Analysis of potential sources of feed improvement for livestock in the Kasungu and Mangochi districts of Malawi: Analysis of livestock feed options in Kasungu and Mangochi

Livestock farming plays an integral part in the vulnerable and economically constrained livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Malawi, contributing to food and nutrition security, ecosystem services and overall economic resilience (Banda and Tanganyika, 2021; Herrero et al., 2013, 2009). As these communities navigate the challenges posed by climate change, land degradation, and economic constraints; the availability and often inconsistent supply, and quality of livestock feed, particularly protein, emerge as pivotal factors in ensuring the optimum productivity and resilience of their herds (Dzowela et al., 1990; Thornton and Herrero, 2015). The significance of livestock feed transcends mere nutrition for animals; it stands as a basis for the well-being and prosperity of entire communities (Alonso et al., 2019; Banda and Tanganyika, 2021; Duncan et al., 2023). Against the backdrop of a delicate balance between traditional practices and modern agricultural methods, the quest for sustainable and nutritious livestock feed becomes not only a necessity for the well-being of the animals but also a cornerstone for the overall development of rural communities. Most smallholder farmers in Malawi, particularly in the south and central regions, rely on mixed farming systems (MFS) that integrate crops, livestock and/ or agroforestry (Chimonyo et al., 2023; Rogé et al., 2016). The combined output of crop-agroforestry-livestock MFS surpasses the aggregate of individual components due to interdependence, that is, the output from one land unit serves as input for another segment of the system, enhancing overall farm efficiency and enhances productivity in both crop and livestock production if properly managed (Sekaran et al., 2021). This promotes the concept of a closed-loop nutrient cycle system. For instance, livestock manure contributes nutrients and organic matter to enhance soil fertility, while crop residues serve as feed for livestock and can be utilised as organic material to enhance soil health. The synergy degrees vary spatially and temporally, even within the same agroecological system and can be affected by farmers’ socio-economic conditions (Dhehibi et al., 2023; Sekaran et al., 2021). Apart from the benefits of the production systems, MFS is more likely to expand household diet diversification and empower smallholder producers to actively access local markets for high-value products (Dhehibi et al., 2023). Despite the many potential synergies this system offers (i.e., sustainable, climate-resilient, and productive agricultural systems), it is not without its trade-offs and challenges. The inherent nature of MFS is that it can be complex to operate and manage as it demands a greater knowledge of diverse production systems. In addition, competition for resources could arise, for example, crop residues are not only used as livestock feed but are also required as mulch or fuel for households. Agricultural production volumes can be increased by expanding the farm area (i.e., extensification), but, in Malawi, farm sizes are shrinking due to the increasing population density (Anseeuw et al., 2016; Sekaran et al., 2021; Timler et al., 2023). While some regions may have abundant natural resources suitable for livestock feed, others may face constraints such as the risk of climate-induced feed gaps, land degradation and scarcity, climate variability, and limited access to inputs. Furthermore, the socio-economic dynamics and farming practices differ between regions, necessitating tailored interventions to maximise impact. The integration of crops, agroforestry and livestock components that sustain food, and nutritional security with regular and periodic income to farmers is vital for improving the livelihoods (Paramesh et al., 2022; Sekaran et al., 2021). To address this, there is an urgent need to identify and capitalise on opportunities for sustainable intensification of MFS (SI-MFS), all while navigating the myriad of challenges faced by these farmers. Among the key elements is the need to improve the feed resource base by augmenting both the quantity and quality of available feed, along with implementing improved feeding practices (Salmon et al., 2018). A pivotal factor for maximising animal productivity lies in the accessibility and efficient utilisation of local feed resources. Through this targeted research, the aim is to provide practical insights that can drive sustainable agricultural development among smallholder farmers forward. The objectives of this study were to identify the potential sources of feed improvement for livestock in the Kasungu and Mangochi districts.