Abstract:
Abstract This study investigated the productivity and management
of sheep and cattle kept by Fulani pastoralists of
Bokkos local government area on the Jos Plateau, North-
Central Nigeria. Despite the challenges related to insecurity
and restricted access to natural resources, results show large
breeding herds with above average productivity and reproductive
performance. The management strategy was focused on
providing both milk and increased cattle numbers for pastoralists
and beef to satisfy the high market demand. High natural
herd growth and moderate offtake rates allowed households
to maintain herd sizes with a small net increase in cattle
numbers. Sheep productivity in these herds was characterised
by high births, high mortality and high offtake, leading to
overall negative herd growth. The use of hired herders is on
the rise in response to natural resource conflict, insecurity and
reduced family labour availability due to alternative livelihood
strategies. Disease and related mortality remain significant
constraints to productivity which could be addressed by increased
access to quality veterinary care. However, any further
increases in livestock numbers would put additional strain on
already inadequate natural resources.
Keywords Cattle . Productivity . Pastoralism . Fulani .
