The contribution of Integrated Farming system & it's challenges the Case of Alge Sachi Woreda, Ilubabor zone, Oromia regional national state, Ethiopia.

This study aimed to examine Contribution of Integrated Farming and it’s Challenges for Local Community Livelihoods of Algie-Sachi district, Ilubabor zone, southwest Ethiopia.The study area was selected purposively in four rural kebeles; and data was collected from 337 sample households selected by using systematic random sampling method. Both quantitative and qualitative methods and different data collection tools (questionnaire survey, key informant interview, FGD) were used. The findings of the study was summarized and presented using quantitative and qualitative tools such as descriptive statistics, tables, bar graphs and line graphs, charts, figures, maps and pictures.The results of the study reveal that livestock farming ( 1%), Arable farming (2.7%)and Crop Livestock integration with 96.3 % were the three types of integrated farming practiced by the local community . Of all 96.3 % of the sample households practice integrated livestock with crop production in the area.Crops such asMaize (97.3%), Sorghum (64.4%), Beans (46.6%) and Teff (36.2%); Fruit tree crops include banana (40.1%), avocado (62.6%), mango (54.6%); and also Tree crops like coffee (100%) and chat (64.4%) are integrated with Livestock such as cattle (84%), sheep (76%), goats (67.1%), horses (26.4%), donkeys (38.9%), chickens (82.5%) and also Apiculture (49.9%) are practiced in the study area. Farmers realize the benefits of integrated livestockcrop production system, as profit generation, alternative power, income diversification, risk reduction, soil fertility improvement and environmental safety. The major challenges for practicing integrating crops and livestock farming in the study area were limited amount of capital, unavailable labor force, lack of financial support, lack of seed and feeds, Lack of scientific knowledge and Lack of market. .Infrastructural development, research and improving farmer’s education are suggested strategies that might support smallholders’ integrated livestock-crops production.