ABSTRACT: Crop livestock mixed farming is traditional in India Livestock arc not only complimentary and supplementary to crops but are a means of risk coverage and strongly linked with culture. Livestock development is now a major emponciit in rural development programme in India
particularly in rainfed underdeveloped areas. The paper describes the approach, perceptions and programmes of the BAIF, a non government organization (N100), involved in rural development since die last 25 years, The BA1F progranuues involve more than half a million fanners from five states. The involvement is mostly in rainfcck underdeveloped areas. Livestock development has served very useful purpose as point of entry in viral
areas and for initiation of development activities.
The paper discusses experiences in Rajasthan, one
of the states Di which BAD? is involved since long. Participatory approach m livestock development necessitated modifications in training and extension programmes. The staff had also to be oriented For taking a systems approach and in gender sensitivity, since women involvement is critical for livestock production. The need to critically study traditional systems, farmer perceptions. indigenous knowledge and farmer wisdom are some of the other aspects discussed and emphasised in the paper The livestock development centres enabled undertaking total farming systems study of the area and in planning future development activities in a participatory manner. A few examples of studies on sonic of the aspects referred ahove are cited and discussed.
Key Words Livestock Development, Non Ciovennueut Organization, !Inman Dimension,
Rural Development Approac
