Constraints, opportunities and evolution of livestock breeding systems in the semi-arid Central African region.

摘要

The rural people of sub-Saharan Africa live mainly on diverse agricultural activities including livestock farming, which plays a major role in the socio-economy of the region, as it accounts for more than 11% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the countries of the region (Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR) and Chad), and in most cases, for above 30% of the gross agricultural product. Despite the importance of this activity, it is compromised by social and environmental changes that result in sub-optimal productivity. This study was conducted to identify existing livestock systems, their constraints and opportunities for improvement. It involved the cotton-producing belt of Cameroon, CAR and Chad and consisted of a survey, a 1-year cohort study and a bibliographic review of previous works. Six livestock systems were identified based on the relative importance of livestock breeding and crop production, predominance of species and rearing practices. Constraints include lack of adequate feed resources due to diminishing pasture space, disease, high mortality and farmer-grazer conflicts. These are related to livestock farming practices. Natural pasture productivity was found to be very low (3-4 tonnes of dry matter (DM) per hectare) in more arid areas which paradoxically have a higher livestock density compared to areas with rainfall lower than 1000 mm (7-8 tonnes DM/ha) but unfortunately they are infested by the tse-tse fly and other disease vectors. Health problems include dermatophilosis, foot-and-mouth disease and trypanosomiasis in cattle, small ruminant pest and helminthosis in sheep and goats and Newcastle disease in poultry. In conclusion, increasing pressure on land and consequent diminishing feed resources are a major setback to extensive livestock systems. Measures need to be taken to provide more grazing land. Intensive production systems also need to be encouraged.