scholarly journals Characterisation of smallholders’ goat production systems in the Fatick area, Senegal

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fafa Sow ◽  
Younouss Camara ◽  
El Hadji Traore ◽  
Jean-François Cabaraux ◽  
Ayao Missohou ◽  
...  

AbstractSenegal, like the other Sahelian countries, remains an important livestock area, particularly for ruminants, with almost 36% of its livestock population was goat in 2016. The national herd increased from 2010 to 2016, from 3.32 to 3.54 million head of cattle, 5.6 to 6.68 million sheep and 4.8 to 5.7 million goats, i.e. annual growth rates of 1.1%, 3.2% and 3.13% respectively. Thus, due to diversification of local agricultural resources and the strengthening of goat breeding techniques in the Fatick area, a programme aiming to develop the local goat sector was set up in 2010. The programme focused on improving animal husbandry, providing new added values to goat products and structuring the goat sector. This study’s aim is to better understand goat rearing systems in the area, in order to propose, together with the herders, ways of improving these systems, taking into account family and socio-cultural considerations. To better evaluate the diversity in different production systems, a survey of animal rearing practices was carried out. The survey involved 45 farmers in four localities. It revealed that the farmers were all agro-pastoralists practising a mixed farming system. The majority (93%) supplemented their animals with agricultural by-products, agro-forestry and kitchen leftovers. A multiple correspondence analysis identified three groups: cluster 1 (milk producers and processors into traditional curdled milk, selling animals for household needs), cluster 2 (milk processors into yoghurt and cheese) and cluster 3 (goat vendors in pastoral and the agro-pastoral system).The study of the objectives and contexts of goat farming in the Fatick will enable policy-makers to design strategies for the sustainable development of family goat farming in the area.

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (6Supl3) ◽  
pp. 3691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Areano Ethério Moreira de Farias ◽  
José Romero Alexandre Alves ◽  
Francisco Selmo Fernandes Alves ◽  
Raymundo Rizaldo Pinheiro ◽  
Patrícia Yoshida Faccioli-Martins ◽  
...  

Goat farming is a very important activity contributing to the social and economic development of northeastern (NE) Brazil. The objective of the present study was to characterize the goat farming production system in five of the nine states that constitute the Brazilian NE (Ceará, Paraíba, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe). Research was carried out in 230 rural properties located in 62 municipalities of the NE of Brazil, in regions exhibiting a productive arrangement and significant goat population density. An epidemiological questionnaire seeking information on economic, productive, and social aspects of owners/properties was supplied to all properties. The results described the goat farming system in the Brazilian NE as family and subsistence, directed towards domestic consumption and local commerce, and exhibiting a low technological level. The farmers' education level, investments, and technical assistance were all considered low, and thus insufficient or inadequate for a full development of the activity in the region. Therefore, such aspects are suggested to be taken into account in the planning of future goat farming development policies—particularly financing and technical assistance, better preparation of farmers, administrative aspects, forage production and conservation, and the implementation of actions towards reproductive and frequent disease control.


Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 148
Author(s):  
Maria de Belém Costa Freitas ◽  
Maria Raquel Ventura-Lucas ◽  
Lola Izquierdo ◽  
Claus Deblitz

The Montado in Portugal and Dehesa in Spain is a unique agro-silvo-pastoral system designed to overcome food needs in a scarce resource’s environment. The system competitiveness is not clear and it is now under severe threats, caused by extensification or abandonment of less fertile areas and by intensification in more fertile ones. The aim of the undertaken research is to compare the cow-calf production within these systems in Portugal and Spain, identifying their strengths and weaknesses and the main drivers of their evolution, and to compare these systems with other European countries’ systems, ranking their competitiveness and efficiency among other systems in the EU. The research indicates that Montado/Dehesa farms systems are dependent on the type of farming system, its context and management, i.e., on the decision and its context; so, in a context of Mediterranean land system changes, the future of the Montado/Dehesa ecosystem depends on the ability of the cow-calf production systems to face the future and to perceive the modifications needed to overcome new challenges and take advantage of new opportunities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadjet Amina Ouchene-Khelifi ◽  
Nassim Ouchene ◽  
Mohamed Lafri

Abstract Background Goats, often associated with sheep, are a vital part of the national economy in many countries around the world, and goat farming contributes significantly to the family economy, sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction. In order to study the goat farming system in Algeria, this study, which started between September 2012 and June 2015, involved 141 farms in 104 villages and 21 wilayas in Algeria. Results The results showed that 99.29% of the goats producers were male, most of which (74.47%) were not the owners of the animals. Goat farming represents a main activity for only 18.44% of the farmers surveyed. They are generally found in small numbers often associated with a large sheep herd (78.72%). Of the 141 farms visited, 50.35% use a sedentary farming system, 17.71% practice seasonal transhumance during the dry season (May to October), and 31.91% are semi-sedentary. However, it is worth noting that females (85.82%) are often more numerous than males (14.18%) in the herd. The farm that generally constitutes the shelter is reduced in most cases to a simple pen, without a roof, inside which the animals are enclosed and whose space is delimited by a metal or wooden fence. Hygiene is in the majority of cases poor (57.45%). Most of the farms (78.01%) do not contain goats of the same breed, and crossbreeding is generally not controlled (78.72%) and is very rarely done with bucks of the same breed (14.89%). Most breeders (92.20%) largely neglect the health of their goats compared to sheep. Conclusion Finally, the Algerian goat seems to be largely neglected and considered as a secondary species associated with sheep. For this reason, it is mandatory to give more importance to this species. The Algerian government must carry out activities related to the conservation and improvement of breeding systems through the development of breeding programs and ensure the sustainable management of ecosystems used for food production.


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1466
Author(s):  
Jiří Antošovský ◽  
Martin Prudil ◽  
Milan Gruber ◽  
Pavel Ryant

Organic farmers usually do not have the opportunity to address the actual symptoms of deficiency through the foliar application of synthetic fertilization, therefore, the main treatment is realized by green manure crop cultivation and application of organic fertilizers. The aim of this long-term experiment was to compare two different production systems with and without livestock in terms of organic farming, and a control variant with no fertilization was also included (treatment 1). The production system without animal husbandry was based on solely the application of renewable external resources (compost or digestate) (treatment 2) and the same fertilization with the addition of auxiliary substances (AS) (treatment 3). The production system with animal husbandry included utilization of fertilizers produced on the farm (fermented urine or manure) using solely farm fertilizers (treatment 4) and in addition with AS (treatment 5). Each treatment had three replications. This work describes the average yields from four experimental years and five experimental localities. Winter wheat, potatoes, winter wheat spelt and legume-cereal mix with corn were used and examined as model crops during the first four years of this long-term research. The highest average yield of winter wheat grain and potato tubers during the first two years of the experiment were obtained after the treatments 2 (7.1 t/ha grain, 33,9 t/ha tubers) and 3 (7.0 t/ha grain, 34,1 t/ha tubers). The several times higher nitrogen content in applied digestate and compost in comparison with fermented urine and manure was probably the reason for such results. On the contrary, the results obtained from the third (spelt) and fourth (LCM and corn) experimental years favored treatment 4 (5,5 t/ha grain, 4,6 cereal unit/ha) and 5 (5,4 t/ha grain, 4,7 cereal unit/ha) from the long-term point of view. After four experimental years, the presented results supported the application of farm fertilizers as a preferable option. The treatments with additional application of AS did not provide a higher yield, therefore, such an application seems unnecessary.


1970 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-439
Author(s):  
C. Sebatta ◽  
J. Mugisha ◽  
F. Bagamba ◽  
E.A. Nuppenau ◽  
S.E. Domptail ◽  
...  

Sustainably intensifying rural agricultural systems is now a development goal that has gained momentum in the recent decades due to a rapidly growing population and feeds directly into the Sustainable Development Goals of ending poverty and hunger. By 2050, the world will be inhabited by 10 billion people, 68% of whom will be city dwellers which will pose serious food and livelihoods security threats to millions of people, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to analyse technical efficiency of four production systems in Arabica coffee-banana farming system of the Mt. Elgon in Uganda and assesses possibilities for switching from one system to another. The study was motivated by the notion that smallholder farmers do not easily adopt new systems because of opportunity costs related to input substitution, input and/or efficiency reduction and systems redesigning. We estimated a production function to measure technical efficiency and ordered the intensification pathways to create a Technical Efficiency (TE) gradient. An ordered logit model was then estimated to determine the factors influencing farmers to switch among systems, by adopting one or more following a TE gradient. Results showed that farmers produced 50% of the maximum possible Arabica coffee output, indicating huge gaps between actual and potential yields. Use of fertiliser for the lowest efficiency. Low-input-low-output pathway and improved coffee genotypes, manure and labour intensification for the higher technical efficiency clusters such as conventional and mild agroecological would also significantly increase the chances of switching from low to highly efficient and sustainable Arabica coffee production systems in the Mt. Elgon watershed of Uganda.


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-246
Author(s):  
N. J. Anyanwu, ◽  
J. O. Ogualu ◽  
V. U. Odoemelam, ◽  
G. A. Kalio, ◽  
I. I. Ekpe

Since prehistoric times, sheep and goat farming has been an integral part of the farming system of the people of South east Nigeria. This study investigated the current state of sheep and goat farming amongst households in Imo State south eastern Nigeria. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) structured questionnaires were distributed to farmers randomly selected from three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Imo state namely, Oru West, Ahiazu Mbaise and Ezinihitte Mbaise to determine the socio-economic characteristics, production systems, breeding and reproduction, constraints and strategies for economic improvement in a focus group interview. Only 89 farmers were available for interview. The results revealed significant decline in sheep and goat farming amongst the households across four generations within the households interviewed. Lack of interest due to poor policy framework, low productivity of existing breeds, difficulty in feed supply and high cost of breeding stock was identified as constraints of sheep and goat production in thiese areas. It was also observed that older people were more directly involved in sheep and goat farming than youths. 59.6% of the farmers were females, and 31-50% of the farmers were between the ages of 31 and 50 years. Farming was the most common occupation amongst the households while trading was the next. Results also showed that 76.4% of the communities had history of sheep and goat keeping whereas 73% of the total families interviewed had a history of sheep and goat keeping. It was also observed that 33.7% of households were involved in poultry enterprise and 25.3% involved in fish farming. Only 4.8% engaged in sheep and goat farming. Results obtained also revealed that 48.3% of the identified sheep and goat farmers kept breeds of sheep and goat from northern Nigeria while 40.4% maintained the west African dwarf breed. 34% of respondents believed that access to grants and credit facilities, 25 % believed provision of land in urban areas, while 21% believed improvement in small ruminant feed technology, would improve production. Lambing and kidding was mostly twice a year (48.3%). Breeding was mostly observed to be uncontrolled (51.7%). Also, the results showed that, 59.6% of the farmers were willing to pay for veterinary services. The most important diseases within these areas were worms, ecto-parasites and peste des petits ruminants (PPR). It can be inferred from the study that farmers within the region appear to pay greater emphasis on poultry production and fish farming to the detriment of smallholder sheep and goat farming which could be attributed to poor knowledge of sheep and goat farming technologies resulting to low productivity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yannick Mugumaarhahama ◽  
Rodrigue Balthazar Basengere Ayagirwe ◽  
Valence Bwana Mutwedu ◽  
Nadège Cizungu Cirezi ◽  
Dieudonné Shukuru Wasso ◽  
...  

AbstractIn South-Kivu province, cattle farming is an integral component of farmers’ livelihoods and one of the few income-generating opportunities for smallholders. However, very few studies have been conducted to characterize smallholders’ cattle production systems. This study documents cattle production systems to better understand their current situation, constraints they face and opportunities they offer. For that purpose, an investigation was conducted based on a structured survey questionnaire and participatory interviews with 863 farmers in South-Kivu province. Collected data were analysed using factorial analysis of mixed data and clustering techniques. The results revealed three types of smallholder cattle farms differing mainly in their herds’ sizes and landholding. The first category is the most common and includes farmers raising small herds (6.3 ± 6.7 cattle) of local breeds in herding system (in this work, “herding system” refers to a rearing system for which the farmer drives and stays with his animals on pastures and fallow land during the day) and grazing fodder in community pastures, fallow lands and roadside grasses, while land constitutes a scarce resource. In the second category, some farmers have small tracts of land (< 5 ha) and others have large tracts (> 5 ha), but all have medium-size herds (45.1 ± 19.4 cattle) made up of local breeds, which they rear in herding system. They also exploit community pastures, fallow land and roadside fodder for animal feeding. The third and last category includes farmers with large cattle herds (78.1 ± 28.1 cattle) of local, crossbred and exotic breeds raised free range in the fenced paddocks on vast areas of land (> 5 ha) found in high-altitude regions. However, while being different according to the above-considered characteristics, the three categories of cattle farming remain extensive pastoral farms dominated by male farmers. Agriculture and/or animal husbandry are their main source of income while their livestock are also composed of goats and poultry, beside cattle. Still, the three farming groups require more inputs and improvement strategies for increased productivity in the challenging environment characterized by low land accessibility and high demand for milk and meat. Fodder cultivation and crop-livestock integration through agro-ecological systems as well as access to credit and extension services are the proposed strategies for the improvement of this economic sector.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-201
Author(s):  
Ketlin Vitoria Espinosa Sandim ◽  
Stefany Areva Severo ◽  
Cláudio Becker ◽  
Adriana Carla Dias Trevisan

Este estudo buscou promover a disseminação de informações entre distintos sujeitos sociais sobre a importância ecológica da paisagem nos sistemas produtivos, tendo como tema gerador o conhecimento e reconhecimento de espécies botânicas nativas pelos agricultores familiares e educandos em Sant’Ana do Livramento-RS. Foram realizadas dezesseis entrevistas com os agricultores, que, depois de sistematizadas, delimitaram as estratégias de disseminação dos conteúdos aos jovens educandos. Os resultados demonstram que os agricultores entendem a importância da conservação do Pampa para seus cultivos e criação animal, percebem e utilizam o potencial econômico das espécies em sistemas tradicionais e agroflorestais. Quanto aos jovens educandos, foi possível avaliar a importância de oportunizar novos conteúdos e novas práticas pedagógicas. Além disso, os resultados permitem a reflexão da importância de conectar a pesquisa com a extensão universitária, bem como os saberes de adultos do campo com os saberes de jovens da cidade. Conclui-se que a troca de saberes é uma estratégia de valorização e conservação do bioma Pampa. Palavras-chave: Agroecologia; Biodiversidade; Juventude; Agroflorestas   Strategies for promoting knowledge dialogue between family farmers and students about the Pampa biome Abstract: This study sought to promote the dissemination of information between distinct social subjects about the ecological importance of the local flora in production systems. The generative theme is knowledge and recognition of native botanic species by family farmers and students in Santana do Livramento in the Rio Grande do Sul state (Brazil). Interviews with sixteen farmers were systematized and used to align strategies to disseminate content to young students. The results show that the farmers understand the importance of conservation of the Pampa for their crops and animal husbandry, perceiving the economic potential of various local species in traditional and agroforestry systems. In terms of the young students, it was possible to evaluate the importance of offering new pedagogical content and practices. The results allow a reflection on the importance of connecting research with university extension and linking the knowledge of adult farmers with young urban students. It was concluded that knowledge exchange is an important strategy for valorizing and conserving the Pampa biome. Keywords: Agroecology; Biodiversity; Youth; Agroforests


2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Tamás ◽  
A. Nagy ◽  
T. Fórián ◽  
J. Nyéki ◽  
T. Szabó ◽  
...  

The principle task of the sustainable development is the preservation of the genetic variety, which is similar challenge in the horticulture regarding the sublimation of fruit species. The breeders of the traditional fruit strains give stock to the sustenance diversity of the agro-environment on the species and landscape level. In 2009, hyperspectral images have been taken by AISA Dual sensors from the pear gene pool in Újfehértó, Hungary. The hyperspectral data cube (in the wavelength range of 400-2500 nm, with 1.5 m ground resolution) ensured possibility to make the spectral library of pear species. In the course of the simultaneously field work the spatial position and individual extent of all pear trees was defined to set up a detailed GIS data base. The water stress sensitivity of single species and the descriptive spectral curves were determined with common evaluation of the spectral and spatial data. Based on the unique methodology processing and the hyperspectral data base suitable strains can be chosen for agro-environment and let take adaptive stocks regarding climate change into the genetic grafting work. Furthermore we could determine and map the sparsely species in the region with the help of the hyperspectral data.


Proceedings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Jaqueline Rodriguez ◽  
Mario Morales ◽  
Hernan Cañon-Jones

Goat production in Chile is carried by small-scale farmers obtaining milk and cheese as the main products. The welfare of goats under these types of production systems is currently unknown and no appropriate validated operational welfare indicators are currently available. We took the tasks of identifying operational welfare indicators and validating them with all stakeholders. A total of 37 operational welfare indicators were obtained. The use of these validated indicators and the welfare score is appropriate to Chilean goat production systems and may successfully increase the sustainability of production and farmers in Chile.


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