Sheep and goats provide a livelihood for many of the world’s poorest people. They provide food and income revenue to under-privileged people in urban and rural areas. Small ruminants are the way out of poverty for many citizens, especially women and vulnerable people. They find in it, a means to build up their heritage or savings which is a common case in rural areas. People there live far from financial institutions. In addition to dairy and meat products, rural people find quite a good quantity of manure for soil fertility. These natural fertilizers thus improve crops.

Actually, goats and sheep are mostly used as a means of restocking herds in the aftermath of environmental, climatic and political shocks. Sheep and goats thus represent a key component in coping mechanisms to crises and emergencies.

No important traditional ceremony takes place without goats or sheep. Dowries, weddings or funerals gain prestige when small ruminants are present. A whole religious feast distinguishes small ruminants. It’s the Feast of the Ram!