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Insights into the rural livestock farming sector of the Comoros

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 30 p.

Author Weber, R.; Masson, S.; Ibrahim, C.; Tanios, C.; Morales Opazo, C.;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Booklet

ISBN 978-92-5-139784-8

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd5012en

Synopsis (short abstract) The Union of Comoros, hereafter the Comoros, is an Indian Ocean archipelago which faces significant challenges such as limited arable land, vulnerability to climate change, external economic shocks, and natural disasters, making it vulnerable to food insecurity. Despite being a net food importer, agriculture significantly contributes to the gross domestic product (GDP), accounting for 30.6 percent in 2015, with 64 percent of employment in the sector. While 71 percent of food consumed is produced locally, dependence on imports makes the Comoros vulnerable to external shocks like food price fluctuations and trade disruptions. Enhancing the Comoros’ agrifood system and efficiency is essential for improving food and nutrition security and resilience to external shocks. Rural livestock farming in the Comoros is a vital part of the agricultural landscape and plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of many rural households. It provides a significant source of income for rural families and contributes to food security. Most livestock farming in the Comoros is small-scale and subsistence-based, with families raising animals for their own use and selling surplus at local markets. In this context, evidence-based decision-making is essential for shaping effective agricultural policies and guiding the development of the agrifood system. However, a lack of detailed, up-to-date data has so far hindered research and decision-making. FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP/COI/3704) aimed at filling this data gap and this report is the resulting first analysis of the data collected on rural livestock farming in the Comoros.

Cite this content as:

Weber, R., Masson, S., Ibrahim, C., Tanios, C. & Morales Opazo, C. 2025. Insights into the rural livestock farming of the Comoros. Rome, FAO. 

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd5012en

Language English

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