A socio-economic assessment of cavy production in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

The general objective of this study was to improve the livelihoods of cavy farmers in the Western highlands of Cameroun by describing their socio-economic characteristics, identifying cavy market chains, estimating the contribution of cavy production to livelihood and identifying specific constraints to increased cavy production. Data were collected from 250 cavy farmers and 12 cavy traders by the use of structured pretested questionnaires. The computer program SPSS was used for data analysis. The results revealed that people of all age groups keep cavies, but majority were women. Motivations for cavy keeping were for income generation, manure and meat production. Cavy markets exist and cavy traders play a central role in cavy production and marketing. Challenges farmers face include: inbreeding, seasonal lack of forages and inadequate finances. Despite these, cavy farming remains a key source of income and a sustainable livelihood amelioration mechanism for smallholder.