Enhancing small ruminant production in Sindh and Punjab
Project Details
In Pakistan, smallholder families dominate goat and sheep production, and small ruminants play a very important role in Pakistan for both consumers and farmers.
For farmers, goats and sheep are critical to the household. They can easily be sold for income at times of need, and are a source of household nutrition and food security. Requiring low initial investment and maintenance, they are also an accessible option for marginalised groups in society – especially women.
Our project aims to improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of small ruminant farming families.
We will do this by working with women, men and children in farming families to develop strategies for improved, sustainable production of their goats and sheep, and by helping them connect with the value chain better.
Goat and sheep meat are prized above other meats in Pakistan. There is consistent high demand for goat and sheep meat in Pakistan, and an export market too. Goats and sheep are also sacrificed in huge numbers at Eid-al-Adha, a deeply significant annual Muslim observance. Opportunities to capitalise on this with more and better quality animals are clear.
The project objectives are:
- Develop and test improved production practices to increase growth and off take of small ruminants
- Create opportunities for women and their families to derive more benefits from small ruminant production and marketing
- Develop and test strategies for supporting small ruminant farming families to assess market opportunities and attain market specifications.
Researchers
Dr Angus Campbell
Anna Barret
Dennis La
Collaborators
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore
Punjab Livestock Department
Sindh Agriculture University
Funding
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)