TYPOLOGIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF SHEEP FARMING SYSTEMS IN THE COMMUNE OF SFISSIFA, WILAYA OF NÂAMA (WESTERN ALGERIA)

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify and characterize the different types of livestock systems in the region of Sfissifa, wilaya of Nâama (Western Algeria). To this end, 50 livestock farmers were surveyed in this region, and the results of the field investigations revealed three main categories of livestock farmers: semi-sedentary to sedentary livestock farmers, small sedentary livestock farmers, and large livestock farmers. The livestock farmers surveyed had acquired at least one level of education thanks to the reforms undertaken by the public authorities in terms of rural development, at a time when livestock farming was no longer the preserve of illiterate people. 42% of the farmers surveyed are between 51 and 67 years old, and the animals raised are of the Ouled Djellal and Rembi breeds, in view of their hardiness and productive potential in terms of growth. The viability of any breeding system depends on the conciliation between its three poles: the breeder needs the ewe, and the ewe needs the food provided by the environment.