1Department of Animal Production, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, Carthage University, Tunis, 1082, Tunisia
2Laboratory of Economy and Rural Societies, Institute of Arid Regions Medenine, Medenine, 4119, Tunisia
3Laboratory for the Sustainability of Production Systems in the North-West Region, Higher School of Agriculture of Kef, University of Jendouba, Kef, 7119, Tunisia
4Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, 999045, Jordan
*Corresponding Author: Rula Awad, Department of Animal Production, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, Carthage University, Tunis, 1082, Tunisia, Email: rula.a.awad@gmail.com
Online published on 25 June, 2025.
This study examines small ruminant production systems in Northern Jordan, where they play a crucial role in agriculture and support local livelihoods.
A survey of 290 small ruminant holders was conducted from April 2022 to August 2023, employing descriptive and multivariate analyses using XLSTAT and TANAGRA software to explore socioeconomic traits, management practices and feeding strategies related to the production period of 2021.
The results showed that there was variability in small ruminant production systems. More than half of small ruminant holders utilized semi-extensive methods and focused on cash sales. Factors such as labor distribution, animal replacement strategies and housing practices differed among climate regions and governorates. The typological analysis revealed clusters of small ruminant holders based on criteria such as labor management (4% of small ruminant holders), animal replacement strategies (42%), marketoriented production systems (6%), extensive commercial sheep farming (30%) and experienced farmers with medium flock sizes (17%). This study provides valuable insights into the small ruminant production systems in Northern Jordan, informing future strategies for enhancing productivity and sustainability in the region.
Farming practices, Small ruminants, Sustainability, Typological analysis
