Dairy farming in the Bagou region (Cte d'Ivoire)

A study to characterise dairy production systems was conducted in the BAGOUE region from October to December 2014. It covered sixty-two (62) farms in thirteen (13) sub-prefectures in three departments (BOUNDIALI, KOUTO and TENGRELA) of the SAVANES district. The study showed that the majority (98%) of these farms are owned by men, 81% of whom are over 45 years old. Only 21% of these owners make livestock farming their main activity. The production system on the farms studied is extensive, with no infrastructure, few inputs and limited government intervention. Farm owners and managers have a low level of education. With 66% of owners and 80% of managers illiterate, they do not have the technical skills to master feeding and herd management. As a result, the dairy herd, essentially made up of local breeds (Zébu, Baoulé and their cross-breed called Méré), does not benefit from appropriate technical rearing conditions enabling it to express its production potential.