| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 1998 |
| Authors | Pandey, T, N.; Struik, P, C. |
| Journal Title | Proceedings Annual Conference - Agronomy Society of New Zealand |
| Volume | 28 |
| Pagination | 123-128 |
| ISBN Number | 0110-6589 |
| Key Words | pastures; botanical composition; development projects; farmers; '; attitudes; farming systems; forage; grazing; livestock; sustainability; grasslands; grassland improvement; degraded; forests; silvopastoral systems; rangelands; agroforestry systems |
| Abstract | Under Nepal's Hills Leasehold Forestry and Forage Development Project (HLFFDP), protection from grazing and the introduction of suitable improved forage species has been a successful strategy for re-integrating degraded areas into Nepalese farming systems, improving both the environment and potential livestock production. Dry matter production and botanical composition of the established forage was determined at 500 and 1100 m above sea level in three contrasting management systems across Nepal. The Dry-Weight-Rank method was used for botanical composition and the Comparative Yield method was used to estimate herbage dry matter production. An interview survey of farmers was also carried out to study their perception of the sustainability of the system. Improved species gave significantly higher yield over local species but there was no significant differences between sites at different altitudes. Positive farmers' attitudes towards this changed management system could lead to the development of degraded areas in a way which is sustainable. |
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