There is much opportunity to develop the sheep industry in the DRC. While international demand for sheep meat and wool is huge, Congo has large expanses of agricultural land and pastoral zones that are only thinly utilised in this regard. With the obvious provisions on infrastructure, disease, and market access, there has recently been a nascent drive to overcome these hurdles. This article looks at the great opportunities in the sheep farming sector, the challenges, and the ways of opening the locks to unlock the potential.

• Like most of Africa, the sheep farming sector in Congo is plagued by many problems that hinder its development. The main problems relate to diseases. Sheep in Congo are very prone to parasitic infections and viral diseases like pox. Lack of access to proper, reliable veterinary services exacerbates these problems, leading to high mortality rates.
• Another critical challenge concerns market accessibility. Poor infrastructure, such as poor road networks and very limited cold-chain logistics, makes it hard for farmers to transport their sheep and products to lucrative markets. This increases the cost of reaching urban centers and often results in smallholders receiving lower prices for their products.
• Another limitation arises from the genetic quality of the local breeds. Although Congo has various agro-ecological zones suitable for sheep farming, these local breeds have not undergone much improvement in their genetic makeup. The consequence is a difference in productivity with other countries where improved breeds are found.
• Moreover, the value chain is fragile and full of inefficiencies in transportation, storage, and distribution. Indeed, these logistical challenges have limited both the local consumption and export potential; hence, Congo’s capability to meet domestic demand or higher global markets is constrained.

• These challenges require multi-pronged solutions. Of essence in the solution package is increasing veterinary services for rural farming communities. Where veterinary services are made accessible to farmers, disease-related mortality could be drastically reduced while the general health of flocks improves.
• Different ongoing activities, especially those initiated by the government, have already tried to provide livestock health technologies to the farmers. For example, the “lend-lease” system, whereby the government loans livestock to the farmers, has enjoyed quite some success in building up animal populations.
• Improvement in infrastructure is also very important. Investment in roads and cold chain logistics is needed to ease the transportation of goods from farmers. Better transportation would allow small-scale farmers to access wider markets for better prices and finally allow them to compete, both at the local and international levels.
• For genetic enhancement, targeted breeding programs have been developed to enhance local sheep breeds’ resilience and productivity. By focusing on underpinning traits for disease resistance and higher yields, such programs can enable farmers to improve their flocks’ productivity, maintaining the adaptability of the local breeds.
• Finally, introducing climate-resilient farming practices would ensure sustainable growth. The rains are unpredictable, with frequent droughts having a great impact on pasture availability in some parts of the year; hence, promoting rotational grazing methods and forage production will help maintain productivity throughout the year.

Several key activities are in place to help solve the challenges and improve the potential of sheep farming in Congo. 

• The government spearheads infrastructural development by collaborating with other private organizations. This includes creating roads and cold storage to facilitate the value chain.
• Field schools are also being arranged for farmers to impart different practices related to livestock management, disease prevention, and better farming methods.
• Introducing forage crops has been an important step in improving feed availability during the dry season. Planting forage-resistant varieties helps farmers ensure their animals meet their nutritional requirements throughout the year. It is necessary to maintain good health and productivity in the flock.
• Moreover, breeding programs have been supported by government agencies and international NGOs. These programs focus on selecting and breeding sheep that are more adapted to environmental conditions in Congo, enhancing their resistance to certain common diseases, and improving their wool and meat output.

These solutions are already realising some positive returns: farmers who have been given access to veterinary services and who have implemented improved feeding. Healthier flocks result, and the yield of meat and wool improves.

Access to the market is also increasing. Improved infrastructure allows more farmers to join the local and regional markets. With improved transportation costs and more reliable cold chain systems, farmers can better sell their products at competitive prices. This has led to an increase in their incomes, thereby contributing to rural development and decreasing poverty.

The other key impact pertains to job creation. In fact, the sheep farming value chain development has opened up job opportunities not only in farming but also in processing, marketing, and distribution. This has been particularly helpful in the rural areas where people have the highest levels of unemployment.

Moreover, there is an increase in food security. For example, through natural production, sheep farming provides a regular supply of protein-rich meat, which is important in improving nutrition among rural and urban people.

The sheep farming sector is strong in the Congo, with the potential to spur economic growth, improve livelihoods in rural areas, and enhance food security. With continuous interventions to control diseases, open up market accessibility, and enhance genetic gains, there is a bright future ahead for this industry. Success will depend on crucial investment in infrastructure, veterinary care, and sustainable husbandry or farming practices. 

If equipped with proper strategies, Congo’s sheep farming industry is expected to thrive, becoming not just a means of livelihood for its locals but also one of the highly recognised industries in the global sheep farming market.