The Need to Conserve Farm Animal Genetic Resources Through Community-Based Management in Africa: Should Policy Makers be Concerned?

Abstract

Standard-Nutzungsbedingungen:Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch gespeichert und kopiert werden.Sie dürfen die Dokumente nicht für öffentliche oder kommerzielle Zwecke vervielfältigen, öffentlich ausstellen, öffentlich zugänglich machen, vertreiben oder anderweitig nutzen.Sofern die Verfasser die Dokumente unter Open-Content-Lizenzen (insbesondere CC-Lizenzen) zur Verfügung gestellt haben sollten, gelten abweichend von diesen Nutzungsbedingungen die in der dort genannten Lizenz gewährten Nutzungsrechte. Terms of use: Documents in SUMMARYThis paper outlines some key factors contributing to the erosion of animal genetic resources and discusses strategic options for livestock sector policy makers to counter such erosion in their respective countries. The ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1993 represents an international consensus to conserve biodiversity including that of farm animal and plant genetic resources, which are prerequisites for food security and the improvement of agricultural productivity. In Africa, conservation of agricultural biodiversity is inbuilt into the low input -low output production strategies of smallholder farming systems. These systems are often associated with poverty in rural areas and numerous development projects have thus sought to alleviate such poverty by promoting and subsidising crossbreeding or modern reproductive technologies. However, uncontrolled crossbreeding has been and remains a serious threat to the conservation of local farm animal populations.The primary policy goal for conservation of biodiversity should focus on the diversity between and within indigenous populations of farm animals. This includes, for example, the close monitoring of crossbreeding activities with exotic breeds. The genetic and phenotypic characterisation of local breeds is a prerequisite for this purpose. Economic valuation of biodiversity in general, of breeds within given production systems and an analysis of the social welfare implications of farm animal genetic resources (FAnGR) diversity conservation although relatively complex to carry out are also important for informed policy making. Despite the difficulties involved, objectives for the conservation of a local farm animal population and opportunities to utilise its diversity to meet present and future market demands, to serve as an insurance against environmental changes such as changes in production, socioeconomic, historic and cultural conditions can be identified for research and development. To improve food security through the conservation of animal genetic resources in Africa, utilisation of local farm animal genetic resources depends on the ability of communities to decide on and implement appropriate breeding strategies. This cannot be realised without enabling policies. It is for this reason policy makers need to be concerned and should take action now.

Economic Analysis of Animal Genetic Resources and the Use of Rural Appraisal Methods: Lessons from Southeast Mexico

“…With regard to AnGR, this is particularly important as in situ community-based management of indigenous breeds is a key element in their conservation and sustainable use (e.g. see GTZ, 2001;Wollny, 2003).…”

In-situ Conservation Strategy to Safeguard Sentul Chickens in the Future

“…However, in developing countries, in-situ conservation is preferable as the keepers of AnGR are de facto conservation agents [18]. Identification of community needs, perceptions and preferences is the key strategy in conservation of AnGR [19], thus the implementation of in-situ conservation of AnGR should be done through a community-based approach [15,17,19]. It assumed that communities have a better understanding of the management of their AnGR [20].…”

Characterization and conservation of indigenous livestock genetic resources for wealth creation in tropical Africa: A review

“…But nearly one third (approximately six breeds per month become extinct) of the world's livestock breeds are currently at risk of disappearing and further erosion in animal diversity will result in the loss of options for use in increasing long-term productivity (Hammond, 2002;FAO, 2013;Alemayehu, 3013). There is already less genetic variation in farm animals than in crop plant species (ILCA, 1992;Wollny, 2001;FAO, 2007). Further erosion invites disaster as the environmental and economic risks facing small farmers and poor communities are certain to increase in coming years (ILCA, 1992;Wollny, 2001;FAO, 2007).…”

“…There is already less genetic variation in farm animals than in crop plant species (ILCA, 1992;Wollny, 2001;FAO, 2007). Further erosion invites disaster as the environmental and economic risks facing small farmers and poor communities are certain to increase in coming years (ILCA, 1992;Wollny, 2001;FAO, 2007).…”

“…This particular conservation program includes the establishment of a small population of goats as well as storage of frozen semen and embryos. Chinese Geese are also being conserved whilst hybrids of Chinese geese and foreign breeds are being tested for better growth performance and meat quality (Wollny, 2001;FAO, 2007).…”