Synergistic Crop-Livestock Integration for Enhanced Agroecological Resilience and Farm Productivity in Uganda: A Systematic Review

{ "background": "Agricultural systems in Uganda face mounting pressures from climate variability and soil degradation. Conventional, segregated production models often compromise long-term sustainability. Integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS) are posited as a pathway to enhance agroecological resilience and productivity, yet a systematic synthesis of evidence specific to the national context is lacking.", "purpose and objectives": "This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the documented effects of synergistic crop-livestock integration on farm-level resilience and productivity metrics within Uganda. It seeks to identify successful integration practices, their biophysical and socio-economic outcomes, and prevailing knowledge gaps.", "methodology": "A systematic search was conducted across multiple academic databases and grey literature repositories using predefined eligibility criteria. Studies were screened, and data were extracted using a standardised protocol. The quality of evidence was appraised. A meta-regression model, Yij = \β0 + \β1X1ij + uj + eij, where uⱼ represents study-level random effects, was employed to synthesise quantitative outcomes where feasible.", "findings": "Integration practices, particularly manure application and crop residue feeding, significantly improved key indicators. A predominant theme was a 15-40% increase in maize yields on farms applying manure compared to non-integrated controls. The meta-regression indicated a positive, significant association between integration intensity and soil organic carbon (β₁ = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.41), though heterogeneity between studies was high.", "conclusion": "Synergistic integration demonstrably enhances farm productivity and contributes to soil health, supporting agroecological resilience. However, benefits are context-dependent and influenced by management quality, resource access, and market linkages.", "recommendations": "Policy should prioritise support for context-appropriate integration technologies, extension training on nutrient cycling, and financial mechanisms to reduce initial investment barriers for smallholders. Further research is needed on long-term trade-offs and scalable institutional models