Sustainable Small Ruminant Production in Low- and Middle-Income African Countries: Harnessing the Potential of Agroecology

Antoinette Simpah Anim-Jnr (), Prince Sasu, Christine Bosch, Faith Philemon Mabiki, Yaw Oppong Frimpong, Mohammad Naushad Emmambux and Henry Michael Rivers Greathead
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Antoinette Simpah Anim-Jnr: Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), PMB, University Post Office, Kumasi AK448, Ghana
Prince Sasu: Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), PMB, University Post Office, Kumasi AK448, Ghana
Christine Bosch: School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
Faith Philemon Mabiki: Department of Chemistry and Physics, Sokoine University of Agriculture, S.L. P Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro P.O. Box 3038, Tanzania
Yaw Oppong Frimpong: Department of Animal Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), PMB, University Post Office, Kumasi AK448, Ghana
Mohammad Naushad Emmambux: Department of Consumer and Food Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
Henry Michael Rivers Greathead: Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 21, 1-30

Abstract: The role of small ruminant production in achieving sustainable and resilient food systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is yet to be fully explored or incorporated into current agroecological practices and policies. This review examines the principles and practices of agroecology, focusing on circular food systems and the sociopolitical aspects of their implementation for small ruminant production in LMICs. It discusses Gliessman’s five levels of agroecological transition and eight principles for integrating small ruminant production into agroecology: input reduction, animal health, soil health, biodiversity, recycling, synergy, economic diversification, and co-creation of knowledge. The review highlights that, while there are differing interpretations in the scientific literature, there is a growing consensus that agroecological practices applied to small ruminant production have the potential to improve integration and self-sufficiency in farming systems, improve animal health, reduce reliance on external inputs, and promote circularity and biodiversity. This reinforces the view that agroecological approaches to small ruminant production can foster a sustainable and interconnected system that strengthens the relationships between animals, plants, and the environment and enhances circularity. To achieve successful implementation and widespread adoption of these approaches, it is crucial to facilitate greater collaboration and cocreation of knowledge among small ruminant farmers and stakeholders in the small ruminant livestock industry.

Keywords: agroecology; sustainable; circular agrofood system; Gliessman’s five levels of transition; small ruminants; low- and middle-income countries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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