Disaggregating Ghana’s National Cattle population for Tier 2 reporting
Domozoro, C.Y.F2#, Avornyo, F.K3., Sarkwa, F.O4., Marfo-Ahenkorah, E.2, Addah, W5., Sottie, E.T.2, Antwi, C.6, Idan, F.6, Ofori, S.A.7, Afedo, S.7, Ehumah, E.1, Senanu, C.6, and Konlan S.P3.; Ndao, S8. Yeboah, E1.,
1Council for Scientific and Industrial Research- Soil Research Institute, Kumasi
2Council for Scientific and Industrial Research- Animal Research Institute, Frafraha, Accra
3Council for Scientific and Industrial Research- Animal Research Institute, Nyankpala Station, Tamale
4Livestock and Poultry Research Centre, University of Ghana, Legon
5Department of Animal Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale
6Department of Animal Science, Kwame University of Science and Technology, Kumasi
7Department of Animal Science, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast 
8Ag Emission Centre, West Africa Office, Senegal
# Correspondence: fosu_way@hotmail.com; cdomozoro@ccst.edu.gh; fosu.way@gmail.com  

Abstract:

The cattle population in Ghana has been reported at varied intervals since independence, with regular annual data available from 1990 to 2022. However, the figures are presented as a single estimated total for each year, lacking detail on sub-categories, regions, production systems, breeds, or ecozones. Detailed disaggregated data is essential for effective livestock management, policy formulation, and resource allocation, as it enhances understanding of cattle distribution and their environmental and economic impacts. Efforts to disaggregate the national cattle figures based on existing literature and expert judgments show that the Guinea savanna zone has 75% of the cattle population, the coastal savanna zone has 5%, and the transition zone has 20%. Large frame cattle represent 17.78%, while small frame cattle make up 82.22%. In production systems, 90% of cattle are in extensive grazing, 6% in stall feeding, and 4% in dairy production. The structure of the herd varies across different production systems, and this variation has now been standardised to reflect the various systems. Over the past three decades, the national cattle population has increased by 95.57%, averaging annual growth of 2.99% over 32 years. With these advancements, Ghana has developed a workable disaggregated national cattle population dataset, which is essential for addressing cattle-related greenhouse gas emissions and for effective planning and management. However, there is still a need for further disaggregation based on breed; account for localised variations, and also account for the number of transhumant cattle that traverse the country annually.