Community-Based Animal Feed Banks: A Model of Feed Security in the Dry Season for Smallholder Farmers
Keywords:
community-based feed bank, feed security, dry season, smallholder farmers, livestock systems, sustainable agricultureAbstract
Seasonal feed scarcity during the dry season remains one of the most critical constraints affecting productivity, animal welfare, and income stability of smallholder livestock farmers, particularly in tropical smallholder systems. This study aims to evaluate a Community-Based Animal Feed Bank (CBAFB) model as an adaptive strategy to improve feed security during the dry season, following the structure and academic standards of MDPI international journals. Field-based data, simulation of herd performance, and economic indicators from smallholder farmer groups were analyzed to assess the impacts of collective feed conservation and management. The results demonstrate that the implementation of CBAFB significantly stabilizes feed availability, reduces feeding costs, maintains livestock body condition, and enhances farmer resilience during prolonged dry periods. These findings indicate that community-managed feed banks represent a scalable and sustainable solution for strengthening smallholder livestock production systems under increasing climate variability.
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