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 Printable version |
Situation of sheep farming in Tunisia and the role of Research. Reflection on the improvement of a systemic aproach |
Cahiers Agricultures. Volume 12, Number 6, 419-28, Novembre-Décembre 2003, Option
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 Résumé
Article gratuit
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Author(s) : Safia Snoussi |
Summary : In Tunisia, research studies on small ruminant production techniques (nutrition, reproduction, genetics, health) are abundant. However, their impact on livestock development are limited. Most of the research carried out in this field is fragmented and does not meet the real needs of the livestock sector, especially those of small local farmers. Indeed, the performances recorded are not satisfactory enough to meet nutritional self‐sufficiency objectives. The analysis of the stock farming situation at national level points out to several contradictions: i) an increase of the stock, in spite of the diminution of grazing land\; ii) a regional specialisation of breeds with concentration of the flock in harsh environments as is the case in Central and Southern Tunisia\; iii) a low productivity level, in spite of an increase of meat production essentially due to animal stock increase\; iv) a decline of the consumption and an increase in prices. The typology of animal production systems, as referenced in FAO studies, uses three classification criteria: nutrition, region and flock size, and the dominant management model. The combination of these different factors shows the importance of family flocks, their size variability, their specialisation and their regional specification. These family flocks stand by themselves by comparison with what is known in Tunisia as the organised sector, which includes large size flocks representing 20 % of the total sheep and goat count. It is the organised sector that benefits most from research studies, but it faces a number of limitations associated with social, economical and organisational aspects that are not really considered by researchers. On the other hand, little research has been done on family flocks. The lack of research at this level has led to a misunderstanding of the functional mechanisms of these types of small ruminant production systems. The adoption of a systemic approach is necessary for a better knowledge of livestock farming systems and for a better understanding of the real problems encountered. Research can in this way contribute more effectively to the development of this livestock sector. The approach is twofold. The first stage is a diagnostic to identify development constraints based on a hierarchical form. The second stage is modelling. Research on livestock systems can combine different models, including various scales of observation and analysis, from the bio‐technical process used into the elaboration of zootechnical performances through to the management of the farm and the local diversity of production systems. Research should be carried out around the three poles that make up the livestock farming system: man, animal, resources, and based on the relations that exist between them, or between the system and its environment. It can be conducted at different analysis levels, taking into account the whole chain from input to output. Two priority research axes are developed. The first one concerns the elaboration of a technical and economical set of references on the different existing livestock. The second one should permit the elaboration of decision help tools for a better management of these systems and more realistic planning strategies. |
Keywords : Livestock farming\; Economy\; Farming systems. |
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