Characterization and Analysis of the Socio-Economic Issues of Ziguinchor Urban Livestock in Senegal

Abstract

Despite its importance in the face of poverty and food insecurity, urban livestock production is still poorly understood and suffers from a lack of consideration in African cities. In this respect, this study aims to contribute to a better knowledge of urban livestock farming in Ziguinchor. To do this, the study relied mainly on surveys of 246 agro-pastoralists and interviews at the level of the State’s technical services. Geolocation and surface surveys of the main livestock units were carried out using a GPS. The study shows that this production system is practiced by 61.10% of the agricultural households in the city, while women represent the majority of farmers (62.60%). Ethnically, diolas (44.90%) constitute the dominant group (44.90%). Livestock is composed of 10 animal species distributed in 9 zoological families. Family poultry in the poultry farm is more represented with 46.15% of the breeding units. The Néma Kadior cattle fattening farm (0.5 ha) and the Kandé Sibenck small ruminant livestock farm (1.1 ha) are the most important livestock farming units. The mode of rearing is essentially semi-intensive, characterized by the straying of cattle in search of food or herds to pasture. A farmer earns, on average, 773506 CFA francs a year. 73.10% of this income is used for the purchase of foodstuffs and school fees for children. However, this farm is mainly affected by epizootics, theft and poor feed. The development of this production system, which is a strategic axis of urban development, remains linked to a better control of food, livestock management, adequate prophylaxis against diseases and the development of favorable sites to pig breeding.