Abstract

Pastoral livestock farming is a major activity in the Sahel. In the eastern Malian Sahel, in addition to its contribution to the household economy, this type of livestock farming plays an important role in enhancing the value of an environment that is not very conducive to rain-fed crops because of its low rainfall. This study was conducted in the district of Hombori to assess marketed livestock production through the share of livestock sales and purchases by Hombori herders in the district's two markets. The methodology used is based on the recording of trade flows, which specifies for both presented and sold animals, in addition to the species, sex, age class, price, origin and destination for sold animals. The results show an overall strategy of capitalization of the herd from the end of the rains until March, followed by destocking that peaks between the end of March and mid-April and diminishes at the end of the dry season. The study of trade flows shows that the markets in the district are oriented towards three livestock marketing channels: a short channel that contributes 79.46% and 87.02% of the livestock presented on the markets of Hombori and Wami respectively, a medium channel for which these figures are 19.79% and 8.52% of the livestock, and a long channel that is essentially oriented towards the export of livestock to certain neighbouring countries.

Key words: Animal productions, livestock markets, commercial channels, livestock flows, Sahel