Productivity and profitability of sheep production in the gambia: Implications for livestock development in West Africa

Although renewed interest is being shown in Africa for small holder production of small ruminants, financial assessments of profitability are scarce. This study examines the financial returns from traditional sheep production and identifies constraints to increased returns and the orientation of possible interventions. Results show that sheep production is very profitable and that returns are strongly determined by biological performance. As demand for sheep and mutton is widespread, production is sustained even in locations situated away from major urban centres. Higher profits are possible through helminth control and during the festival of Tobaski. However, the possible negative effect of Tobaski on the selection of rams needs attention. In the area studied, sheep compare more favourably than cattle production. In The Gambia as in much of West Africa, sheep keeping could increasingly represent a valuable means of income generation and diversification which appears also favourable from a gender and equity perspective.