Summarizes a baseline study of the traditional livestock production system of central Mali, classifying production systems in the study in the study zone according to the degree of dependence on livestock products for gross revenue or food supply of the household or production unit, and according to types of agriculture associated w. livestock. Describes primary resources available for livestock production; livestock numbers & movement patterns; the agropastoral system; and the pastoral system associated w. rice cultivation in the Niger innundation zone.

Presents results of a 6 year study on the livestock production systems, management practices herd & flock demography in an agropastoral system in central Mali as well as reproductive performance growth rate, weights, mortality, offtake and productivity in terms of meat & milk yield of cattle & small ruminants; includes recommendations on means of improving the system and future research.

Description of geographical aspects of the Subhumid Zone of West Africa and economic and sociological aspects of the Fulani ethnic group, w. emphasis on fodder resources, range management, livestock raising, livestock management, and animal diseases, w. analysis of land use & land development strategies, and directions for future research.

Presents papers dealing with various aspects of livestock production in tsetse affected areas of Africa, particular tsetse challenge, trypanosomiasis epidemiology, trypanotolerance, biological productivity, chemotherapy, economics, and genetics of trypanotolerance.

Discusses the general prospects for demand and supply of meat and dairy products in tropical Africa, w. emphasis on factors influencing supply & demand such as population growth, rising incomes, and traditional production blockages. Analyses supply prospects from existing livestock production systems, and points out some development paths to be followed such as trypanosomiasis eradication and improvement of tradition production and smallholder fattening systems.

Compilation of proceedings of the 2nd ILCA/NAPRI symposium on livestock production in subhumid Nigeria discussing the ecology, vegetation & land use & development potential of the zone; traditional cattle & small ruminant production practices; research updates in livestock systems research, animal nutrition & feed production; extension & adoption of innovations; and future research.

Provides a brief outline of the theory and practice of livestock systems research, and presents the fruits of both ILCA's own long experience of livestock systems research and of expertise and efforts of others in the field. The manual may be of use to a wide audience, including those who need to study livestock systems in Africa in the context of development activities rather than research.