Urban sheep breeding by women in Bouake, Ivory Coast

Ovine herds in the Bouake commune (Ivory Coast), at an average of 10 head per herd and combining animals from the Djallonke, Sahelians and Half-caste breeds, are raised in a traditional manner. They belong to older women (52 years of age on an average with 39% above 55). Most of them are Ivory Coast citizens and own their installation. Seventy-one per cent have an enclosure for their animals inside the concession. Such production raises a number of environmental problems (public hygiene, insecurity, discomfort) and is marginalised by the authorities. However, urban husbandry contributes in a substantial manner to the income of households run by women and plays an important social role. Consequently, it deserves to be taken into account by the authorities in the planning of city development and to be better integrated into the periurban agricultural system.