Sustainable management of globally significant endemic ruminant livestock in West Africa (PROGEBE)
Due to demographic pressure, drought, but also human activity (e.g. deforestation, agriculture and bush fires), several species of endemic ruminant livestock breeds are threatened with extinction or dilution of their specific genetic traits. Their natural habitats are also increasingly being invaded by exotic livestock and converted into agricultural land with widespread deforestation due to strong demand for wood energy. Therefore, this project aims at preserving and sustainably strengthening the genetic characteristics of endemic livestock, increasing their productivity, and marketing them in an enabling physical and institutional environment. The 10-year project is funded by the UN Global Environment Facility and the African Development Bank.
Objectives/Goals
The overall goal of the project is to ensure sustainable populations of targeted endemic ruminant livestock breeds in four West African countries, in order to improve rural economies and to ensure the conservation of these breeds and their globally unique genetic traits. The specific objectives of the project are:
1) Establishment of effective models for community based management of endemic ruminant livestock and their habitat at project pilot sites;
2) Enhanced productivity of purebred species through selective breeding and production improvements;
3) Implementation of incentive schemes to foster optimal valorization of endemic livestock, improved marketing and distribution channels for dairy products and crafts, and increased offtake and exports of endemic purebreds to neighboring countries;
4) Harmonized sub-regional policies for livestock management, including transhumance (herd movements);
5) A system of regional information sharing, cooperation and exchanges relevant to endemic ruminant livestock
Expected Outcomes
1) Production and productivity of endemic ruminant livestock is sustainably improved
2) Commercialization and marketing systems of endemic ruminant livestock and livestock products are strengthened
3) Natural resources in project pilot sites conserved and sustainably managed for the benefit of endemic ruminant livestock, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods
4) Legal, policy and institutional frameworks established at the local, national, and sub-regional level for in-situ conservation of endemic ruminant livestock
5) A sub-regional system is established for cooperation, information exchange, and coordinated support for the conservation of endemic livestock
