TITLE:
Typology of Cattle Farming Systems and the Use of Artificial Insemination in the North and Center Regions of Côte d’Ivoire
AUTHORS:
Ursula Bahi Tre, Kouamé Edouard N’goran, Kpahé Herbert Michaël Kanh, Jean-Yves Ekra, Franck Armand Désiré Yao, Koffi Mathurin Konan, Adama Konate, Koffi Freddy Junior Konan
KEYWORDS:
Artificial Insemination, Cattle Breeding, Productivity, Farmer Profiles, Biotechnologies
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.16 No.3,
July
31,
2026
ABSTRACT: Artificial insemination (AI) appears as a key technique for sustainably improving the productivity of the Ivorian cattle herd. However, its implementation remains confronted with obstacles related to breeding practices, the socio-economical characteristics of the farmers, and access to technical services. A survey conducted among farmers in the Northern and Center regions of Côte d’Ivoire assessed the context of its use. Results show that 70.8% of farmers are indigenous, with a higher proportion in the Center (81.13%) than in the North zone (55.56%). Farmers in the Center zone are more educated, with 56.6% having formal education, compared to 27.78% in the Northern. Also, 50.6% of farmers adopt a semi-intensive system and 44.9% an extensive system. AI is used by 20.2% of farmers, mainly in the North zone (41.7%) where it is motivated by the increase in milk productivity (94.4%). This study also revealed the emergence of a new type of farmer in the Center zone, oriented towards a market economy, which contrasts with the standard type found in cattle breeding areas in West Africa. Finally, two profiles of farmers were identified based on the context of artificial insemination use. The first profile represents 20.2% of the population including structured, experienced farmers who adopt modern techniques as well as artificial insemination for improving the herd and milk production. The second profile represents 79.8% of the population and is traditional farmers favoring simple and inexpensive methods. The study shows the necessity of strengthening capacities and facilitating access to biotechnologies, in order to optimize breeding systems and meet production objectives.