Why has livestock farming been limited in The Gambia?

In The Gambia, the growth of livestock farming has been constrained by several key factors. Primarily, the industry is limited by the scarcity of suitable pasture and water, as well as the prevalence of insufficient animal husbandry techniques.1

Additionally, the presence of the tsetse fly has historically posed a significant challenge to livestock development across sub-Saharan Africa. These insects transmit a disease known as nagana, which affects domestic animals and can severely impact herd health and productivity. While the government has provided support for stock farming—a practice deeply rooted in Fulani culture—these environmental and technical hurdles continue to restrict the overall size of herds in the country.21