Farming Systems and Food Security in Africa

Part I Introduction 1. Africa through the farming systems lens: context and approach 2. Methods and data sources Part II Analysis of farming systems 3. Maize mixed farming system: an engine for rural growth and poverty reduction 4. The agropastoral farming system: Achieving adaptation and harnessing opportunities under duress 5. The highland perennial farming system: Sustainable intensification and the limits of farm size 6. The Root and Tuber Crop Farming System: diversity, complexity and productivity potential 7. The cereal-root crop mixed farming system: a potential bread basket transitioning to sustainable intensification 8. The highland mixed farming system of Africa: diversifying livelihoods in fragile ecosystems 9. The tree crop farming system in the humid lowlands of Africa: stagnation, innovation and forest degradation 10. The pastoral farming system: Balancing between tradition and transition 11. The fish-based farming system: maintaining ecosystem health and flexible livelihood portfolios 12. The forest-based farming system: highly diverse, annual and perennial systems under threat 13. Large-scale irrigated farming system: The potential and challenges to improve food security, livelihoods and ecosystem management 14. The arid pastoral and oasis farming system: key centres for the development of trans-Saharan economies 15. Perennial mixed and island farming systems: exploiting synergies for maximum system productivity 16. Urban and peri-urban farming systems: feeding cities and enhancing resilience Part III Synthesis and conclusions 17. Farming and food systems potentials 18. Ways forward: strategies for effective science, investments and policies for African farming and food systems 19. Conclusions: implementation of the farming systems approach for African food security