Éclairages quantitatifs pour la réforme du secteur zébu à Madagascar: preuves tirées d’une analyse en dynamique des systèmes de la chaîne de valeur

Cattle are central to Madagascar’s rural economy, providing meat, milk, draught power, income and financial security for millions of households. However, low productivity, poor animal health, feed shortages, limited genetic improvement, cattle theft and weak market systems continue to constrain the sector, while demand for livestock products is growing rapidly.
This study assessed the potential impacts of seven intervention scenarios using integrated livestock modelling and field data from four representative production zones. The scenarios examined improvements in genetics, animal health, feeding, cattle theft control and combinations of these interventions.
Results show that integrated interventions generate the greatest benefits. Continuous cattle theft control produces the largest increase in herd size, while genetic improvement delivers the strongest gains in milk production, increasing national output by up to 193%. Combined investments in genetics, animal health, nutrition and livestock security increase meat production by nearly 20% while improving herd productivity and resilience.
The findings indicate that sustainable transformation of Madagascar's cattle sector requires coordinated investments rather than isolated actions. Priorities include strengthening veterinary services, expanding genetic improvement programs, improving feed resources, securing livestock production systems, modernizing markets and reducing institutional barriers. Supporting women and youth participation will further enhance the sector's inclusiveness and long-term sustainability.
Together, these interventions can significantly improve livestock productivity, strengthen rural livelihoods and contribute to Madagascar's food and nutrition security.