Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-gb8f7 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-23T00:38:58.589Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

The FAO special programme for food security: livestock diversification – a case study in Chad

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2007

E. Guerne Bleich*
Affiliation:
Food and Agriculture Organisation, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100, Rome, Italy
Z. Rhissa
Affiliation:
Food and Agriculture Organisation, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100, Rome, Italy
S. Mack
Affiliation:
Food and Agriculture Organisation, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100, Rome, Italy
*
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
Get access

Abstract

This paper presents a Technical Cooperation Project associated with the FAO Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS) in Chad. The project entitled “Diversification Component of the SPFS in Chad”, which started in November 2000 and ended in October 2002, focussed on improving the contribution of small ruminants (sheep and goats) and poultry (chickens, ducks and guinea fowl) to household food security. Only data from the poultry component are presented in this paper.

An initial analysis identified access to credit, goods and services, and markets as the main constraints faced by farmers wishing to expand their poultry production. High mortalities, especially in chickens, were identified as a major cause of low productivity. Through a consultative process that involved all the stakeholders, project interventions were designed to overcome these constraints. The project introduced credit with repayment in kind, access to animal health care, staff and farmer training, and demonstrated improved animal husbandry practices.

Sixty percent of the original 55 farmer production/demonstration units remain active and profitable. Guinea fowl and duck keeping proved to be the most profitable as their meat is in high demand during festivals, and guinea fowl lay during the wet season when there is a scarcity of eggs. Efforts to control Newcastle Disease were less successful and the disease occurred in 78 percent of the units keeping chickens. Credit repayments have started in 40 percent of the units. This pilot project has shown the potential of poultry as a means of increasing household income and it has become a model for SPFS programmes elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2005

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Bebay, C. (2003) Développement de l'Aviculture villageoise; dix années d'expérience au Togo. Proceedings FAO WorkshopRome, ItalyJuly 2003.Google Scholar
Bouimon, T. (2002) Le mariage traditionnel Toupouri, Journal de Tchad et Culture.Google Scholar
FAO (2004) Special Programme for Food Security. http://www.fao.org/spfs/.Google Scholar
FAO CHAD (2002) Plan d'opération de la composante diversification du PSSA au Tchad, document principal et document annexe.Google Scholar
FAO CHAD (1998) Projet CHD/96/G31/B/IG/99, Elaboration de la Stratégie Nationale et plan d'Action pour la Conservation de la Diversité Biologique.Google Scholar
Mopate, L.Y., Hendricks, P. and Imadine, M. (1997a) Exploitation des poulets dans la région du centre-Est du Tchad. Proceedings INFPD WorkshopM'BourSenegal9–13, 1997.Google Scholar
Mopate, L.Y., Hendricks, P. and Imadine, M. (1997b) Contraintes sanitaires des poulets dans la Région du Centre-Est du Tchad. Proceedings INFPD WorkshopM'BourSenegal9–13, 1997.Google Scholar
Patcha, O. (2001) Repérage des villages, groupements et candidats potentiels pour la conduite des unités de démonstration et analyses des contraintes. Rapport du Ministère de l'AgricultureTchad.Google Scholar
Sonaiya, E.B. and Swan, S.E.J. (2004) Production en Aviculture Familiale, un guide technique. http://www.fao.org/waicent/faoinfo/agricult/aga/agap/lpa/fampo1/intropap.htm.Google Scholar
Thonnat, J. (1995) La formation des auxiliaires d'élevage au Tchad (Cirad-Emvt).Google Scholar