Assessment of existing and potential feed resources to improve livestock productivity in the dryland areas of Burkina Faso

Abstract

Evaluation of existing and potential feed resources was conducted in Orodora district in the Southern region of Burkina Faso using Feed Assessment Tool (FEAST). The assessment was carried out through focus group discussions and individual interviews. Two villages, Mahon and Sayaga, which are about 25 and 40 km from Orodara town, respectively were selected for the study. The study sites were characterized by mixed crop-livestock production systems. Seventy-percent of cropping activities were focused on fruit tree cultivation while food crop production accounted for the rest. Livestock species (predominantly local breeds) in the area included cattle (dairy and draught), sheep, goat, pig, poultry and donkey which are kept for different purposes. The main source of household income is crop production while livestock production contributed 35% and 45% to the household income in Mahon and Sayaga, respectively. Constraints to livestock production in these areas included shortage of water in the dry season for animals, insufficient quantity and quality of feed in the late dry season of the year and high cost of veterinary drugs and services. Other constraints were low technical knowledge of fodder production and conservation, and lack of credit facilities. To mitigate these constraints farmers suggested an integrated approach to improve livestock production through (i) Construction of small reservoir to provide water for human and animal consumption, (ii) training on the integration of forage legume into both tree and arable cropping, and efficient utilization of available feed resources and (iii) establishment of a veterinary service and drug centre in the village