Characterizing sheep farming systems to improve sustainability approaches and enhance policy implementation.

The diversity of agricultural systems calls for tailored policies, yet they often remain too generic. In the case of sheep production, vital to many countries' economies, genetic improvement requires in-depth analysis, classification of systems, and identification of specific features to develop effective, context-specific strategies. In this context, the study aims to characterize sheep production systems in order to improve sustainability practices and enhance policy implementation. This survey was carried outin 64 sheep farms located across 15 municipalities in the M'sila region;center Algeria, which is renowned for its sheep farming tradition that has lasted for centuries.Multivariate analyses play a crucial role in delineating the intricacies of the sheep farming system. Factors such as herd size, farming systems, sheephold, batching, and breed are pivotal considerations in studies pertaining to the sheep farming system, given their notable discriminant power. In addition to these variables, elements such as the profile, intellectual level, and age of breeders, the significance of sheep farming to breeders, hygiene practices, estrus management, and timing of mating emerged as key determinants in characterizing the farming systems within the M'Sila region. This study highlights the complexity and diversity of sheep farming systems in the M'Sila region, emphasizing the need for tailored policies based on detailed system analysis. The salient findings of this research provide a robust model for policy formulation. They underscore that effective, context-specific policies must integrate both technical and socio-economic factors to address the unique challenges of sheep farming. By tailoring strategies to local conditions and emphasizing genetic improvement, sustainability practices, and rigorous management, these insights can serve as a powerful policy instrument to enhance the resilience and productivity of sheep production systems globally.