The fire severity of the 2013–2014 fire season within Sudanian ecosystems in Burkina Faso was evaluated from Landsat 8 images using derivatives of the Normalized Burn Ratio algorithm (NBR). The relationship between the image-derived severity and the field observed severity i.e. Composite Burn Index (CBI) was best described by a nonlinear model of the form y = a + b*EXP(CBI *c) (R2 = 0.66). Classification of the image-derived burned area into burn severity classes achieved a classification Kappa accuracy statistic of 0.56.

This document reports the results of a small meeting of social scientists from ILCA and IFPRI held at ILCA. The workshop was conceived to summarize the results of studies previously conducted by ILCA and others, to identify priorities for future research; to provide guidance for future research - problems, methodology, locations, and resource requirements, and to consider specific proposals for future research and evaluate the areas of complementarity and/or overlap with other past or current projects.

Proceedings of the seminar on evaluation and mapping of tropical African rangelands, particular categories of rangeland survey and evaluation, review of experiences; site development, parameters and methods; sampling and data processing, cartography, with recommendations and guidelines for the future.

Livestock are important assets to the rural poor in developing countries but are faced with the major challenge of marked seasonal feed availability. A study was carried out to assess existing and potential feed resources and constraints to livestock production in Southern part of Mali. A feed assessment tool was used to collect necessary data. The assessment included focus group discussions and individual interviews.

This study comprised of field survey, agronomic trial, laboratory and animal evaluation of desho grass. A total of 240 households (hh) were involved in the field survey conducted to assess the status of desho grass production and utilization in Burie Zuria and Doyogena districts, with the use of pre-tested and semi- structured questionnaire.

Presents the results of a study carried out to evaluate the productivities of the Maure and Peul breeds and some of their crosses in a semi-arid environment, at the Sahelian station and Niono ranch, Mali. Describes the production system at Niono (1966-1975). Examines reproductive performance, milk yield & composition, viability, body weight, and maternal ability. Compares production systems in environments similar to that of Niono.

This technical paper details findings and outcomes from the workshop hosted by the Climate Change Unit of Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of Kenya, along with the FAO, ICRAF and CCAFS. The process engaged stakeholders from research, practice and policy and to interactively share and analyze scientific evidence and field experience from over 40 projects related to climate-smart agriculture (CSA) within integrated farming systems in Kenya.

The vulnerability of Africa’s agriculture to climate change is complex. It is shaped by biophysical, economic, socio-cultural, geographical, ecological, institutional, technological and governance processes that interact in intricate ways, and can together reduce farmers’ adaptive capacity. Women farmers with few resources are particularly vulnerable. This working paper highlights the array of adaptation strategies that exist across Africa’s diverse farming systems and climatic conditions. These strategies can provide the impetus for transforming Africa’s agriculture.