1 CONCEPT NOTE Research Proposal for SLP Funding – Seed Grants 2004 Project Title: A framework for ex ante impact assessment of feed resource options to promote sustainable livelihoods of resource-poor smallholders Lead Centre(s): International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Principal Investigator(s) and Contact Details: M Herrero and P K Thornton ILRI, PO Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya Tel +254 20 630 743 Fax +254 20 631 499 Email m.herrero@cgiar.org, p.thornton@cgiar.org Collaborators and Contact Details: P Kristjanson, R Kruska, D Romney, S Fernandez-Rivera, M Blummel, S Tarawali, W Thorpe (ILRI) M Peters, F Holmann (CIAT) S Twomlow (ICRISAT) The following are being contacted regarding participation: B Gerard, R Jones (ICRISAT) D K Friesen (CIMMYT) S Franzel (ICRAF) R Quiroz, K Fuglie (CIP) V Manyong (IITA) Appropriate NARS will be identified and involved in project activities once the case study sites have been selected Total Cost of Project (SLP Funds, USD): $40,000 Anticipated Start Date and Duration of Project: June 2004 start, duration 6 months Locations of Project (Countries): Global Background (Max. 300 words) Global population is projected to rise from 6 billion to 9 billion by 2030. At the same time, shifts in dietary preferences are anticipated as incomes rise, so that the demand for livestock products is expected to rise enormously (1). In addition, the impacts of climate change on smallholder crop and livestock production may be substantial in developing countries (2). As a result of such drivers of change, smallholder production systems will inevitably have to intensify. The challenge is to ensure that the smallholder sector, which provides the majority of milk and meat in the tropics, is able to take advantage of the increased demand, while improving household food security through increased and more stable crop and livestock