An Acacia-based design for sustainable livestock carrying capacity on irrigated farmlands in semi-arid Africa

Multiple land-use designs are becoming increasingly necessary in semi-arid Africa as growing populations focus numerous production systems onto spatially limited arable lands. Engineering distinct land uses into a single area ideally requires that land-use components complement each other, and operate in predictable magnitudes. Quantitative evaluations of components to be included in multiple land-use designs are necessary to determine both how components would ‘fit’ together, and how these would serve populations participating in distinct production systems. With data gathered in Somalia, this study considers a design in which fodder-producing trees and irrigated agriculture could be integrated. Following a discussion of the benefits of such an integration, this analysis focuses on a quantitative examination of potential livestock carrying capacity from Acacia albida trees in an irrigated area. Comparisons are made with observed livestock numbers in order to determine if such a design could accommodate the seasonal influx of nomadic herds. The land-use elements that comprise carrying capacity are themselves examined to see which elemens might be managed to offset or take advantage of those which are not easily managed.