THE ECONOMICS OF RECENTLY INTRODUCED VILLAGE CATTLE PRODUCTION IN A TSETSE AFFECTED AREA .1. TRYPANOTOLERANT NDAMA CATTLE IN ZAIRE

Trypanosomiasis, a disease transmitted by the tsetse fly, is a major c onstraint to livestock production and mixed farming in Africa. Due to the prevalence of trypanosomiasis and skin diseases in much of Zaire, it was concluded that cattle production was only feasible through the introduction of trypanotolerant cattle. This study examines the econom ics of village cattle production using N'Dama, a trypanotolerant breed , in a tsetse affected area which was until recently devoid of cattle. A social-level economic analysis and a private-level financial analys is were performed using a herd model. The study reveals that cattle pr oduction was profitable socially and privately, and that the cattle le ase scheme provided substantially higher returns than if farmers had t o purchase all their stock. The introductory scheme was successful as cattle ave now part of the farming system and their numbers have been increasing. Results suggest that introducing N'Dama cattle into villag e farming systems of areas with no tradition in cattle husbandry is fe asible and profitable.