The Roles of Livestock and Opportunities to Improve Rural Livelihood

Livestock are vital component in crop-livestock production system, especially for the smallholder farmers in the central highlands of Ethiopia. In the area, farmers keep different animals in traditional production system. However, their huge significance is not well weighed out and therefore less emphasis was given to improve the sector. This book describes the role of livestock and opportunities to improve the rural livelihood through the use of Livestock production: as power in the farming system, source of food and income. Besides, the necessity of supplementing crossbred cows with additional concentrate feed was seen. The book, hence, provides information for professionals, government bodies, investors and other individuals that may take steps on the development of the rural life through the use of improved livestock production.