National capacity building workshop on data collection and management of animal genetic resources

16-20 June 2025 - Lusaka, Zambia

As part of the implementation of the Global Plan of Action (GPA) on Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR), AU-IBAR) in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), are conducting capacity building workshops in four African countries (Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria and Eswatini). The overall objective is to understand the current data collection and management practices for animal genetic resources in these countries and develop a framework that support data collection and address identified gaps. This is aligned to one of the Strategic Priority Areas of the GPA 1: Characterization, Inventory and Monitoring of Trends and Associated Risks, which requires collection of breed population data so as to track changes and trends in AnGR population sizes and take necessary remedial action if breeds are under threat of extinction.  

The capacity building workshop held in Lusaka, Zambia was officially opened by Mr. Bornwell Mupeya (Director of Livestock Development) representing the Acting Permanent secretary – Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. AU-IBAR and FAO representatives, Dr. Mary Mbole-Kariuki and Mr. Gregoire Leroy, highlighted the importance of animal genetics resources and in particular breed level data so as to inform targeted government interventions.

The meeting brought together various stakeholders drawn from the public and private sectors and built unique capacities for collection of breed-level data, utilization of digital data collection tools and strengthened data management. This has informed the development of a draft national Data Collection and Management Strategy. The workshop enhanced harmonized approached between key stakeholders particularly the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock academia, and Zambian Statistics Agency.