Evaluation And Optimization Of The Farming Systems In Qinglong County, Guizhou Province

Southwest China is the region where the largest area of the Karst physiognomy is found. Densely populated, the region has experienced a long time of deforestation and expansion of cropping on sloping lands in the history, leading to severe soil erosion and rock-desertification. The people in the region have faced the challenges from both environmental degradation and poverty problem and the key to sustainable development in the region is developing proper farming systems that can improve not only the environmental health but also the livelihoods of the rural households. Based on field survey in Qinglong County, Guizhou Province of Southwest China in 2008, the major farming systems, namely cropping system, goat system and mixed system, are evaluated and compared in terms of household income. Then, the mechanism, limitations and effectiveness of the company-household cooperation for industrialized goat farming were addressed. Finally, computer models are employed for scenario analysis on seasonal pattern of pasture demand and supply of smallholder goat framing, and options for improvement of the systems are discussed.The result of the current research show that the crop-livestock mixed framing system has the highest net cash income, followed by the specialized goat system, with cropping system being the lowest in net cash income. This indicates that goat farming contributes to improvement of livelihoods of the farmers. Land use change from cropping to pasture leads increased cover of perennial vegetation and consequently reduces the risk of soil erosion and environmental pollution.The company-household cooperation system is effective, which facilitates the development of market-oriented goat production by smallholders. The farmers Association plays a important role in solving conflicts that may occur and enhancing cooperation. With the efforts of the livestock company, the farmers in marginal areas have obtained well improved technical services and market access.Model analysis indicates that 18 goats per hectare can raised on pasture with a pasture utilization at 75%. However, under such a stocking rate there is a seasonal mismatch of pasture supply and demand - there are pasture surplus in summer and deficit in winter. The analysis using an optimizing model indicates that 23% of the households in the current goat system and 27% in the mixed system had a goat number greater than optimum, while 70% households in both systems had a goat number less optimum, indicating that most of the farmers did utilized their pastures efficiently.