Key functions of livestock in smallholder farming systems : a South African case study

Abstract

Two thirds of the world's domestic animals are kept in developing countries, where over 90% are owned by rural smallholders. Through its contribution to income generation, animal production is a significant component of the livelihoods of more that 60% of the world's poor, and is an efficient entry point for rural development and poverty alleviation. The purpose of this article is to report on the key functions of livestock and the role of gender in livestock management by smallholder owners under communal tenure, in the northern part of South Africa. The study area comprised two rural villages in the northern part of South Africa, where a random sample of households were surveyed through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques. The survey conducted showed that 79% of respondents own less that 10 head of cattle. The cattle complex, where cattle are kept for prestige and status as well as capital wealth still hold true, but cattle also make significant contributions with respect to meat and milk supply and arable inputs such as draught and fertilizer. Small ruminants are most important in the household economy through its contribution to income generation and food production. Women benefit directly from livestock, mainly through smallstock i.e. sheep, goats and poultry. These include improved household nutrition and alleviation of hunger, better livelihoods and increased self-reliance.