CD-ROM drive
Internet browser (Netscape 4 or Internet Explorer 5) and
Adobe Acrobat Reader

The Livestock and Environment Toolbox is available at no cost on CD-ROM in English, French and Spanish. It contains information (text, photos, tables and maps) which enable the user to explore interactions between livestock and the environment and to identify interventions which enhance the positive and/or mitigate the negative impacts. It was produced by a team of consultants from the Natural Resources Institute (UK), the International Agricultural Centre (The Netherlands), and CIRAD (France), coordinated by Natural Resources International Ltd. (UK), commisssioned by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations on behalf of the steering committee of the Livestock and Environment Initiative, and funded by the European Union.

If you've already used this CD-ROM, send a review




  
FARMERS, THEIR ANIMALS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
ISBN: 92-5-104278-0
Copyright 1999

System Requirements:
Windows 95/98/NT
32 MB RAM, 11 MB Hard Disk Space
Internet browser (Netscape 4 or Internet Explorer 5)
Adobe Acrobat Reader and QuickTime for Windows

Farmers, Their Animals and the Environment is available on CD-ROM at no cost in English. This CD compilation of publications and multimedia information deals with several aspects of animal production including: Livestock Production Systems, Animal Genetic Resources, Breeding, Feeds & Nutrition, Pastures & Forages, Livestock & the Environment, Grazing & Range Management, Work Animals, and Health & Diseases. It also contains databases on tropical feedstaff, grasses and legumes. This CD is the product of a collaborative effort between the World Agricultural Information Centre (WAICENT) and the Animal Production and Health Division (AGA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).

If you've already used this CD-ROM, send a review




  
SIMPÓSIO INTERNACIONAL - SISTEMAS AGROFLORESTAIS PECUÁRIOS NA AMÉRICA DO SUL
ISBN: 92-5-904475-8
Copyright 2000

System Requirements:
Windows 95/98/NT
32 MB RAM
11 MB Hard Disk Space
Internet browser (Netscape 4 or Internet Explorer 5)
Adobe Acrobat Reader

Simpósio Internacional - Sistemas Agroflorestais Pecuários na América do Sul
This CD-ROM contains the procedings of the international workshop on Agroforestry systems in South America that took place in Embrapa on September 18 - 20, 2000. It is available at no cost in Portuguese and includes selected references from the Latin-American network of Livestock in Agroforestry systems, as well as a database on tropical feeds in Spanish. This CD-ROM was produced by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and Centro para la Investigación de Sistemas Sostenibles de Producción Agropecuaria (CIPAV).

If you've already used this CD-ROM, send a review