Livestock sector in sub-Saharan Africa, from the independences to 2020. II. Exchanges approached by subregional zones

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa was zoned into seven subregions (West, Center-West, Center-North, East, Center, South, and Madagascar) in order to specify its great exchange and consumption diversity. Zoning was based on the demand for animal products, the homogeneity and complementariness of exchanges, and political alliances. Imports and exports mainly concern meat with a wide diversity depending on the zone:surplus balance in the Eastern zone, deficit balance in Central Africa. With regard to milk products, all the identified subregions are in deficit. The global deficit amounted to 428 million dollars in 1994. Leathers and hides represent 15% of the exports, of which 67% originate from Austral Africa. They represent a positive balance and compensate for the import/export balance of poultry. When examined by subregions, there are several types of consumption and there is a wide variety in the amounts of animal proteins consumed daily per inhabitant: from 4.2 g in the central zone to 13.8 g in the IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Drought) zone. The consumption evolution shows a high increase in white meat (poultry, pork) consumption in the diets in most zones. Depending on the zone, supply varies greatly with regard to the composition and number of animal species, the products and imports as well. The two large importing subregions are Central and Austral Africa.