Small Ruminant Production: Challenges and Opportunities for Poverty Alleviation in West Asia and North Africa

Abstract

Small ruminant production is a major factor in national economies throughout West Asia and North Africa (WANA). This paper examines past trends in the region's small ruminant sector, the forces driving these trends, and the implications for the livelihoods of the poor. It identifies technological, institu- tional and policy issues that should be considered in order to improve the per- formance of the sector and reduce its environmental impact.

Production growth was driven by improved veterinary services, provision of feed subsidies and credit, increased utilization of alternative feed resources, and progressive intensification of pro- duction systems. Consumption growth was driven by (human) population growth, income growth and urbaniza- tion. Small ruminant populations in WANA have grown rapidly in the last three decades, but the gap between pro- duction and consumption is widening. There is a large and expanding meat trade in WANA, but the region's exporters are struggling to maintain market share, because their competitive- ness (relative to exporters from outside WANA) is limited by structural and technical constraints. A number of prac- tical, tested technologies are available that can improve productivity; while competitiveness can be improved through government and regional poli- cies.

While small ruminants provide many benefits, they are also a major contribu- tor to rangeland degradation in WANA. This issue must be addressed. Simultaneously, technological improve- ments and policy changes are necessary to improve overall sector performance, and facilitate market participation by small-scale producers. Further research is needed on markets, institutions and policies to inform policy makers, and enable traders and producers to improve their decision-making.