Navigating the Livestock Sector: The Political Economy of Livestock Policy in Burkina Faso

Abstract

The government of Burkina Faso estimates that nearly 85 percent of Burkinabè households rely upon livestock for some portion of their income. Furthermore, livestock accounts for approximately 25 percent of the country's exports. Socially, livestock provides a way for young adults to learn the responsibilities of adulthood, a method for family members to fulfill social obligations, and a means for women to support their families. Considering its social and economic significance, livestock must take center stage in efforts to improve Burkinabè livelihoods.

This brief highlights three potential constraints - weak livestock producer organizations, poor animal health service provision, and commercial weaknesses — on the potential contribution of the livestock sector to improving poor people's livelihoods and recommends strategic actions for overcoming each of them.

This document is based on PPLPI Working Paper No. 28.

Citation

PPLPI, FAO, Rome, Italy, 2 pp.

Navigating the Livestock Sector: The Political Economy of Livestock Policy in Burkina Faso

Published 1 January 2005