A systems model describing the impact of organic resource use on farming households in low to middle income countries

Jo Smith*, Dali Rani Nayak, Ashim Datta, Wasudeo Nivrutti Narkhede, Fabrizio Albanito, Bedru B.B. Balana, Sanjoy Bandyopadhyay, Helaina Black, Shiferaw Boke, Alison Brand, Anja Byg, Mengistu Dinato, Mulugeta Habte, Paul D Hallett, Thomas Lemma Argaw, Wolde Mekuria, Awdenegest Moges, Alemayehu Muluneh, Paula Novo, Mike RivingtonTewodros Tefera, May Vanni, Getahun Yakob, Euan Phimster

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

We present a new systems model that encompasses both environmental and socioeconomic outcomes to simulate impacts of organic resource use on livelihoods of smallholder farmers in low to middle income countries. It includes impacts on soils, which in many countries are degrading with long term loss of organic matter. Many farmers have easy access to animal manures that could be used to increase soil organic matter, but this precious resource is often diverted to other purposes, such as fuels, also resulting in loss of the nutrients needed for crop production. This model simulates impacts of different management options on soil organic matter turnover, availability of water and nutrients, crop and animal production, water and energy use, labour requirements and household income and expenditure. An evaluation and example application from India are presented and used to illustrate the importance of considering the whole farm system when developing recommendations to help farmers improve their soils.
Original languageEnglish
Article number102895
JournalAgricultural Systems
Volume184
Early online date24 Jul 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPrint publication - Sept 2020

Keywords

  • Carbon sequestration
  • Farm livelihoods
  • Nitrogen use efficiency
  • Organic resource use
  • Soil water
  • Whole farm system modelling

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