Stakeholder involvement and the management of animal genetic resources across the world

Abstract

The sustainability of activities related to animal genetic resources (AnGR) management depends largely on the participation of a range of stakeholders, both public and private. In this study, we investigated factors explaining differences in stakeholder involvement in AnGR management across countries, based on an historical perspective and an analysis of the 128 official country reports provided during preparation of The Second Report on the State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Results of principal component analyses indicated that countries differed in the involvement of stakeholders in AnGR management, generally with greater involvement of livestock breeders and their organizations in developed countries. Developing countries tended to be divided into two groups, those with little involvement by stakeholders and those with high involvement by government/research organizations. Depending on the country, the involvement of government/research organizations versus breeders/livestock keepers organizations and commercial companies also differed, which could be linked to some extent to their historical background. The level of involvement of breeders 'associations or cooperatives was positively correlated (r=0.68) to the general extent of AnGR activities within the country. Our results underline the importance of involving breeders and livestock keepers in the development of management activities, while public support is required as well, especially in the early stages of capacity development. In developing countries, development policies relative to AnGR management should therefore seek to promote coordination among livestock keepers through creation and empowerment of cooperatives, associations or community-based approaches.

Strategies for Sustainable Use of Indigenous Cattle Genetic Resources in Southern Africa

“…Some countries in the region have well developed public and private institutions, which can be used for in situ conservation herds [51]. Leroy et al [52] recommended that the success of a breeding scheme should be compatible with the breeding objective of the farming system. It was further suggested that there should be greater collaboration with smallholder farmers complemented with market incentives and institutional support services [53].…”

“…To effectively implement the suggested strategies for sustainable use of indigenous cattle breeds, partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders (Figure 1) in the preparation and implementation of a strategic long-term plan is essential. Stakeholder participation is important because cattle genetic resources are commonly managed as a common good involving private and public interests [52]. Stakeholder involvement includes participation in animal-, marketing-, and policy-level activities.…”

Performance and Usability of Smartglasses for Augmented Reality in Precision Livestock Farming Operations

“…Historical knowledge and individual productivity are fundamental for flock grouping [27], especially for feeding strategies [28,29] and genetic improvement programs [30], which consist of identifying and grouping animals with predetermined characteristics (mainly milk yield and prolificacy). Moreover, these programs require a considerable amount of human, animal and material resources [31,32]. The identification and grouping of animals for breeding purposes is often highly labor-intensive, commonly involving from two to three operators.…”

Organisations nationales et instruments de gestion de l’amélioration génétique des bovins laitiers : une comparaison entre la France, l’Irlande et les Pays-Bas

“…Ils soulignent notamment l'augmentation de la concurrence entre les acteurs qui coopéraient auparavant, la libéralisation des activités de sélection et, des changements dans la gouvernance des races animales. Une étude comparative récente à l'échelle internationale (Leroy et al, 2017) souligne la nécessité d'une coopération des acteurs publics et privés dans le management des ressources génétiques animales et met en avant l'importance de l'implication des éleveurs. Pourtant, ce sont ces mêmes dimensions qui se trouvent questionnées dans le contexte des changements technologique et règlementaire actuels.…”