Promoting micro livestock farming to enhance animal product supply in Sub Saharan Africa

Abstract

In Sub Saharan Africa the demand for food of animal origin is growing much faster than production due to improved health education, higher income per capita and ever increasing population growth. Production of animal products has been outpaced with the dramatic increase in human population. This has necessitated increased production through engaging or production of alternative sources of animal protein. The discussion suggest the utilization of micro livestock species as a feasible option to meet the animal product demand. Owing to the pace at which populations are growing, in many Sub Saharan African countries livestock products will be beyond the reach of ordinary person, unless alternative sources of animal protein are sort. Micro livestock are likely to become increasingly important as a result of rapid increase in human population and urbanization. The space for raising conventional livestock have decreased and this scenario has called for keeping of smaller animals which are prolific. It is envisaged that serious consideration of micro livestock as one of the major component of the livestock production will alleviate protein deficiency in the majority of the population in the region.