ABSTRACT
This chapter examines relationships between ecology and livestock in tropical Africa. It deals with basic ecological influences and interactions before reviewing their implications for development. Limitations of an ecological perspective are recognized, but the stem mainly from misapplication of the perspective and should not detract from its value. The range of ecological conditions in tropical Africa is remarkedly diverse, extending across gradients from coast to mountain glacier and from desert to forest. Overgrazing is self-evident if acute, but needs care in interpretation, especially in the arid zone of eastern Africa where the dynamics relating perennial grasses, annual grasses and woody species are particularly complex. The livestock production systems of tropical Africa range from traditional to modern, and from extensive to intensive, involving up to nine principal livestock species and as many products or functions. Disease exercises a profound influence on livestock distribution and productivity in tropical Africa.
