INTRODUCTION Generally, sheep and goats flocks are reared on grazing land in relatively large groups relying on low inputs in terms of feed, water and labor, and possess high thermos-tolerance compared to large ruminants such as cattle and are critical for food security and livelihood, especially under extreme stressful and diverse climatic environments (Joy et al., 2020) particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions where this sector undertakes a significant role (Berihulay et al., 2019). Small ruminants are particularly well-suited to these regions because they are adapted to harsh, dry conditions and can subsist on low-quality feed (Kumar and Roy, 2013). Their role in these areas extends beyond basic substance. In Jordan, pastoral livestock production is mainly located in the Badia (Abu- Zanat, et al., 2005). Numbers of sheep and goats raised in the North-Eastern Badia Basalt Plateau of Jordan at the end of 2021 were around 304,242 and 31,777 heads respectively, distributed among 2,599 farmers (MOA, 2021). These animals make up Awad, R., A.M. Brahmi, H. Titi, M. Jaouad and A.G. Boubaker. 2023. Assessing the small ruminant value chain in arid regions: A case study of the North- Eastern Badia Basalt Plateau in Jordan. Journal of Global Innovations in Agricultural Sciences 11:549-560. [Received 10 Oct 2023; Accepted 10Dec 2023; Published 22 Dec 2023] Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) 26.2% of the entire small ruminant flocks in Jordan, which were approximately 3.95 million heads (MOA, 2021). However, despite adaptive traits that enable these animals to thrive in arid and semi -arid environments, the increased temperatures and declining amounts of precipitation associated with other climate change impacts in Jordan have amplified the limiting factors of small ruminant productivity there (Al-Khaza’leh et al., 2020). Value chains provide a clear understanding of the actors, activities, services, opportunities and challenges related to the flow of specific products of small ruminants and associated services, from input suppliers and farmers to final buyers/ consumers (Alary et al., 2009; Duguma et al., 2012; Shah et al., 2015a). Value chains are also used as a structured tool for evaluating potential development interventions (Gebregziabhear, 2018). In arid and semi- arid regions, small ruminant value chains face specific challenges due to the harsh environmental conditions and limited resources (Katiku et al., 2013) such as limited access to water (Amankwah et al., 2012); Scarcity of forage (Duguma et al., 2012); disease and health issues (Desalegn, 2020); limited J. Glob. Innov. Agric. Sci., 2023, 11(4):549-560 ISSN (Online): 2788-4546; ISSN (Print):2788-4538 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22194/JGIAS/23.1193 http://www.jgiass.com 1 Assessing the small ruminant value chain in arid regions: A case study of the North- Eastern Badia Basalt Plateau in Jordan Rula Awad 1 , Aziza Mohamed-Brahmi 2 , Hosam Titi 3 , Mohamed Jaouad 4 and Aziza Gasmi-Boubaker 1 1 Department of Animal Production, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia. Carthage University. Tunisia; 2 LR14AGR04: Support for the Sustainability of Agricultural Production Systems in the North West Region, Ecole Supérieure d’Agriculture du Kef (ESAK), Tunisia University of Jendouba. Route Boulifa, 7119, LeKef. Tunisia; 3 Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jordan. Jordan; 4 Institute of Arid Regions Medenine, Laboratory of Economy and Rural Societies. Route du Djorf Km 22.5 Medenine. Tunisia. *Corresponding author’s e-mail: rula.a.awad@gmail.com This study aims to analyze the small ruminant value chain in the North-Eastern Badia region of Jordan, which is a significant source of income for local farmers. The objectives include characterizing the value chain, identifying stakeholders and their roles, and addressing the challenges it faces for long-term sustainability. Primary data was collected through a structured survey from 80 small ruminant holders in the district. The survey covered various aspects such as input supplies, husbandry practices, processing, marketing, and consumption. Additionally, individual interviews were conducted to analyze the value chain. The findings revealed a diverse range of actors involved in the value chain, including input suppliers, producers, animal collectors, traders, processors, and consumers. The SWOT analysis highlighted key issues such as high feed costs, limited and arid rangelands, inadequate government services, and unstable decisions. Moreover, neighboring small ruminant holders near Syrian refugee camps faced challenges related to land pollution caused by the refugees. In conclusion, besides to the negative impact of the climate change on the farms management due, particularly, to the consecutive drought years, the small ruminant value chain in the study area lacks organization and is not sufficiently supported by the governmental and non-governmental entities, and the Syrian refugees’ situation. Keywords: Small ruminant, Value chain, Sustainability, SWOT analysis, Jordan, North-Eastern Badia Basalt Plateau.