Urban Livestock Production Research Articles

Characterization of urban agriculture and farmers’ climate change adaptation: the case of Urban Wa, Ghana

Urban agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa has the potential to significantly improve urban food security and feed the underprivileged when promoted. In Ghana, urban agriculture has several characteristics that distinguish it from traditional farming practices. However, climate change poses a significant threat to urban agriculture, as changing weather patterns can lead to droughts, floods, and extreme weather events that damage crops and animals. This study explored the characteristics of urban food crops and livestock production in the Wa township, Ghana. Mixed methods of data collection and analysis were employed. A sample of 362 urban households was administered survey questionnaires supplemented with 12 key informant interviews. Descriptive and content analysis were carried out, with the results presented in tables, graphs, and narratives. The study found that amidst climatic stressors, urban agriculture is characterized by the production of animals such as chickens, sheep, and goats and crops like maize, yam, beans, cabbage, and pumpkin. Land is acquired through purchasing, though other farmers obtain land from relatives and friends. There is a very strong relationship between residential class and the type of urban farming (Cramer’s V = 0.291 > 0.25) and a moderate relationship between residential class and land acquisition type (Cramer’s V = 0.108 > 0.10). The study concludes that urban farming is characterized by mixed farming coupled with crop diversification, which has implications for climate change adaptation measures. To adapt urban agriculture to climatic stressors, the study recommends that the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) should streamline agricultural policy interventions in urban agriculture to promote agriculture intensification.

Livestock ecosystem services and disservices in a medium-sized South African town

ABSTRACT Production of livestock in urban spaces is a common phenomenon globally, particularly in the Global South. Livestock provides multiple benefits to society yet its production in urban spaces can result in adverse impacts to residents that can trigger conflicts. Understanding of the ecosystem services and disservices of livestock from the perspectives of residents can inform inclusive local management plans. Using household surveys and key informant interviews, this study sought to examine the contribution of livestock to owners, and perceptions of livestock services and disservices among non-livestock owners and key informants in Makhanda, a medium-sized South African town. Livestock owners derived multiple benefits from their livestock, including provisioning services such as meat, milk, skins and draught, and use livestock and livestock products in cultural activities such as rituals, bride price payments and funerals that are key elements of local identity. Among residents, there were marked differences in perceptions on the services and disservices of livestock which points to potential conflicts over urban land use and the need for addressing trade-offs. A key trade-off for local municipal authorities is addressing hunger and poverty by supporting well-regulated urban livestock production versus managing potential livestock disservices such as injuries to humans, livestock-vehicle collisions, health hazards and damage to urban green infrastructure. The trade-offs should be understood and considered by local authorities and residents as a basis for collectively developing strategies that can integrate livelihoods and cultural realities to balance competing demands for urban spaces including livestock production and other uses.

Factors influencing small ruminant management in selected urban communities of Abeokuta, Ogun State

The study on urban livestock production was conducted with a view to ascertaining the factors influencing small ruminants rearing in urban communities of Abeokuta. A total of 215 respondents were selected by snowballing for survey. Validated and reliable interview guide was used alongside field observations to obtain data on the respondents' socioeconomic characteristics, number of sheep and goats reared, factors influencing and constraining small ruminant production in urban areas. Analysis of obtained data showed that males (70.23%) dominated ownership of the reared animals. About 22.79% of the respondents had between 6 and 10 sheep and goats. Highly rated factors influencing small ruminant rearing by respondents include meat production for home consumption (100%), sales of animals for additional income generation (93.5%), keeping of the animals as strategy for income generation (89.3%) and for meeting households' contingencies (87.4%). Indicated constraining factors by all the respondents (100%) include high cost and difficulty of sourcing feeds and theft/losses of animals. The Chi-square analysis showed a significant relationship between the respondents' age (x2 = 23.01; df = 12), rearing experience (x2 = 31.11; df = 12), level of income (x2 = 29.68; df = 16) and determinants of small ruminants rearing (p < 0.05). The Pearson correlation test showed no significant relationship (p < 0.05) between the determinants of urban ruminant production and the constraining factors. It was concluded that urban sheep and goat rearing was seriously constraining by feed-related and thievery factors. With the resilience of the rearers to sustain their rearing venture for their socioeconomic benefits, the need to strengthen and educate them on managerial strategies for efficient and sustainable management of the small ruminant animals was thus recommended. 

Vehicular Livestock Mobility in West Africa: Seasonal Traffic Flows of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats across Bamako

Mali is a major livestock producing country in West Africa. However, in recent years, the sector has faced multiple challenges like farmer-herder conflicts, overuse of grazing and water resources, and the effects of climate change. Meanwhile, traditional livestock systems are becoming less important given the increased availability of vehicular transport for regional and international animal trade as well as new opportunities for more specialised urban and peri-urban production systems. To assess the role of Mali’s capital city Bamako for livestock consumption and trade, this study examined the scale of livestock movement in the city, comprising influxes, outfluxes, and transits. To this end, flows of cattle, small ruminants, and livestock feed were recorded through road surveys covering three different seasons. The results showed the role of Bamako as a major trade hub in the distribution of ruminants. While traffic of cattle and sheep was regional, movement of goats was smaller and more localised. Religious festivals were an important driver of livestock traffic, both in terms of the numbers of livestock and the distance covered. This study highlights the role of cities for livestock mobility and contributes to a better understanding of challenges related to urban livestock production and trade and its requirements for better livestock management.

Resource Use in Deep Litter Poultry System: Implications for Urban Food Security

As urbanization increases, the locus of poverty is slowly shifting from rural to urban areas in what is known as urbanization of poverty. Thus, understanding how urban food system operate and finding ways to ensure that they remain sustainable is a mounting preoccupation. But urban livestock production has the potential to provide a significant contribution to the urban food security now and in the future and can lift the urban poor out of poverty. Information on resource use in deep litter poultry system is largely limited. Stochastic production frontier functions was used for data from deep litter poultry farmers to examine their efficiency technically, output orientation and level of farm. Farmers’ consideration was through the multistage sampling procedure. Maximum likelihood based on estimation of parameters helped in the determination of efficiency. The study revealed that, land, water,medication, capital and labour. The result 0.76 mean efficiency suggests output from deep litter poultry production could be increased with available technology. Policies aimed at encouraging farmers to access productive resources would be sensible decision.
 Citation: Etim, N. A., Etim, N. N. and Mohammed, J. Resource Use in Deep Litter Poultry System: Implications for Urban Food Security, 2020; 5(3): 38-44.
 Received: April 4, 2020Accepted: September 30, 2020

The Effects of Urban and Peri Urban Livestock Production on Groundwater Quality in Potiskum, Yobe State, Nigeria

This study looked at the effects of solid waste dumpsites on groundwater quality of Potiskum yobe State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from twenty-five (25) different hand dug wells and boreholes in strategic areas that have major dumpsites in Potiskum town. Soil sample as well were also collected from dumpsite close to each water points during rainy season. Coordinates of both water points and dumpsites were taken using handheld GPS to determine their respective location and the distances between each were measured in meters. Physico-chemical properties of water samples were tested in laboratory, while heavy metal properties were also tested for soils in the dumpsite and water as well. The pollutants assessed include, Biological Oxygen Demand, (BOD) Total Dissolved Solid, (TDS), Chemical Oxygen Demand, (COD) Chloride, Total Hardness, Colour, pH, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Chromium and Lead. Descriptive research design method was used for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as percentage computation, frequency distribution table. From the findings of the research it was discovered that many wells and boreholes in the study area that are located close to the dumpsites (<50 meters) have levels of high concentration of pollutants of both physico- chemical and heavy metals. This mean that all water points close to dumpsites are highly polluted compared to wells and boreholes far from dumpsites > 50m. From the laboratory analysis conducted it was discovered that TDS has the highest physico-chemical concentration of 230.00 less than the world standard concentration, while COD and BOD were not detected in the water sample. Nitrite had the highest heavy metal concentration of 33.00, magnesium with 0.980, Iron with 4.900, Cadmium with 0.84, Lead 2.20 are all above the water drinking standard of WHO.

Selection Decisions and Trait Preferences for Local and Imported Cattle and Sheep Breeds in Peri-/Urban Livestock Production Systems in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Simple SummaryStructured livestock breeding programs are needed to ensure the viability of the commercial cattle and sheep production sector in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. In this context, it is vitally important to better understand breeding and selection decisions of cattle and sheep breeders in the city and their trait preferences for local and imported breeds. The study interviewed 49 cattle and 31 sheep breeders to know which breeds owners keep in their herds, for which characteristics these are preferred, which criteria are used to select and replace breeding animals, and which breeding technologies are used. Results show that future breeding programs should include both local and imported cattle and sheep breeds to combine their strengths, namely the good adaptation of local breeds to prevailing production conditions, and the high production performances of imported breeds. Selection and breeding decisions for imported cattle breeds focus on higher production outputs, while the breeding management of sheep and local cattle is relatively simple. Improved breeding technologies for sheep and local cattle, simple recording schemes for the objective assessment of performance traits and planned mating schemes will help traditional cattle and sheep breeders to take conscious breeding decisions and thereby enhance animals’ production performances.Background: Participatory approaches of designing livestock breeding programs for tropical production systems have been extensively applied for rural livestock, whereas the peri-/urban livestock production sector tends to be widely neglected. In order to ensure the viability of the commercial cattle and sheep production sector in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, structured breed improvement programs are needed. The study aims to better understand selection decisions of cattle and sheep breeders and their trait preferences for local and imported breeds. Methods: 49 cattle and 31 sheep breeders in peri-/urban areas of the city were approached in personal interviews. Data were analyzed in R version 3.5.1. Results: The main motivation for keeping cattle and sheep was to generate regular cash income through the selling of milk (cattle only) and surplus animals. Some (modern) breeders used imported breeds because of higher production performances. For imported cattle breeds, improved breeding technologies and management were applied to further enhance production outputs. Nevertheless, local livestock breeds were predominantly used due to their good adaptation. Conclusions: Selection decisions and trait preferences for local and imported cattle and sheep breeds were strongly based on performance traits. Especially sheep breeders, but also traditional cattle breeders, did not record performance traits and did not take conscious breeding decisions.

Use of Agro-Industrial By-Products in Animal Feed at Modern and Semi-Modern Farms of Urban Community of Niamey (UCN): State Places

<em>The study was conducted in Urban Community of Niamey at modern and semi-modern farms provided an overview use of agro-industrial by-products in animal feed. Among 57 farms only 17 farms, including 10 beef farms, 2 sheep farms and 5 poultry farms were systematically surveyed. All farm managers are men. 60 and 33% are respectively officials at the level of poultry farms and ruminant farms. Farmers make up 25%, all of which own beef farms. There is also a predominance of adults, 60% at poultry level and 58.33% at ruminant farms. We note the use of a variety of agro-industrial by-products in animal feeds, in this case by-products derived from vegetable processing (wheat bran, exfoliated cotton cake) and animal processing (fish and fish meal ...). There are also some concentrates for poultry feed. Agribusiness by-products are increasingly used in urban livestock production but their valorization needs to be improved.</em>

Nutrient use efficiencies, losses, and abatement strategies for peri-urban dairy production systems

Manure management is an important aspect of urban livestock production that has a profound impact on metropolitan living. Data were collected from 28 dairy farms in peri-urban Beijing and analysed to determine farm nitrogen and phosphorus flows and costs associated with various manure management options to reduce nutrient losses. Dairy production in peri-urban Beijing was characterized by its use of high protein diets (16.3–17.0% crude protein), high reliance on imported feeds (92–98%), and low manure recycling (3.0–10.8%). Farms of 900–2000 cattle showed lower use efficiencies than farms of <900 cattle. Costs of manure handling ranged from 0.1 to 1.0 Yuan kg−1 milk. Among various manure treatment options, biogas digesters with aerobic lagoons had the lowest N losses and costs, justifying their investments. In conclusion, peri-urban dairy production systems were contrasting with traditional systems and within their own systems in nutrient use efficiency and losses, which was mainly decided by their farm size. To improve the nutrient use efficiencies and reduce losses, farmers and managers of peri-urban dairy production system should have a full awareness of different feed intake and manure management.

The contribution of livestock to urban resilience: the case of Bamako, Mali

Urban livestock keeping is increasing in many sub-Saharan African cities, but detailed contextual information on its extent, challenges, and potential is limited. A cross-sectional household study was done in 2010 in Bamako, Mali. Thirty-two of 67 quarters were randomly selected with selection probability proportional to the size of the human population of the communes. Questionnaire interviews were done with a head of household in 1141 households, comprising 19,816 people in total. Sheep were kept by 16% (95% CI 14–18), while 21% (95% CI 17–24) kept poultry. The sheep to human ratio was 4:100, with an extrapolated city-wide population of 67,636 sheep (95% CI 61,018–75,595). The poultry to human ratio was 11:100, with an extrapolated city-wide population of 191,802 chickens (95% CI 176,212–208,772). For urban livestock holders, household-level enterprise gross margins were calculated for sheep production at USD 103 and poultry production at USD 50 annually. The annual gross margin was estimated at USD 35 per sheep and USD 17 per chicken. Based on these figures, the city-wide urban livestock total gross margin for Bamako in 2010 was estimated at USD 5.6 million. Detailed population data help clarify the urban livestock animal human interface in diverse contexts and highlight the important contributions that urban small-holder production adds to food security and resilience. The potential for urban livestock production informs decision-makers in developing adapted, sustainable policies in resource-constrained environments.

Analysis of factors influencing standard farmland values with regard to stronger interventions in the German farmland market

Considerable increases of farmland prices have led to discussions as to whether stronger interventions in farmland markets are necessary or not. However, altered or new interventions in farmland markets should be based on previous analyses of factors causing price differences. To give more insight in the German farmland market, a general spatial model of standard farmland values for arable land in the federal state North Rhine-Westphalia is estimated using municipal level cross-section data. Results indicate high competition for arable land. Urban sprawl and livestock production are the main price drivers. In Germany, a set of legal regulations exists that reinforce these price-increasing impacts and, hence, have counterproductive effects on interventions aiming to reduce price increases. Therefore, it should be more effective and efficient to alter existing regulations that reinforce the price-increasing impacts instead of creating new regulations.

Urban Livestock Keeping in the City of Nairobi: Diversity of Production Systems, Supply Chains, and Their Disease Management and Risks

Urban livestock keeping in developing cities have an important role in food security and livelihoods but can also pose a significant threat to the environment and health of urban dwellers. The aim of this study was to identify the different livestock systems in Nairobi, their supply chains, and their management and food safety risks. Seven focus group discussions with livestock production officers in charge of each major Nairobi sub-county were conducted. Data were collected on the type of systems existing for each livestock species and their supply chains, disease management, food safety risks, and general husbandry and gender factors. Supply chain flow diagrams and thematic analysis of the data was done. Results of the study show a large variability of livestock keeping in Nairobi. The majority were small scale with: <5 dairy cows, 1–6 dairy goats, <10 small ruminants, <20 pigs, 200–500 broilers, 300–500 layers, <10 indigenous chickens, or <20 rabbits. Beef keeping was mainly described as a “by the way” system or done by traders to fatten animals for 3 month. Supply chain analysis indicated that most dairy farmers sold milk directly to consumers due to “lack of trust” of these in traders. Broiler and pig farmers sold mainly to traders but are dependent on few large dominating companies for their replacement or distribution of products. Selling directly to retailers or consumers (including own consumption), with backyard slaughtering, were important chains for small-scale pig, sheep and goat, and indigenous chicken keepers. Important disease risk practices identified were associated with consumption of dead and sick animals, with underground network of brokers operating for ruminant products. Qualified trained health managers were used mainly by dairy farmers, and large commercial poultry and pig farmers, while use of unqualified health managers or no treatment were common in small-scale farming. Control of urban livestock keepers was reported difficult due to their “feeling of being outlaws,” “lack of trust” in government, “inaccessibility” in informal settlements, “lack of government funding,” or “understaffing.” Findings are useful for designing policies to help to control urban livestock production and minimize its associated health and environment risks.

Emerging Development Pathways of Urban Livestock Production in Rapidly Growing West Africa Cities

In this study, we try to capture the degree of specialization or integration, and of intensification or extensification, of (peri-) urban livestock production, along with the factors that influence such decisions and their impact on natural resource uses. A total of 181 and 187 structured questionnaires were completed in livestock-keeping households in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) and Tamale (Ghana). Categorical principal component and two-step cluster analysis were used to identify homogenous groups of livestock-keeping households. Cross tabulation and logistic regression analysis revealed factors that influence livestock husbandry, showing their impacts on resource use by livestock keepers in the two cities. A diversity of livestock species was kept, mostly integrated with crop farming. Yet, some households specialized in either sheep, pig or commercial milk production, and partly intensified their production. The decision to specialize and/or intensify livestock production is site-specific and influenced by the education level of the household head and security of land ownership. Higher inputs in livestock systems do not necessarily lead to higher outputs, and specialization inevitably leads to higher manure wastages. Therefore, links of livestock producers to crop farmers and markets for livestock manure must be strengthened to enable recycling of resources and limit negative externalities of specialized livestock production. Strategies need to be identified to improve livestock productivity by enhancing outputs as input use increases.

Impact of Urban Livestock Production on Groundwater Quality in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

Groundwater is the main source of water for most city dwellers in Nigeria. In this study, the impacts of urban livestock production on groundwater quality in Kaduna metropolis were assessed through water quality monitoring. Groundwater samples were collected from wells located around 2 abattoirs (Tudunwada and Kawo abattoirs) and in 8 livestock-keeping households for a 6-month period (July- December). Physico-chemical analyses were conducted on the samples using standard methods. Results indicate that groundwater is negatively impacted in terms of 5-day biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, nitrate-nitrogen, total phosphorus and cadmium; and this impact is of great concern as the values for these parameters are well in excess of established limits. There is negative impact in terms of pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and zinc but this impact is not a concern as most of the values are within limits. However, no impact was observed on groundwater quality in terms of calcium as it showed no definite pattern of variation. Similarly, iron exhibited very low concentrations in the samples with a few exceptions in the months of July and August for the two abattoir sites. Lead was not detected in any of the samples throughout the study period. This study indicates that livestock keeping and processing activities have negative impact on groundwater quality in Kaduna metropolis. The groundwater pollution due to urban livestock production emanates from point sources and control measures can be easily applied.

Gathering “wild” food in the city: rethinking the role of foraging in urban ecosystem planning and management

Recent “green” planning initiatives envision food production, including urban agriculture and livestock production, as desirable elements of sustainable cities. We use an integrated urban political ecology and human–plant geographies framework to explore how foraging for “wild” foods in cities, a subversive practice that challenges prevailing views about the roles of humans in urban green spaces, has potential to also support sustainability goals. Drawing on research from Baltimore, New York City, Philadelphia, and Seattle, we show that foraging is a vibrant and ongoing practice among diverse urban residents in the USA. At the same time, as reflected in regulations, planning practices, and attitudes of conservation practitioners, it is conceptualised as out of place in urban landscapes and an activity to be discouraged. We discuss how paying attention to urban foraging spaces and practices can strengthen green space planning and summarise opportunities for and challenges associated with including foragers and their concerns.

A comparison between urban livestock production strategies in Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria in West Africa

We undertook a comparative analysis of (peri-)urban livestock production strategies across three West African cities. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, livestock-keeping households (HH) were interviewed in Kano/Nigeria (84 HH), Bobo Dioulasso/Burkina Faso (63 HH) and Sikasso/Mali (63 HH). Questions covered livestock species kept, herd sizes and structure, feeds used, manure management, livestock marketing and production constraints. Sheep and goats dominated (p < 0.001) in Kano (76 and 75 % of HH) compared to Bobo Dioulasso (48 and 40 %) and Sikasso (28 and 40 %), while cattle and poultry were more frequent (p < 0.001) in Bobo Dioulasso (82 and 69 % of HH) and Sikasso (65 and 79 %) than in Kano (29 and 20 %). Across cities, ruminant feeding relied on grazing and homestead supplementation with fresh grasses, crop residues, cereal brans and cottonseed cake; cereal grains and brans were major ingredients of poultry feeds. Cattle and sheep fetched highest prices in Kano, unit prices for goats and chicken were highest in Sikasso. Across cities there was little association of gardens and livestock, whereas field cropping and livestock were integrated. There was no relation between the education of the HH head and the adoption of improved management practices (p > 0.05), but the proportion of HH heads with a long-term experience in UPA activities was higher in Kano and in Bobo Dioulasso than in Sikasso (p < 0.001). We therefore postulate that the high illiteracy rate among (peri-)urban livestock keepers in West Africa does not threaten the acceptance of improved technologies and innovations supporting the sustainability of their livestock production.

Utilization of Market Crop Wastes as Animal Feed in Urban and Peri-Urban Livestock Production in Uganda

Household-level factors underlying the use of market crop wastes as animal feed in Kampala, Uganda were assessed. Nearly half of the animal farmers in Kampala have at some time used these wastes to feed animals. Banana peels were the most commonly used, followed by cabbage leaves and sweet potato vines. Banana peels and sweet potato vines were chiefly obtained at a fee, while wastes such as bean pods were entirely free. The average distance from the market to the home was 10.3 km. Transportation costs, contamination, lack of knowledge and the wastes not being free were the major challenges faced.

Cities feeding people: an update on urban agriculture in equatorial Africa

For several decades, a diverse literature has claimed that urban agriculture has the potential for hunger and poverty alleviation. This article reviews empirical data from equatorial Africa that touch on this assertion, updating the work on the subject published in the mid-1990s. Research, largely from East Africa but also including Cameroon in West Central Africa, appearing in several recent and currently emerging publications is assessed and compared. The article attempts to quantify the extent of urban agriculture in several cities based on the proportion of urban households involved, and assesses its statistical and qualitative relationship to urban food and nutrition security as well as its complex relationship to poverty. The role of urban agriculture in closing eco-cycles is discussed in important new data from three cities on how organic solid waste is, or is not, being re-used. Recent efforts in policy-making in three East African cities are reviewed, prior to making a policy analysis. The article concludes that the scale and extent of urban agriculture is increasing with, or perhaps in excess of, urban growth according to available data, and that it is beneficial to human health as well as to hunger and poverty alleviation. Urban livestock production and land availability are particularly beneficial. Poverty alleviation through urban agriculture could be both better understood and supported by appropriate policy measures, since better-off households are currently benefiting more from urban agriculture than the majority of poor households. Nutrient cycling through urban agriculture is enhanced by small mixed crop—livestock farms, which are the “backbone of urban farming systems”. Recent policy measures emerging in the region suggest positive future direction.

Impact of Armed Conflicts on Urban Livestock Production in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

Livestock production, including small ruminant keeping, constitutes an important component of urban agriculture throughout the world. Armed conflicts may influence agriculture and livestock production in particular, but the specific impact of armed conflicts on urban livestock production is not well documented for Africa. This paper analyses that impact on urban livestock keeping in Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of Congo. Brazzaville has experienced a series of armed conflicts since 1993; the most dramatic event in 1997 was a serious threat for the population and the livestock keepers. Two surveys, one before the war (1993) and one after the war (2002), indicate that the conflict had a negative impact on livestock keeping, as most livestock keepers lost their animals. Financial resources were an important factor in rebuilding the flock after 1997. Further factors related to restarting livestock activities were: past experience in livestock raising; location; being the owner of the plot; and possessing Congolese nationality.

Resource use efficiency in urban and peri-urban sheep, goat and cattle enterprises

Urban livestock husbandry receives growing attention given the increasing urban demand for livestock products. At the same time, little is known about the resource use efficiency in urban livestock enterprises and eventual negative externalities. In livestock production, feeds are an important resource whose nutrients are transformed into products (meat and milk) to generate financial return to the producer. The lack of knowledge on nutrient supply through feed might lead to oversupply with severe environmental impacts. In Niamey, a typical West African city and capital of the Republic of Niger, urban livestock production is constrained by feed scarcity, especially during the dry season. Here, the issue of resource use efficiency was studied in 13 representative and differently managed sheep/goat and cattle enterprises characterized by high and low feed inputs, respectively, during a period of 28 months. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) inflows into each farm through livestock feeds and outflows through manure were determined using a semi-structured questionnaire; interviews were accompanied by regular weighing of feed supplied and dung produced. Live weight gain (LWG) and efficiency of conversion of total feed dry matter offered (kg TDMO/kg LWG) were computed along with nutrient balances (NBs) per metabolic body mass (kg0.75). NBs (per kg0.75/day) in the high-input (HI) sheep/goat enterprises were +1762.4 mg N, +127.2 mg P and +1363.5 mg K and were significantly greater (P < 0.05) than those in low-input (LI) units (+69.1 mg N, −98.3 mg P and +16.5 mg K). In HI cattle enterprises, daily balances averaged +454.1 mg N, +40.1 mg P and +341.8 mg K compared to +34.4 mg N, −9.0 mg P and +68.3 mg K (P > 0.05) in LI cattle systems. All systems were characterized by poor conversion efficiencies of offered feed, which ranged from 13.5 to 46.1 kg TDMO/kg LWG in cattle and from 15.7 to 43.4 kg TDMO/kg LWG in sheep/goats. LWG in HI sheep/goats was 53 g/day in the rainy season, 86 g/day in the hot dry season and 104 g/day in the cool dry season, while HI cattle lost 79 g/day in the hot dry season and gained 121 g/day and 92 g/day in the cool dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The data indicate that there is nutrient wasting and scope for improvement of feeding strategies in Niamey’s livestock enterprises, which might also decrease nutrient losses to the urban environment.