Title: Livestock breeding in Chad: a flourishing sector but challenges to overcome
Introduction :
Livestock plays a crucial role in Chad’s economy, accounting for 30% of GDP and providing employment for nearly 40% of the population, according to a recent World Bank report. However, despite the presence of a herd of more than 140 million head of cattle, meat remains expensive on the markets and domestic consumption is limited. In this article, we will explore the reasons for this situation and the initiatives put in place to stimulate the livestock sector in Chad.
1. Limiting factors for the internal market:
Despite their large numbers, livestock owners prefer to reserve part of their livestock for export, particularly to Cameroon and Nigeria. This export presents risks for Chadian breeders, such as attacks by terrorist groups or livestock theft. Additionally, export costs are high, leading to limited supply in the domestic market and high prices for consumers.
2. The arrival of Laham Chad: a development opportunity:
The Laham Chad company, specializing in meat marketing, entered the market to remedy these problems. In partnership with the Chadian government, Laham Chad plans to take over the Moundou slaughterhouse and modernize that of Farcha. This initiative aims to create the first quarantine zone and the first fattening farm in the country, thus encouraging the sale of meat on the domestic market. By fattening livestock locally, breeders will be able to offer cheaper meat to Chadian consumers.
3. The environmental and social challenges to be met:
However, some breeder cooperatives are concerned about the lack of transparency regarding the environmental and social impact studies of this project. It is essential to take into account the consequences of the establishment of new infrastructure on the environment and local communities. The Minister of Livestock and Animal Production assures that work is underway to remedy this situation and guarantee a sustainable approach to the livestock sector in Chad.
Conclusion :
Livestock breeding in Chad represents an important industry, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. However, challenges such as the high cost of meat and low domestic consumption must be resolved to enable sustainable development of the sector. The arrival of Laham Chad and government initiatives to modernize slaughterhouses and encourage the sale of meat on the domestic market are positive signs for the future of livestock farming in Chad. However, it is crucial to take into account environmental and social aspects to ensure balanced growth that respects the ecosystem and local populations.