Women's Contributions to Livestock in West Africa | [Journal of animal health and production • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Elodie Dimon: Laboratoire d’ Ecologie de Santé et de Production Animale (LESPA), Faculté d’ Agronomie (FA), Université de Parakou (UP), 01 BP 123, Parakou, Bénin

2. Youssouf Toukourou: Laboratoire d’ Ecologie de Santé et de Production Animale (LESPA), Faculté d’ Agronomie (FA), Université de Parakou (UP), 01 BP 123, Parakou, Bénin

3. Rodrigue V. Cao Diogo: Laboratoire d’Innovation en Systèmes de Production Intégrée et de Gestion Durable desTerres (LISPI-GDT), Université de Parakou, BP: 123 Parakou, Bénin

4. Lionel Kinkpe: Departement of Animal Breeding Genetics and Reproduction, North West Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China

5. Brice Comlan Gerard Assogba: Laboratoire d’ Ecologie de Santé et de Production Animale (LESPA), Faculté d’ Agronomie (FA), Université de Parakou (UP), 01 BP 123, Parakou, Bénin

6. Alassan Assani Seidou: Laboratoire d’ Ecologie de Santé et de Production Animale (LESPA), Faculté d’ Agronomie (FA), Université de Parakou (UP), 01 BP 123, Parakou, Bénin

7. Valerie M.C. Bougouma-Yameogo: Institut du Développement Rural (IDR), Université de Nazi Boni (UNB), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

8. Ibrahim Alkoiret Traore: Laboratoire d’ Ecologie de Santé et de Production Animale (LESPA), Faculté d’ Agronomie (FA), Université de Parakou (UP), 01 BP 123, Parakou, Bénin

Abstract:

| Livestock plays a vital role in global food security by providing essential products such as milk, meat, and eggs. Additionally, it generates income through livestock sales and enhances cereal yields by improving productivity through the use of manure and animal traction. In sub-Saharan Africa, women are key contributors to socio-economic development, particularly in livestock ownership. They often focus on smaller animals, like sheep and goats, which are easier to manage. These animals, rich in energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals, provide a significant source of income for women. The primary objective of this study is to explore the diverse roles women play in sheep and goat production in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. By conducting a comprehensive review of secondary data and case studies, and employing content analysis procedures such as literature identification, data evaluation, and information synthesis, the study highlights that women are instrumental in various aspects of sheep and goat rearing, including feeding, health management, and the processing and marketing of milk and meat. The cultivation of small ruminants ofers women ifnancial autonomy, positively impacting household budgets and reinforcing food security. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the critical role of women in sheep and goat production in sub-Saharan Africa and globally. It highlights their significant contributions to food security and socio-economic development. The findings can inform policies and programs aimed at empowering women and promoting gender equality in the agricultural sector.

Page(s): 1-11

DOI: 10.17582/journal.jahp/2025/13.1.1.11

Published: Journal: Journal of animal health and production, Volume: 13, Issue: 1, Year: 2025

Keywords:

Food security , Small ruminants , Gender Equality , Women breeder , Livestock Farming

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