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Social and institutional determinants of small ruminant herd production in the Littoral Region of Cameroon: a descriptive sociological analysis


Author: Bemmo Kadjie Sidoine Merveille*, Nodem Jean-Emet
Faculty of Letters and Social Sciences, Department of Philosophy, Psychology and Sociology, University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Published Date: 2026-05-26
Keywords: Small ruminants; sociological determinants; herd production; rural livelihoods; livestock systems; Cameroon; goat production; sheep production; commercialization; production constraints.
Abstract:

Small ruminant production constitutes an important livelihood activity for rural households in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in contexts characterized by economic vulnerability and limited access to formal employment. In Cameroon, sheep and goat production contributes to household income generation, food security, cultural practices, and social resilience. However, the sector continues to face multiple sociological and structural constraints that affect productivity and sustainability. This study examined the sociological determinants of small ruminant herd production in the Littoral Region of Cameroon using a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted in 2024 among 151 farmers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 26. The findings revealed that small ruminant production was predominantly male dominated, with men representing 90.1% (136/151) of producers. Most respondents had attained secondary education, while 56.9% (62/109) had less than five years of farming experience. Goat production was largely characterized by small herd ownership, whereas sheep production exhibited relatively balanced herd-size distribution. Only 13.9% (21/151) of farmers belonged to producer associations, reflecting weak institutional organization within the sector. Commercialization was highly seasonal, with 66.9% (87/130) of farmers reporting increased sales during the Tabaski period. Feeding constraints (41.1%; 62/151), health problems (35.8%; 54/151), and theft (26.5%; 40/151) emerged as the principal production challenges. The study concludes that small ruminant production in the Littoral Region remains largely smallholder-based, weakly institutionalized, and constrained by structural vulnerabilities. Strengthening producer organizations, improving veterinary extension systems, and enhancing feed accessibility are essential for sustainable livestock development in the region.