ANNUAL MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR ANIMAL PRODUCTION
Abstract
Misaje Subdivision is a Sudan savannah grassland of Cameroon at its Northwest frontiers with Nigeria (lat. 6o59’ long. 10o55') and an important hotspot for beef-type cattle production; providing livelihood for over 70% of the population. The aim of the study was to audit the prevailing cattle farming systems and profile the challenges on their sustainability. Data set for analysis was obtained from field visits and a questionnaire survey conducted in early 2012. Of 164 farmers surveyed, who managed 213 herds with 17000 cattle, 88% are landless and predominantly of the minority Mbororo cultural decent, while 12% are indigenous farmers including a 38000 hectare ranch, breeding 6200 Goudali cattle, owned by a parastatal; SODEPA. Except for SODEPA ranch, transhumance is the main pastoral system. Three main zebu breeds were identified in transhumant herds. One hundred and forty one herds were of homogeneous breeds (Goudali 27.2%, Aku 22.1%, Djafun 16.9%) while 72 herds where of mixed breeds. Minimum, mean and maximum herd size were 23, 79 and 270 respectively, while most of the herds (55%) fell within 40-80 class size. Shortage of pasture, agro-pastoral conflicts, cattle rustling, and reduced fertility were the determinants for migration during the dry season. Cultivation of cereals; notably maize, was intended for domestic use. Apart from micro-mineral licks, feed supplementation with farm residues is not practiced. The only pasture maintenance action was off-season bush fires. However, a combination of natural pasture rotation and bush fires was noted in SODEPA ranch. Access to land by the Mbororo cattle-rearing minority, in a situation where natural resource management is decentralised, may not be in favour of production. In the absence of specialised seed-stock breeders and organised pasture development and maintenance plans, the prevailing situation is chaotic and unsustainable; lacking essential elements for management and genetic progress.
