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Smallholder farmers in the semi-arid regions of many developing countries are faced with a multitude of problems including soil erosion and soil fertility decline, erratic rainfall and increasing risk. Semi-arid region farming systems incorporate animal and crop production. Oxen are usually the preferred work animals, but necessity may require the use of cows and equids. Harnesses and equipment for equids are often under-developed locally but programmes of participatory technology development have produced viable options. The combination of high-lift harnesses and light-weight equipment has been a particularly successful example. The use of smaller animals as power units can add versatility to farming operations. Smaller animals consume less fodder and so may allow more widespread use of conservation farming practices, including direct seeding which requires soil cover. Hillside soil and water conservation can be achieved with the associated attraction of producing dry season fodder via the use of vegetative contour live-barriers. There remains an urgent need to reduce the cost, effort and drudgery demanded to care for semi-arid regions' fragile soils and scarce moisture. Draught animal use offers an opportunity to achieve this provided that the animals can be sustainably maintained and harnessed to purpose-designed equipment.