Livestock rearing and its contribution to sustainable development of territories
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51599/is.2025.09.04.01Keywords:
sustainability, development, environment, socio-economic impact, livestock rearing, Cameroon.Abstract
Purpose. The study assesses the contribution of livestock rearing to the environment and socio-economic development of territories using the example of the Bafut Subdivision, Northwest Region of Cameroon.
Results. Findings indicate that livestock rearing has contributed as food for home consumption (98% of respondents), household income (98%), source of revenue to the native council (96.1%), use of animal waste (100%), primary occupation to the livestock owners (100%), cultural set-up among the inhabitants (98%), income of the livestock producers (98%), production of food (98%), gross domestic product (98%), improving people’s livelihood (100%), source of power (94.1%), and input for crop production (100% of respondents). Results show that livestock rearing in Bafut Subdivision has both negative and positive contributions to environmental management, such as environmental pollution (100% of respondents), environmental degradation (98.4%), water pollution (98.4%), blockage of roads (98.4%), destruction of natural soil nutrients (100%), enhanced soil erosion (98.4%), emission of toxic substances (98.4%) and air pollution (100% of respondents). Analysis of variance confirmed the hypothesis that livestock rearing makes a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the study area, while correlation analysis confirmed a significant relationship between livestock rearing and environmental management.
Scientific novelty. This is the first quantitative study of livestock development challenges and their impact on socio-economic and environmental situation in Bafut Subdivision, North-West Region, Cameroon. The study offers convincing proof of the difficulties in raising livestock, such as inadequate capital, scarcity of land resources and poor marketing situation, all of which have an impact on the socio-economic and environmental development of the Subdivision.
Practical value. In addition to raising livestock in Bafut Subdivision, these farmers should be educated on sustainable ecological management techniques by non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, the government, and other stakeholders to enhanced environmental management and livestock sustainability.
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