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

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

Agricultural Systems, 2020, vol. 184, issue C

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.

Keywords: Whole farm system modelling; Organic resource use; Farm livelihoods; Nitrogen use efficiency; Soil water; Carbon sequestration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:agisys:v:184:y:2020:i:c:s0308521x20307563

DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2020.102895

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