NARROWING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC GENDER GAP THROUGH EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN MICRO LIVESTOCK FARMING: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

NARROWING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC GENDER GAP THROUGH EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN MICRO LIVESTOCK FARMING: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

N. ASSAN

Micro livestock appears to be the most sustainable means of
producing high quality animal protein for the expanding populations
of the lesser developing countries. Diversification in animal
agriculture through inclusion of non-conventional livestock such as
micro livestock species (goat, sheep, poultry, rabbits, guinea pigs,
pigeon, ducks, snails, grasscutter etc) provide options that would
guarantee fully participation of women in livestock production to
alleviate rural households protein shortage or deficiencies. The micro
livestock are likely to become increasingly important source of
animal protein as a result of rapid increase in human population and
in the light of dwindling land sizes and natural resources in general.
This is on the backdrop that micro livestock have diverse economic
and social functions in rural communities, and different types of
micro livestock have been associated with women due to their
significant potential for alleviating malnutrition and food insecurity.
Therefore, supporting micro livestock should be considered as a
means to empower women in rural development which has the
capacity to improve household nutrition and food security. This
discussion looks at the opportunities of empowering women through
micro livestock as a mean of alleviating poverty and solving the food
insecurity challenges in rural communities. The challenges which women might face in engaging in micro livestock are also highlighted.
The basis of micro livestock farming may be taken from the
perspective of animal products supply being outpaced with the
increased human population in Africa. In this case, alternative
sources of animal protein such as micro livestock need to be
promoted, and if not, livestock products will be beyond the reach of
the majority of the ordinary persons. The space for classic livestock
rearing have decreased, and this scenario will suit the keeping of
smaller animals which are prolific and easy to manage. This warrant
serious consideration of micro livestock farming as one of the major
component of the livestock production systems where women can be
empowered in rural areas. Micro livestock farming has greater
opportunities in improving livelihoods among the rural poor
households, provided that productivity is enhanced and appropriate
input and services can be availed. Gender sensitive programs that
promote micro livestock farming contribution to optimization of
animal product supply and enhance food security on sustainable
basis are recommended. In most cases livestock professionals such as
veterinarians and animal scientists often do not have the necessary
familiarity and competence with gender analysis and participatory
skills to implement a gender balanced assessment or response in
livestock production issues

Scientific Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences

2014