IMPACT: Generic household-level databases and diagnostics tools for integrated crop-livestock systems analysis

We outline the need for generic crop-livestock systems databases and data standards for comprehensive systems analysis in developing countries. We also indicate the type of data that such databases should contain and review how they can be collected. We describe IMPACT, a database and analysis tool that we have developed that goes some way to meeting the demands that may be made of such systems data. Analysis tools, links to models and uses of such databases are briefly described and illustrated with case studies from Kenya, Ghana and Sri Lanka. The paper concludes with a discussion of the needs for a more coherent integration of global data collection and improved sharing of data for better articulation of research and development outcomes in developing countries.