Variety of contributions of livestock farming systems based on local breeds. the points of view of breeders of three Mediterranean sheep breeds

Abstract

The diversity of contributions provided by livestock farming systems based on local breeds alongside to the food and non-food production is rarely analyzed. However, it is essential to a better understanding of the ways to manage these breeds. This research examines the diversity of these contributions brought to light by soliciting the points of view of breeders raising one of three local sheep breeds from the Mediterranean hinterland. Eight contributions were highlighted with analyzing 22 surveys in livestock farming systems. In addition, to "providing livestock products", these livestock farming systems based on local breeds contribute to "managing agro-biodiversity", "promoting the local resource" or to "elaborate a network of exchange between breeders". These contributions can be, on the one hand, specified for each farmer and, on the other hand, linked to other contributions which are also identified. The authors detail the contributions that are linked to a multiplicity of livestock breeders'relationships, with each other and with other actors, and the contributions that are linked to a particular inscription in the community, before discussing these results.