Income-Generating Activities - Action Against Hunger

Field handbook • Scientific and Technical Department
Introduction
Understanding the determinants and trends in consumer demand for lamb is critical
for the industry to develop appropriate production and marketing strategies specific
for Armenia.
Lamb is the oldest domesticated meat species. It has been raised for over 9,000
years in the Middle East. In many countries, lamb is the major source of meat eaten,
while others consider it to be seasonal (spring). Lamb and mutton were major source
of meat eaten in Armenia for thousands of years and continues to be widely eaten
today. It is important to know the market trends in order to develop or improve a specific
area(s) of production. The level of consumption, the consumer preference on
meat meals, the preference / situation on milk and wool market –should be studied in
a global manner.
Lamb & mutton market situation in Armenia
1. Demographics of Armenia
According to the Armenia’s 2003 Statistical Yearbook, the population consists of
more than 3.2 million people as of January 1, 2003. The gender and age ratio is presented
in the graph 1. According to this graph, there is a gender balance at most ages.
Graph 1 Population Pyramid for 2003, age and sex distribution for the year 2003
Armenia: 2003
MALE
FEMALE
80+
75-79
70-74
65-69
60-64
55-59
50-54
45-49
40-44
35-39
30-34
25-29
20-24
15-19
10-14
5-9
0-4
200 150 100 50 0 0 50 100 150 200
Population (in thousands)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Data Base.
INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITIES: A KEY CONCEPT IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURTIY
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