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Sustainable Livestock/Range Management System – A way forward to
Progressive Development of South Sudan.
By
Assistant Professor Mathew. Gqrdon Udo
Department of Animal Production
College of Natural Resources and Environmental studies.
University of Juba
P O Box 321/1 Khartoum.
A paper presented at a Workshop on Environment and Natural
Resource Management in Southern Sudan, Organized by the GOSS in
collaboration with the Higher Council for Environment and Natural
Resources, National Planning for Environmental Management (NPEM)
held in Juba on 31st Oct. – 2nd Nov. 2006.
Abstract:-
South Sudan is well blessed with various types of material resources
including livestock which provide almost half of the population with sources
of their livelihood. The paper touches on the geographical profile of the
region, the main ecological zones and their relationship to livestock
distribution. It emphasizes on the major livestock management system and
their socio-economic importance in the livelihood of most south Sudanese
communities. The paper also highlights on problems hindering, processing
accurate livestock population estimate in the region. It sheds light on the
distribution of range (pasture) potential in south Sudan and the impact of
livestock population density on their carrying capacity. It also focusses on
some major constraints facing livestock/range resource improvement in the
region. The paper highlights on some previous development projects in the
field of Animal Production and Health. It also puts forward some
development strategies for the improvement of livestock/range resources in
the region. It concluded that to attain sustainable livestock/range
development in south Sudan, a balance between livestock population density
and its relationship to range carrying capacity should be stricken. Traditional
farmers and livestock owners have be the focal points of any development
programme.
1.0 Introduction
Points for Clarification
* Sustainable livestock/range resources Management =
Use of livestock/range resources economically without destruction or exploitation of the
base.
* Livestock = cattle, sheep, goats and poultry (chicken)
*.Range Land = Natural grazing areas and their resources such as grasses, legumes and
water.
* Pasture = Demarcated areas into paddocks seeded with improved grasses/legumes as
animal feed.
* Forages = Cultivated grasses/legumes as animal feed.
Components of Sustainable livestock/Range Management System:-
Inputs
Outputs
-Ranges/Pasture
-Forages
-Concentrates
-Disease control
-Stability
-Water
-Milk
-Meat
-Eggs
-Skin/Hides
-Peace
-Manure
LIVESTOCK
To maintain the balance between the three components is a way forward to a progressive
development.
Southern Sudan is well blessed with different types of Natural Resources including
livestock which provide almost half of the population with the sources of their livelihood.
Almost all of these stock thrive on the resources of the natural rangeland. Livestock
constitute the biggest proportion of national wealth in southern Sudan which have never
been fully developed. The intermittent warfare in the region for the last fifty years have
prohibited their improvement and indirectly contributed to widespread poverty among the
local communities. The presence of peace now in the region could offer an opportunity to
allocating much resource to their improvement, development of feed and water resources
and control of endemic and trans-boundary diseases causing pathogens/parasites. which
could lead to the overall improvement of the livelihood of the local people.
2.0 The geographical profile of South Sudan:-South Sudan comprises of Bahr el Ghazal. Equatoria and Upper Nile regions covering an
area of about 648,051km2 which is about one-fourth the total area of Sudan.
-It lies between latitudes 3o 5’ N and 12o N and longititudes 23o and 36o E.
-South Sudan is a large basin gentle shopping down northwards through which flows the
river Nile from Lake Victoria in Uganda, Bahr el Ghazal and its tributaries which arises
from the Nile-Congo water –shed in the west and Sobat river and its tributaries in the
east, all merging to join the white Nile south of Malakal town.
-The region is bordered by:-Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the South.
-Kenya and Ethiopia in the East
-Central African Republic in the West. Southern Darfur, Southern Kordofan, White Nile
and Southern Blue Nile States in the North.
2.1 The Ecological zones:South Sudan is mainly divided into three ecological zones which are also subdivieded
into subtypes depending on the rainfall pattern, soil types and vegetation cover (Report of
Southern Development Investigation Team 1955).
2.1.1 The Equatorial zone:The Equatorial zone constitutes the Greenbelt, Ironstone plateau, Central Hills and the
South-Eastern Hills.
* The Greenbelt-occupy the extreme south west of south Sudan extending to
approximately 1350mm Isohyets. It passes through Yei District excluding Kajokeji and
ends up in the Acholi Highland in Upper Talanga.
-Rainfall pattern ranges from 1350mm to 1600mm with duration from 8 to 9 months.
-Soil t5ypes; Red lateritic soil susceptible to leaching and erosion.
-Vegetation is mainly broadleaved woodland savannah with several species of perennial
and annual grasses with low nutritive values for livestock due to high lignifications.
* Ironstone Plateau and Central Hills:-These occupy the areas of western Equatoria
(Tambura and Maridi counties) and western Bahr el Ghazal states. The Central Hills
include Mundri county, and the greater parts of Juba and Torit areas.
-Annual rainfall ranges from 900 to 1300mm. Both Ironstone Plateau and Central Hills
possess similar soil types; red audic wth high content of Iron oxide which is
predominantly lateritic with low fertility due to leaching and erosion.
-The vegetation type is broadleaved woodland with several varieties of trees. In the
Central Hills, the vegetation consists of poorly developed scattered perennial and annual
grasses in both sub-zones whose herbaceous biomass matures very quickly and its quality
especially its digestible protein content decreases very rapidly.
* The Southern Hills and Mountains:- These cover Eastern Equatoria and merge with
the flood plains in the north and semi-arid parts of northern border of Kenya. The area is
divided into two parts:1- The high altitude areas – with 1800m above sea level. This consists of Didinga
Imatong and Boma mountains. The annual rainfall ranges between 1100mm in Didinga
Hills to 2200mm in Imatong mountains lasting for 7 to 9 months. Soil types, deep fertile
loam, vegetation covers consist of thick forest.
2-The lower slopes – around Kapoeta receives less rainfall per annum (100mm or less).
Semi-arid zone with vegetation consisting of Acacia and thorn bushes and shrubs.
2.1.2 The Central Flood Plains:These comprise areas of southern Upper (Jonglei), Western Upper Nile, Northern Bahr el
Ghazal, Lakes and parts of Central and Eastern Equatoria state. They constitute about
half of south Sudan and are subdivided into four main land types with similar rainfall
pattern (750mm 1000 per annum) lasting for 5 to 7 months.
* The high ground areas:- These are widespread patches of high ground areas and
termite mounts which can remain unflooded during the rain seasons. Soils are sandy and
permeable with better drainage on alluvial banks of rivers. The vegetation consists of
thorny and open mixed woodland savannah with abundant types of perennial and annual
grasses. This is the area of human settlement and agriculture.
* The Intermediate land:- This is a rain flooded grassland which covers part of
Southern Upper Nile (Jonglei) and Unity States. It lies between the high ground and the
toich. The Intermediate land has a cracking alkaline clay soils which are dominated by
open short natural grasses such as the elephant grasses with patches of acacia woodlands.
* The toich area:- Toich area is a common Nilotic word for the flood plains or river
flooded grassland. This area with its fertile soil supports luxuriant native grasses such as
the elephant grasses and the papyrus species.
2.3 The Central Rainland:This area covers Northern Upper Nile and parts of Unity States. The soil type is a
cracking black cotton clay soil. Acacia species form the dominant type of vegetation
interspaced with tall annual and perennial grasses including the papyrus species along the
river courses. This is supposed to be the most arable land for agriculture in southern
Sudan.
3.0 Background to livestock production in South Sudan:Livestock activities have a very long tradition in the livelihood of most southern
Sudanese communities. They constitute the biggest resources which have never been
developed.
The distribution and management of livestock in south Sudan follow the pattern of agroecological zones. The Nilotic (Dinka, Nuer, Shilluk) and Nilo-Hamites (Murle, Toposa,
Boya and Mundari) who inhabit the southern flood plains and the slopes of south-eastern
Hills and mountains are the agro-pastoralist and pastoralists (Murle, Toposa, Boya)
keeping large herds/flock of cattle, sheep and goats. Other tribes in both Equatoria and
Bahr el Ghazal inhabiting the Green belt , Ironstone Plateau and Central Hills, practicing
subsistence agriculture (Bari, Lulubo, Lokoya, Latuho, Lokoro Kakua, Kuku and Jur)
also possess some few heads of cattle, sheep and goats. Backyard, poultry farming is a
common practice by most households all over southern Sudan (OLS/UNICEF/FAO
report, 2002). The presence of tsetse flies (Glossina morsitans) the vector of
Trypanosomiasis parasites which cause Nagana in large stock and sleeping sickness in
human in the Greenbelt and Ironstone Plateau zones of Western Equatoria and Western
Bahr el Ghazal have precluded livestock production in these areas (Meine Van
noordwijk, 1984; Williamson and Payne, 1999). However, some reports are indicating
that cattle and other small stocks is quite a common site around Yei, Mundri, Wau and
Raga (Udo, 2004).
3.1 Livestock Population and Management System:It is quite impossible to estimate accurately the livestock population in south Sudan since
there has never been a recent national animal population census in the region not even in
the whole country. The only available information on livestock population was that from
results of aerial photograph of both livestock and wildlife by Watson in 1977. Other
major constraints related to the assessment of livestock population include seasonal
migration of these animals in search of feed and water; Displacement of the communities
as a result of war, frequent raiding of the animals by antagonistic tribes; cultural taboo
among livestock owners against counting their animals.
-However, any livestock population figures for south Sudan are usually arrived at by
estimation based on discussion with livestock owners during treatment and vaccination
against some common livestock diseases such as Rindur pest, contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia and PPR.
-The OLS/UNICEF Northern sector report (2002) put the estimated livestock population
for south Sudan as follows:Cattle 8 million, small stock 6 million, chicken 16 million. The figure put forward earlier
by OLS/southern sector (1996) for the cattle was 4.5 million heads. The recent figure put
forward by the Federal Ministry of Animal Resources for the livestock population was
about 27 million cattle, sheep and goats and are increasing annually at the rate of 10, 21
and 22% respectively (FMAR, 2002). Based on this information, the projected livestock
population after 4 years could be about 53 million heads. To get the accurate estimate for
the livestock population per region/state is quite impossible for the same reasons stated
above; Much work is needed by the authority to come up with those data which can be
used for adequate planning for their improvement and development.
Animal
Population Estimate
Source
1-Cattle
8000,000
report
2-Small Ruminants
(Sheep and goats)
6000,000
OLS/UNICEF/NS
2002
OLS/UNICEF/NS
report2002
3-Chicken
16,000,000
OLS/UNICEF/NS
2002.
report
Table 1 - Livestock population Estimate in south Sudan
The main feature of livestock production system in South Sudan is transhumant
i.e. seasonal migration of livestock in search for pastures and water. Herds/flock are
grazed on communal ranges in the uplands during the rain season and are moved to the
toiches when the water recedes in the dry season (Nilotic tribes). Settlement and
agriculture are carried out on the high grounds.
The pastoralist, Nilo-Hamite tribes (Murle, Toposa, and Boya) are in continuous
movements for pastures and water sources. They graze their animals on the slopes of the
hills and mountains and the semi arid lands during the rain seasons and more to the rivers
basins during the dry seasons. The agricultural tribes both Equatoria and Bahr el Ghazal
practice pure crop production and mixed farming whereby they combine crop production
and livestock rearing. In this system, animals are kept throughout the year within the
vicinity of the settlements. They are taken by day time by young people for grazing and
are tethered at night in the kraal. After harvest the animals are allowed to graze on the
crop residues.
3.2 The Socio-economic importance of livestock to south Sudanese Communities:Livestock are the vital source of economic and social support among the pastoralist and
agro-pastoral communities of south Sudan. Livestock ownership has a major cultural
significance in many societies since it features strongly in local perception of wealth and
poverty.
* Livestock provide basic subsistence foodstuff such as milk, meat, and blood for home
consumption.
* They supply skins and hides which can be used for other services or sold for cash.
* Small stock such as sheep, goats, and fowls are convenient items to sell for cash or
exchange for other commodities in time of need.
* In time of low rainfall or drought and famine, livestock are important items for human
survival since they can be bartered for food and other commodities.
* Livestock are the currency for social contracts and the cement of social cohesion such
as payment of dowry in marriage or settlement of disputes among members of the
community.
* In the mixed farming areas, oxen can be used as draught power for traction.
* In the pastoralistic community, it is the size of the herd/flock that matters to the owner
than the quality of the animals in term of milk and meat.
* Pastoralists in southern Sudan if conditions permit, would prefer to increase the size of
his herd/flock to the extent that the management becomes cumbersome without
considering its impact on the grazing land and the environments.
3.3 The genetic characterization of Livestock in Southern Sudan:-Livestock in south Sudan could be broadly classified as non-descriptive animals since no
clear scientific studies have been carried out to group them into distinct types or breeds.
-However, they are either known by the name of their geographical location (habitat) or
after the tribes who own them.
-The cattle are broadly classified as the Nilotic cattle which are mainly possessed by the
Nilotic tribes (Dinka, Nuer, and Shilluk) who inhabit the southern flood plains.
-There are short horn zebu cattle which are known by various names such as Mongalla
cattle, Mundari cattle, Kuku cattle, Toposa cattle, Murle cattle, and mountainous cattle.
-Similarly, the sheep and goats are known as Nilotic sheep, Nilotic goats, and
Mountainous/dwarf sheep/goats in Equatoria region.
-There are fat tailed Toposa sheep in the semi-arid region of Eastern Equatoria. There is a
kind of interbreeding between the Nilotic animals and the adjacent breeds from southern
Kordofan, Blue Nile, Darfur and White Nile states during their migration to the south in
search for feed resources and water. This may distort the purity of these animals as
distinct breeds or types in the long run.
-Some studies have classified the Nilotic cattle to have poor genetic potential for high
milk production, however, these animals are resistant to most endemic pathogenic and
parasitic diseases in their habitats.
-Nilotic cattle are among the best beef breeds in the Sudan, Nilotic sheep have high
reproductive rate with poor growth rate of the young’s (Muzzamil, 2002, Tilmat el al,
1982; El Mahi, 1979).
-There are many types of chicken in south Sudan; the best known ones are the normal
local or Beladi and Bare Neck. Their production and reproduction potential are quite
below compared to improved breeds elsewhere.
-However, these birds are resistant to the endemic diseases and parasite infestation and
they are well adapted to the harsh tropical environment in their habitat.
-Much work is needed to characterize all the livestock breeds in south Sudan to enable
planning efficient programme for their improvement and conservation.
4.0 The Range/Pasture Resource Potential in South Sudan:More than 90% of the populations in south Sudan live in rural areas practicing traditional
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries as a source of their livelihood. The land
tenure system is still traditional (i.e. land and its resources is communally owed and its
use is determined by membership in the kinship group) whether for cultivation or grazing
livestock.
Under the present system of land use in the country, more than half of the land mass in
south Sudan could be arbitrary considered as range land for both domestic livestock and
wildlife. The range land distribution and concentration follow the ecological pattern
which depends directly on the amount of rainfall, soil types and the vegetation covers
(SSDIT report, 1955).
In both the Greenbelt and Ironstone Plateau and central Hill zones, there are luxuriant
forests, both perennial and annual grasses whose biomass is quite high at the beginning of
the rain season. This declines with maturity as a result of lignifications. The agricultural
system in this area is mixed farming and the livestock unit per km2 is quite low.(1 –
10LU/Km2) (Udo, 2006). Most parts of these zones are highly infested with tsetse flies,
the vector of trypanosome parasites which cause nagana in large stock and sleeping
sickness in human (Udo, 2004).
In the Southern Flood plain zone, there are luxuriant perennial and annual grasses whose
biomass is very high and persists for long period and it starts to decline with maturity as a
result of lignifications.
Human settlement and agricultural practices are confined to the high ground. Livestock
unit per Km2 is quite.(20 – 200LU/Km2). (Udo, 2006)
Large stock are usually taken by young people to the fringe of Ironstone plateau to escape
biting flies and flood water, small ruminants and some lactating cows and calves are left
in the vicinity to provide the family with milk.
In the Intermediate land, the growth and palatability of the ranges are controlled by
setting an early fire to grasses in November to enable re-growth of palatable pasture for
the animals. The concentration of livestock population from different cattle camps for
this scarce resource is the major cause of conflicts between the regular users and the alien
to the area. Livestock unit/Km2 is very high (100 – 500LU/Km2).
The use of intermediate grazing during the dry season is often limited by lack of drinking
water. In such a situation, the animals have to concentrate around the water points known
as Hafirs which may be natural or manmade ponds into which rain or ground water is
collected.
In the South-Eastern Hills and Mountains, the luxuriant forests and tall grasses occupy
the sloppy area. They have high biomass whose feeding value to the animals decline
rapidly as a result of lignifications. During the dry season, the pastoralist move their
livestock to either the slopes of the Boma hills or Didinga mountain ranges or to the river
basins on the eastern side of the Southern Flood plains. Livestock from all the
antagonistic tribes inhabiting Eastern Upper Nile and Eastern Equatoria regions may
converge in those areas for grazing land and water. this can sometimes lead to a bloody
war for controlling these resources.
During the dry season, the nomadic Arab tribes (Rizeigat, Messeriya and others) from
southern Kordofan, southern Darfur and White Nile states move with their animals
southwards into Bahr el Arab, Bahr el Ghazal and White Nile basins in search for pasture
and water. The livestock unit/Km2 is very high since animals are moved in
herding/flocking groups (200 – 700 or more LU/Km2) (Meine, Van noordwijk, 1984).
With the advent of rain season, they move northward to their bases to escape the biting
flies and the mud. In all cases, pastoralistic movements could still be considered as a
sound system of conserving the ecosystem and the environment provided that there is no
encroachment of the livestock into the agricultural land and vice versa. (Meine Van
noordiwijik, 1984),
4.1 The impact of livestock population density on the range resources:Livestock population density can be defined as the concentration of livestock groups in a
particular location or niche.
The niche could be a water point or a grazing land or settlement peripheries. Livestock
population density differs according to the agro-ecological zones in the country. In the
Greenbelts and the Ironstone plateau, livestock density is very low since pure crop
productions in addition to mixed farming are the most important agriculture practices in
the area.
Dwarf goats, mountainous shorthorn zebu and sheep are the most prominent livestock
species in the area. Their number has a negligible effect on the range carrying capacity.
However, the settlement of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Lakes and
Jonglei states in these areas during the long war whereby they brought with them several
thousands of heads of livestock had created some negative impact on the environments
which include overgrazing around the settlements, deliberate encroachment of livestock
into the crop fields of the sedentary farmers, intermittent conflicts over drinking water
during the dry season and arrogant behavior of the herdsmen to the native population. All
the cited points had ignited gun battles between the natives and the IDPs in western
Equatoria state in the late 2004. Similar conditions are also reported in both Central and
Eastern Equatoria state. Therefore, the authorities should take heed of the situation.
The negative influence of livestock population density on the range resources are mostly
observed in the Flood plains and the semi-arid areas of Eastern Equatoria during the dry
season. The pastoralist or agro-pastoralist is able to increase indefinitely the size of his
herd/flock without considering its effects on the communal grazing land and water
resources.
These zones have low range biomass and high stocking rates which could predispose the
grazing lands to overgrazing and soil degradation In these areas there always news of
tribal conflicts between different antagonistic tribes Dinka versus Nuer; Dinka versus
Dinka; Nuer versus Nuer; Dinka versus Murle; Nuer versus Murle; Toposa versus
Murle;Toposa versus Boya
Thousands of people may loose their lives and properties from both sides in these bloody
wars (OLS/UNICEF, report 2002; Udo, 2004).
Another set of conflicts over grazing lands and water resources as a result of high
livestock population density do occur between the Arabs tribes from Northern Sudan and
Nilotic tribes along the Bahr el Arab, Bahr el Ghazal and White Nile basins when the
former bring their livestock to fetch for grazing land and water during the dry season. In
all these conflicts, modern machine guns are used instead of traditional weapons such as
spears and swords.
City (towns) farming had increased tremendously in many southern Sudanese towns such
as Juba, Wau, Malakal and others during the last long civil war. Most of the people took
refuge to the towns with their livestock. The most prominent animal species present
include goats, sheep and some few heads of cattle.
The population densities of these animals have increased at higher rate and most of them
do not receive any service at all. They can be observed roaming the streets and the
neighborhood daily scavenging for whatever they get on their ways. These animals have
become now an environmental hazard since they can graze/browse on trees or ornamental
plants they encountered on their route.
5.0 Constraints to Livestock/Pasture Development in south Sudan:Since the political independence of the Sudan in 1956, the animal resources of south
Sudan had been subjected to continuous natural and man-made disasters such as the
intermittent warfare in the region for the last fifty years which have hindered progressive
development in the area. Furthermore, the range/pasture resources in the region have not
been demarcated or classified for distinctive purposes.
All these points have created some negative impact on the livestock population and
indirectly affecting the livelihood of most of the southern Sudanese communities.
The major constraints to livestock/pasture development in South Sudan include the
followings:-
5.1 Absence of national livestock population census for several decades:This has made it very difficult to quantify the exact livestock population in the
region and to plan for future development programme.
5.2 Lack of proper scientific land use policies for classifying lands for different purposes
e.g. Agriculture, grazing, wildlife etc.
5.3 Continuous displacement of livestock owners and their stock as result of war/tribal
conflicts.
5.4 Overgrazing of the communal grazing lands and water resources.
5.5 Intermittent livestock raiding by nomadic Arab tribes from Kordofan and Darfur
regions.
5.6 Constant inter-tribal conflicts over grazing land and water resources.
5.7 Lack of cooperation between livestock owners and subsistence crop farmers.
5.8 Negative attitude of the pastoralists on destocking their herds/flock.
5.9 Lack of extension education on modern livestock management and the benefits
accrueing from monetary economy (sale of animals).
5.10 Presence of tsetse flies, the vectors of trypanosome parasites in the Greenbelt and
Ironstone Plateau zones.
5.11 Absence of livestock/Pasture research Institutes in the region.
5.12 Inadequate number of Professionals in animal health and Production.
5.13 Lack of government and Private support for initiating progressive business in
livestock Production
5.14 Poor basic infrastructure network (roads) and access to local and international
livestock markets.
5.15 High illiteracy rate among the pastoralists and agro-pastoralist communities.
5.16 Negative impact of livestock concentration on the environments in the towns.
5.17 Continuous occurrence of insecurity as a result of several tribal militias present in
the production areas.
5.18 Rampant disease occurrence and inadequate veterinary services all over the region.
6.0 Highlight on some previous development programme in the livestock sectors:Prior to the Addis Ababa Agreement of 1972 there had never been a well defined
development programme in the field of livestock production/pasture improvement in
south Sudan.
A number of veterinary investigation Centers were established in a number of towns
across southern Sudan such as Juba, Wau, Malakal, Aweil, Tonj, Rumbek, Yirol, Bor,
Akobo, Bentieu, Torit, Kapoeta and Tererkaka to handle vaccination and treatments of
animals against common epizootic and endemic diseases in the area.
-Livestock owners had no knowledge about modern animal production system and the
role played by monetary economy in boosting livestock productivity.-A few livestock
development projects were initiated during the Regional Government in southern Sudan
to improve the productivity and quality of livestock in the region.
6.1 Regional Diary/Poultry project (MAFAO Farm):Established in Juba to train officials and citizens in modern diary/poultry management
techniques. It stopped because of the war.
6.2 Rumbek Cattle Ranch:It was supposed to introduce modern ranching system and improve livestock quality in
Lakes Province. The project collapsed due to war.
6.3 Marial Bai Cattle Ranch:This was financed by the World Bank through the project Development Unit (PDU) for
upgrading the local cattle breeds using graded breeds from Kenya. It stopped as a result
of war.
6.4 Kapoeta sheep improvement ranch;This project collapsed right off from the beginning due to poor planning and
management.
6.5 Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Juba:This was well equipped laboratory for diagnosing and carrying out research on some
prevalent livestock diseases in south Sudan. However, it stopped working after its assets
and equipment were distributed among the then three newly created regions of Bahr el
Ghazal, Upper Nile and Equatoria.
6.6 Health Services:From 1972 – 1983, Animal health services were provided by the Directorate of Animal
Resources in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources through the provincial
veterinary Departments.
The District veterinary Department had to liaise between the Province authority and the
stockmen who were in direct link with livestock owners in the village. They were
responsible for carrying out vaccination and treatment of sick animals. One of the major
problems was the refusal of the newly employed veterinarians to work in the rural areas.
By the end of 1983,the war erupted and all the animal health services collapsed .
6.7 The war period (1983 - 2005):Throughout this time there was no much development in the fields of livestock
improvement. This period experienced the destruction of the herd/flock structure,
constant cattle raiding by the nomadic Arab tribes known as the Murahalins and
displacement of livestock owners to seek refuge in other parts of the Sudan or cross the
border into the neighboring countries.
What can be called Development is related only to some rudimentary health services and
extension works which used to be carried out by the Operation Lifeline Sudan/livestock
programme as part of their emergency programme to boost food security in the region.
They used to concentrate very much on restocking training of community animal health
workers and the establishment of drug stores. The programme was based on the
community participatory approach (OLS/LP/NS, report 2002)
-The government controlled area was under the OLS/LP/Northern sector in collaboration
with the Federal Ministry of Animal Resources (FMOAR) and the SPLA/M controlled
zone was under the OLS/LP/southern sector in collaboration with SRRA (Sudan Relief
and Rehabilitation Asssociation), the humanitarian wing of the movement.
-Closer to the end of war, a number of community based organizations were established
on both sides, operating on the cooperative basis in the Greater Equatoria, Greater Bahr el
Ghazal and Greater Upper Nile regions and supported by UN agencies such as the FAO,
(UNICEF) and other International NGOs.
Location
Greater Equatoria
Greater Upper Nile
Northern and Western Bahr el Ghazal.
Organizations
FMOAR,
PARC,
NICODO,
ACCOMPLISH, FAO (UNICEF), private
Pharmacies.
PARC/FMOAR; Oxfam UK GAA,FAO
(UNICEF) private Pharmacies.
PARC/FMOAR,
El
Birr
private
Pharmacies, Pastoralist Unions FAO
(UNICEF).
Table 2 Organizations Working in OLS/LP/Resource, OLS/Lt/NS report, 2002
-Several National and International Organizations were also operating with FAO
(UNICEF) in the southern sector in the field of livestock development programme.
Location
-Southern Leich County
Organization
ACROSS
-Chukudum and Kimatong
ADRA
-East Yirol
CRRS
-Toposa Land
DOT
-Pibor and Kapoeta
IARA
-Mundri/Rumbek/Akot
Oxfam UK
-SSIM areas
-Alick/Akon/Weat
RASS
SOF UK
-SPLA/M areas
SRRA
-All OLS/SS areas
FAO (UNICEF)
-Akobo, Ayod (Sobat basin)
VSF-B
-Toc and Pothuon, Gogrial Payam, Koajok, VSF - G
Marial Wau Payam Shilluk Kingdom
Boma and Pibor county
Source – UNICEF/OLS/LP/SS report1995.
Most of these organizations and other new ones are now registered with the Government
of Southern Sudan (GOSS) carrying out the same activities.
6.8 The Sudan Rinderpest Eradication Strategy:-To comply with the global Rinderpest eradication programme target of 2010, the Sudan
has been divided into three zones to guide the progress along the IOE pathway.
Zone A:- Covers the whole of Northern Sudan up to latitude 10o N. It has been declared
provisionally free of Rinderpest infection in 2003
Zone B:- This zone is under surveillance against Rinderpest. It falls west of the White
Nile river--. There are still other cattle diseases present in the area such as the Anthrax,
Foot and Mouth disease, Hemorrhagic septicemia, Contagious Bovine pleuropneumonia,
East Coast fever, Babasia, Brucellosis, PPR and others.
Zone C:- falls east of the Nile including the Sobat Basin. This area is still endemic to
Rinderpest and other diseases.
There is much interaction between cattle coming from the Murle ; Toposa; Nuer and the
Dinka communities to fetch for pasture and water resources. The wildlife population in
this area is also a reservoir to the disease causing pathogens which can easily be
transmitted to cattle and other livestock when they come in contact with each other
during the grazing or at the water point. This area is known for its constant insecurity due
to the presence of tribal conflicts by tribal militias. There is need for continuous
vaccination against rinderpest and other diseases in the area.(Fig 3)
7.0 Strategies for sustainable Livestock/Pasture Development in south Sudan:The strategies for the sustainable livestock/pasture development in south Sudan could
take into consideration the Agro-ecological zones, livestock population density and the
land use policies. Balancing the three factors will provide a conducive environment for
planning a progressive development programme which can improve livestock
productivity without causing destruction to the resource base (Preston, 1990, Udo, 2004).
These development strategies could be tackled into two main terms or phases:7.1 Short term Development Programme:The duration of this phase could be two to three years.
A animal Production.
7.1.1 Restocking of herd/flock structure through establishment of a number of livestock
multiplication Units across the production areas whereby improved stock of cattle , sheep
and goats are raised and distributed to the target communities.
7.1.2 Establishment of inter-tribal peace building commissions for conflict resolutions
over lost stock during the war.
7.1.3 Establishment of community based livestock development centers for training
stockmen, farmers in modern animal husbandry techniques across the production areas.
7.1.4 Undertake livestock population census all over the region.
7.1.5 Establishment of pilot poultry and small ruminant development project in the tsetse
flies infested areas of south Sudan.
7.1.6 Training of women in poultry and small stock management among the sedentary
farmers .
7.1.7 Rehabilitation of previous livestock development projects in the region.
7.1.8 Establishment of livestock Development Institutes in the three main ecological
zones to train livestock extension workers.
7.1.9 Educate livestock owners on the effective use of communal grazing lands/water
resources.
7.1.10 Initiate the establishment of small scale dairy farms around the big towns such as
Juba, Wau, and Malakal.
7.1.11 Enact laws/regulations banning/restructuring town farming in south Sudan.
7.1.12 Set up a multi-disciplinary commission consisting of Professionals from
Agriculture, Veterinary, Animal Production, Forestry, Wildlife, Fisheries, Legal Affairs
to draft laws/regulations related to land use policies for south Sudan.
7.1.13 Rejuvenate and develop the former tribal grazing lands and water points policies
to avoid tribal conflicts over these resources.
7.1.14 Launching of literacy campaigns among pastoralist and agro-pastoralist
communities in south Sudan.
B-Animal Health:7.1.1 Rehabilitation of previous veterinary centers and clinics across the region.
7.1.2 Training of community based animal health workers (CHWs)
7.1.3 Establishment of more community based Veterinary training centers for middle
cadres in the Production areas.
7.1.4 Continue the process of Rinderpest surveillance and sero-surveillance in Zone B
and C respectively.
7.1.5 Establishment of three well equipped regional veterinary laboratories at Juba, Wau,
and Malakal for diagnosis and production of vaccines.
7.2 Long term Development Programme:This could start 4 – 5 years after the settlement of the IDPs and refugees in their original
places:-
A - Animal Production:7.2.1 Intensification and expansion of development programme in phase one.
7.2.2 Integration of crop/livestock into the farming, system among the sedentary Farmers,
Agro- pastoralist and pastoralist communities to benefit from the use of animal traction,
animal manure and crop residues as animal feeds.
7.2.3 Introduction of sustainable livestock/range/pasture development among the
pastoralist and the Agro-pastoralist communities.
7.2.4 Introduction of trypano-televent cattle breeds into the tsetse infestation areas.
7.2.5 Introduction of crossbreeding programme around the main towns such as Juba, Wau
Malakal and others.
7.2.6 Involvement of Scientists at Bahr el Ghazal, Upper Nile and Juba Universities in
coordinated research projects in the field of livestock improvement.
7.2.7 Establishment of livestock/pasture research Institutes in the three main zones to
study the characterization of Nilotic cattle, sheep and goats nutritive values of local grass
and legumes used as animal feeds, Productivity of local fowls.
7.2.8 Encourage both public and private investments in livestock sector.
7.2.9 Establishment of livestock marketing system in the region.
7.2.10 Encourage the uses of Agricultural by-products as animal feeds among the
pastoralist/Agro-pastoralist.
7.2.11 Encourage forage production around the big towns (tree legumes)
7.2.12 Introduction of water buffalo in the flood plains to boost the dairy production
potential in the region.
7.2.13 Establishment of genetic resource conservation center at Juba , Wau, Malakal and
Kapoeta.
7.2.14 Introduction of guinea fowl production into the farming system in the Greenbelt
and Ironstone plateau zones.
7.2.15 Introduction of Pig production into the farming system in the Greenbelt and
Ironstone Plateau zones.
7.2.16 Enact laws/regulations to control the use of range/water resources in the Bahr el
Ghazal, Bahr el Arab and White Nile Basins by the local tribes and nomadic Arab tribes
from Darfur and Kordofan regions.
B-Animal Health:702.1 Intensification and expansion of animal health programme initiated in phase one.
7.2.2 Formation of community based animal health organizations in the production area
to combat livestock diseases.
7.2.3 Privatization of animal health services through the establishment of private drug
stores in major towns in the production areas.
7.2.4 Monitoring and control of the outbreak of trans- boundary episodic diseases.
7.2.5 Provision of more cold chain refrigerators and mobile clinics for vaccination and
disease control in the region.
7.2.6 Control and eradication of tsetse flies in the Greenbelt and the Ironstone plateau
zones.
7.2.7 Establishment of veterinary research Institutes in Juba, Wau, and Malakal to
research on both endemic and epizootic diseases in south Sudan.
Conclusion
Looking at the huge livestock population and range resource potential
in south Sudan, full aware of all the enormous constraints which had
hindered their improvement throughout the last 50 years acknowledging the
few failed trials in Development Projects in the regions, it can be concluded
that a sustainable livestock/range (pasture development) can only be
achieved through striking the balance between the livestock population
density and their influence on the range carrying capacity.
Different stakeholders (Governments and Civil Society Groups) have
to play a bigger role in this sector of economy by designing adequate
development policies which could incorporate the agro- ecological patterns,
livestock population densities and their relationships to other land use
policies in the area.
Both traditional farmers and livestock owners should be taken as focal
points in the formulation of these policies since they will later bear its
burden.
The suggested strategies in this paper should be considered as the
cornerstone of the proposed policies which can in form of development
packages be availed to any stakeholder or NGO interested in changing the
livelihood of target population in south Sudan in particular and the Sudan in
general.
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms:ACROSS
Association of Christian Resources Organization Serving
The Sudan.
ADRA
Adventist Relief and Development Association.
ACCOMPLISH
A Community based organization, established among the Mundari
people by Oxfam –UK to render both livestock and community
development.
CBAHW
Community based Animal health worker.
BQ
Black Quarter.
CBO
Community based organization.
CBPP
Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia.
DOT
Diocese of Torit.
El Bir
Benevolent Fund International
FAO
Food and Agricultural Organization of United Nations.
FMOAR
Federal Ministry of Animal Resources.
GAA
German Agro-Action.
GEQ
Greater Equatoria
GUN
Greater Upper Nile
OIE
International Office of Epizootics.
IARA
Islamic Agency for Relief in Africa.
NICODO
Nile Cooperative Development Organization.
Oxfam – UK
British Charitable Organization.
NGO
Non governmental Organization.
OLS/LP/NS
Operational Lifeline Sudan/Livestock
Programme/Northern sector
OLS/LP/SS
Operation Lifeline Sudan/Livestock Programme/Southern sector.
PARC
Pan African Rinderpest Control.
PPR
Pest depetit Ruminant
RASS
Relief Association of Southern Sudan.
SCF-UK
Save the Children Fund UK
SPLM
Sudan People Liberation Movement
SPLA
Sudan People Liberation Movement
SSIM
South Sudan Independent Movement.
SRRA
Sudan Relief Rehabilitation Association.
SSDIT
Southern Sudan Development Investigation Team.
UNICEF
United Nations Children Fund
UNIRDO
Upper Nile Rehabilitation and Development Organization.
NWBEG
North and West Bahr el Ghazal
VSF-B
Veterinaire Sans Frontier- Belgium.
VSF-G
Veterinaire Sans Frontier German
Un
United Nations
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