Income over loss: How management systems lower mortality and increase farm incomes from small ruminants in urbanizing Africa

Abstract

Small ruminant (sheep and goat) production is often promoted as low-labor and low-investment, yet empirical evidence on how management systems affect performance in urban and peri-urban contexts remains limited. This study investigates the determinants of management system choice among livestock farmers and evaluates the causal effects of these systems on mortality rates and farm income. Using data from 400 randomly sampled farmers in Ejisu and Juaben (Ashanti region, Ghana) during April–May 2024, we employed a multinomial logit model to analyze system adoption drivers. A multinomial treatment effect model further isolated the causal impacts of management systems on outcomes. Results indicate that 50.5 % of farmers use free-range systems, 30 % semi-intensive, and 20 % intensive systems. Key determinants for adopting semi-intensive or intensive systems over free-range include: gender, education, herd size, extension service access, primary occupation, religious affiliation, marital status, engagement in non-farm businesses, and market proximity. Critically, semi-intensive and intensive systems significantly reduced mortality rates and increased farm income compared to free-range systems. These findings demonstrate that targeted investments in livestock infrastructure (e.g., housing), veterinary services, extension support, and technical training can enhance productivity and economic returns for smallholders. To ensure sustainable urban small ruminant production, policies must be context-specific, accounting for the distinct requirements of each management system. Additionally, the extensive or free-range systems could be improved by adopting animal tethering on communal lands to reduce mortality rates.