Animal Genetic Resources
Project Brief/Background
Strategy and Approach
The overall strategy of the project is to facilitate and fast track the implementation of the Global Plan of Action (GPA) for sustainable use of AnGR in Africa for which the continent is lagging behind. The project will also focus on building capacity for effective formulation and implementation of policies and strategies for the management of AnGR and create awareness for its inclusion into national and regional agricultural investment priorities.
In order to provide systematic support to the conservation and management of AnGR, the chosen project strategy is to make interventions at two levels:
- At the Regional level, the project will address issues related to harmonization of national policies, and regional policies for transboundary breeds. The project will also exploit regional complementarity and pools of resources for the establishment of regional gene banks that are only cost effective if manage at regional level, and create the institutional environment for the implementation of the GPA at regional level.
- At the National level, the project will build capacity for formulation of national policies and strategies as well as national action plan for the implementation of the GPA, ensure mainstreaming of the AnGR concept in national sectoral and inter-sectoral plans, strategies and policies.
The project will build consensus on the methodology and tools for the characterization and inventory of AnGR. For most of indigenous African AnGR the boundaries between distinct populations are unclear. Criteria for their characterization are often disputable and varied according to the literature consulted. This has many at time led to inappropriate or conflicting decisions on the management of these resources.
The project has identified proper channels through which the generated information will reach the potential beneficiaries. Such channels include policy briefs, specialized dissemination and training sessions on the use of the data tailored to the needs of various target groups, use of community radios and local publications in local languages. The project will partner with other projects, global fora to create access and also disseminate information.
Geographical Coverage
The programme will have a continental coverage. It will work at national level with AU Member States. The first result on The Status and trends of animal genetic resources will focused only on 34 African member States of the Regional Economic Communities of ECOWAS, ECCAS, EAC and IGAD.
Because of the important overlapping of RECs on the continent (many countries belong to two RECs or more), support provided to countries through the RECs will need to follow specific guidelines to avoid duplication of efforts. The country allocation per REC will be done in a participatory manner before the beginning of the implementation, and all countries will be given the opportunity to choose the REC they want to collaborate with, in line with the approach used for other AU-IBAR continental projects.
The main beneficiaries of the action will be livestock owners in target countries, especially those who rely on livestock production for their livelihoods, and members of breeders' associations. Other beneficiaries will be technical staff and decision makers of national, regional and continental institutions and research centres involved in policy development, design of intervention strategies and support tools, and implementation of specific activities. Indirect beneficiaries will be local communities benefitting from biodiversity conservation measures. The exhaustive list of beneficiaries and their quantification, disaggregated per gender, will be finalized during the inception phase of the action.
Outcomes/Objectives
The Overall objective is to enhance the contribution of livestock to food security, and economic growth in Africa.
The specific objective is to strengthen the capacity of countries and Regional Economic Communities to sustainably use and conserve African animal genetic resources through institutionalising national and regional policy, legal and technical instruments.
Result 1: The Status and trends of animal genetic resources in West, Central and East Africa established.
Result 2: Policy frameworks for the sustainable use of AnGR developed.
Result 3: National and regional conservation and improvement strategies and initiatives strengthened or established.
Result 4: Knowledge, attitude and practice of the contribution of livestock and livestock sector to economic growth, food security and poverty reduction, promoted.
Stakeholders
AU-IBAR
The Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is the African Union's technical organ for livestock issues. IBAR will lead and coordinate the implementation given its institutional position its mandate and specific politically endorsed role in the execution of the CAADP, be the lead institution and coordinator for the programme. In its strategic plan 2010-2014, AU-IBAR has a major programme of enhancing Africa's capacity to conserve and sustainably use its animal resources and their natural resource base. The objective of this programme is to catalyse the development of policies and actions that will lead to the sustainable use and management of animal resources and the natural resource base on which they depend. Activities under this programme will contribute to the reduction in loss of genetic diversity of livestock, wildlife and fish resources, reduction of conflicts over natural resource use, improved governance and sustainable management of natural resources, coordination mechanism for pooling resources of multiple Member States in the conservation of animal genetic resources, improved awareness by policy makers and the general public.
It also spells out clearly the role it will play in strengthening the capacity of African countries to conserve and sustainably uses its AnGR through the development of policies and regulatory frameworks and the promotion of actions to implement them.
RECs (ECOWAS, ECCAS, EAC, IGAD and SADC)
Given their lead role in the implementation of the CAADP agenda and their coordination and harmonization role of regional livestock matters, the Regional Economic Communities are crucial in the implementation of the project and also beneficiaries of the programme. They will on one side play an active role in the implementation using their convening power at regional level, and will be instrumental in mainstreaming AnGR priorities into national and regional agricultural investment plans.
The Members States
To ensure sustainability and ownership, the proposed action will be implemented in close collaboration with state actors. All the ministries and other public good providers that intervene in the animal production sector (including in the design and enforcement of regulatory frameworks, required for the preservation of AnGR) will be involved in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the proposed action. It is envisaged that priority will be given to states actors in direct implementation with non state actors providing technical backstopping and capacity building where and when necessary.
Livestock Breeders Associations
There are a number of Livestock Breeders Associations across the regions that aim at promoting livestock farming including genetic resource management. Livestock Breeders Associations are guardians of a vital pool of biodiversity that needs conserving. They strive to represent the interests of their Members on issues that impact upon their profitability and sustainability. They act as lobbying group for the voices of livestock breeders at national level to influence national policies and also as platform to transmit knowledge and technological innovations.
The following regional and international livestock research institutions will be involved in the project in the formulation of harmonized standards and protocols for the characterization and inventory of AnGR as well as the establishment in the gene banks and ex situ conservation (cryogenic storage). The project will benefit from their experience, lessons learnt and best practices from their previous or ongoing research work on AnGR. These institutions are:
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
Based in Nairobi (Kenya), is part of the Consultative Group on International Agronomic Research (CGIAR). Its mission is to boost scientific knowledge and technical abilities in a bid to improve the standard of living of poor stockbreeders. ILRI works in association with other national and international organizations involved in the domains of livestock research, training and information. ILRI research programmes focus mainly on characterizing indigenous breeds globally, conserving them and improving methods of use of livestock. The database DAGRIS developed by ILRI will be revamped and linked to the AU-IBAR ARIS database as it Animal Genetic component.
The International Trypanotolerance Centre (ITC)
The International Trypanotolerance Centre (ITC) is an autonomous regional institution for research on agriculture and stockbreeding with headquarters in Banjul (The Gambia). Although the original goal of the Centre was to conduct research on and multiplication of N'Dama cattle, its mission has been expanded to enhancing livestock productivity in West Africa through optimum and sustainable use of genetically resistant local breeds to foster the well-being of the population. ITC is seeking to develop genetically improved breeds of N'Dama cattle and Djallonké sheep and goats, in partnership with national agricultural research networks.
Le Centre International de Recherche-Developpement sur l'Elevage en zone subhumide (CIRDES)
Le Centre International de Recherche-Developpement sur l'Elevage en zone subhumide (CIRDES) based in Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso) conducts research and development on livestock in the sub-region (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger and Togo). It lays emphasis on applied research, which is indispensable for development, training for its technical and agro-pastoral staff as well as transfer of new technologies in the domain of stockbreeding. It conducts research on parasitic diseases, animal production, stockbreeding systems and their integration into agriculture and on environmental protection.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO's Animal Production and Health Division (AGA) strives to assist Member countries to take full advantage of the contribution the rapidly growing and transforming livestock sector can make towards achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Within the MDGs, the Division has a particular focus on MDGs 1 and 7, namely to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger and to ensure environmental sustainability. To this end, AGA endeavours to facilitate the participation of smallholder livestock farmers, particularly in developing countries, in the increasingly competitive market for livestock commodities, to safeguard animal and veterinary public health, to maintain animal genetic diversity, and to minimize the environmental impact of livestock production. AGA's overall strategy in guiding the development of the livestock sector towards socially desirable outcomes focuses on promoting international cooperation to safeguard the three global public goods most affected by changes in the sector, namely equity, veterinary public health, and the sustainability of the environment and the natural resources used in animal production.
Results and Activities
1Result 1: The Status and trends of animal genetic resources in West, Central and East Africa established.
The baseline characterization and inventory of AnGR are fundamental for breed improvement and conservation programmes, and for contingency planning to protect valuable resources at risk. However, according to The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (SoW), population size is missing for over two-thirds of African breed populations. The gaps in data and information on the breeds and their production systems are obstacles to the effective sharing of data and information within and between countries, which hinders the joint development of trans-boundary breeds.
The activities in this result area will mainly aim at taking stock of the existing situation and generate knowledge and evidences that will be used for policy dialogue and guidance, advocacy and awareness raising, under the other three result areas. Under this result the following activities are envisaged:
Activity 1. Establish the state of AnGR in Africa to identify threatened ruminant breeds and breeds at risk of extinction
Under this activity, a comprehensive and systematic inventory of existing AnGR will be conducted so as to establish the status on AnGR.
This will build on existing documentation and bibliography, which has been produced in abundance on this subject, but mainly during the two decades following independences, and therefore need updating.
At country levels, national consultants will produce national inventories detailing animal populations per species and breeds, including population trends. A particular focus will be given to endangered breeds, for which a detailed census will be performed when possible (or estimates when census is not feasible). The protocol, guidelines and template developed in activity 1 of the result 4 will be used for this exercise. Data collected at national level will be analyse at regional level so as to identify national and transboundary breeds at risk.
Activity 2. An inventory and assessment of existing policies and regulations on the use of animal genetic resources including genetic improvement of livestock in Africa
In parallel to the inventory conducted under activity 1 above, a similar exercise will be conducted at countries' level, as well as at regional level, to identify existing policy, strategy or regulatory frameworks related to management of animal genetic resources.
Activity 3. Assessment of the genetic impact of livestock production systems (i.e. intensification systems with utilization of. exotic breeds), and movements of animal populations (linked to transhumance and commercialisation) on local/indigenous AnGR resource base
The indigenous genetic resource base and diversity has been deeply affected in recent decades by the extensive use of exotic breeds which has often been considered as the main, most effective and fastest way of intensifying livestock production systems. Initially restricted to high potential areas like peri-urban zones and highlands, this progressive gene substitution phenomenon eventually spread out to rural areas, and also affected agro-pastoral and pastoral systems, where the genetic characteristics of local animal populations have been modified. In some circumstances, this has been encouraged by governments and development agencies, but it most cases, it has happened in an uncontrolled and unplanned manner.
Movements of animal populations, linked to transhumance and/or commercialisation, have also influenced the genetic characteristics of indigenous populations. This phenomenon is not new and has been taking place for centuries through transhumance. However, with the recent urbanization and emergence of middle classes in urban areas, flows of animals from pastoral areas to urban areas have increased. In West and Central Africa for instance, large populations of zebus raised in the Sahel constantly move to the savannah, forest and coastal areas, for transhumance or marketing purposes. Here they are brought into contact with indigenous populations, which are mainly of taurine origin and have trypanotolerance characters, and indiscriminate crossbreeding occurs.
The consequences of these phenomena on the genetic resource base, and on the characteristic and performance of local animal populations are still largely unknown. It may have resulted in increases in productive capacities of animal populations. However, it may also be assumed that it negatively impacted on some of the essential adaptive characteristics of these populations, such as resistance to diseases, resilience to drought, mobility.
The first phase of the assessment will consist of the establishment of a typology of crossbreeding programmes/phenomena in the area. The typology will in particular distinguish the implementation modalities of the programme (regulated, planned, erratic, government supported, private sector based, linked to movements, etc...) and its objective (creation of synthetic breed, breed absorption and substitution, improvement of local breed, etc...).
For each type identified, one or two case studies will be conducted to assess the impact of these programmes on genetic diversity, productivity of the animal population, sustainability of the production system, and the short and long-term socio economic benefits for the livestock owners and the economy.
Activity 4. Assessment of local breeds selection and breeding programs impact on animal genetic diversity and socio-economic status in Africa
A similar exercise to the one described under activity 3 above will be undertaken for selection and breeding programmes of local breeds on the continent. The exercise will also be conducted in two phases: typology of breeding programmes, and case studies.
The outputs of activities 3 and 4 will then be put in parallel to compare the respective benefits of the two options, and provide evidence and elements to stimulate debate for policy dialogue.
2Result 2: Policy frameworks for the sustainable use of AnGR developed.
A number of potential policy instruments and regulatory options, relevant for the African context, will be developed. They represent important biological, historical, socio-economic and institutional tools to be provided for the conservation and sustainable use of AnGR. Further exploration of such instruments and options is likely to be useful in order to assist decision-makers in making informed decisions regarding the design of future regulatory and policy environments concerning AnGR. Under this result area the following activities are envisaged.
Activity 1. Develop national, regional and continental guidelines for the formulation and harmonization of crossbreeding policies
This activity will constitute an immediate and logical continuum of activities 1 and 3. Output of stocktaking exercises including inventories and case studies will be presented, discussed and analysed in a participatory way involving stakeholders at regional and continental levels. Consensus will be built on preferred options and modalities for genetic improvement programmes involving the use of exotic genetic resources, and recommendations from stakeholders will be then translated into guidelines.
National consultation exercises will be then conducted to internalize the continental/regional guidelines, adapt them to the national specificities, and build ownership.
Activity 2. Develop regional framework and policies for in situ and ex situ conservation
Once the extent of the problem of loss of indigenous genetic resources, and its socio economic impact, has been assessed, which will be done through activities 1, 2, 3 and 4 under result 1 and complement with assessments in North and southern Africastrategic options to address the problem will be developed. This will be done also through inclusive debate and stakeholders' consensus building, in order to ensure the necessary buy-in and sustainability. The crucial issue of financial resources for supporting conservation policies and strategies will be addressed as a core element of the policies.
Activity 3. Develop technical standards and protocols (including property rights and benefits sharing) for the exchange and use of genetic materials
This activity will first assist countries in ratification of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity, and to develop technical standards, legislation or regulatory requirements for the exchange of their genetic materials.
3Result 3: National and regional conservation and improvement strategies and initiatives strengthened or established.
In order to successfully conduct genetic improvement initiatives in the region as an economically viable industry in the future, result 3 is proposing technical and financial support to national and regional initiatives. Great importance will be given to collaboration among breeding institutions, research organizations, and large enterprises from the regions and abroad to build up strategic alliances to share resources, and to achieve synergies in the common development of AnGR. Under this result the following activities are envisaged:
Activity 1. Support Member States to establish and implement their National Action Plan for Animal Genetic Resources within their livestock policy.
Using guidelines and policy frameworks developed under result area 2 above, countries will be assisted to develop their National Action Plan for Animal Genetic Resources, including related budgets, investment and financing plans.
The project will also support meetings of livestock policy hubs established in the framework of the "Reinforcing Veterinary Governance in Africa" project, to mainstream these actions into the livestock priorities for consideration into the national agricultural investment plan.
Activity 2. Support Member States to establish or strengthen their national breeding and conservation strategies as part of their National Action Plan for Animal Genetic Resources.
This activity will complement activity 1 above and will address in particular conservation strategies. The establishment of the conservation strategy is a critical and sensitive part of the National action Plan elaboration process. The main risk of failure for conservation strategy is related to their implementation cost which is generally high and not compensated with short term return on investments. Involvement and buy-in of stakeholders, livestock keepers in particular, are essential. However, the whole burden of conservation cannot be supported by the private sector alone, and genetic diversity being a public good, the public sector must dedicate resources as well, in particular to generate incentives for private actors involved in conservation activities. Based on agreed workplan the project will provide a subvention to MS for the implementation of activities with high leverage effect either to attract more public and investment or to generate resources for the implementation of other activities within the action plan
Activity 3. Support the development of regional conservation policy and strategic frameworks for transboundary breeds and populations that are at risk.
Animal genetic resources in Africa, especially in pastoral areas, are by essence transboundary. The Somali sheep is for instance found in at least 4 countries in the Horn of Africa, the Ankole cattle breed is found in all countries surrounding the Rift Albert and its lake, the N'dama cattle breed in West Africa is found in all tsetse infested areas and countries,. It is therefore, impractical to consider the conservation of such breeds, only at national level. RECs will have to play their harmonization and coordination roles to ensure that national strategies are compatible and pursue the same goal. Regional policy frameworks will be established to ensure that harmonization and coordination are properly addressed.
Activity 4. Support the establishment of regional facility(ies) for ex situ conservation, in particular cryogenic storage and establish a gene bank on AnGR.
In situ conservation is essential but needs to be supported by ex-situ conservation strategies. Ex-situ conservation is relatively simple to implement (compared with in-situ conservation programmes) but are costly (cost of liquid nitrogen for conservation, cost of production of semen and embryos). Investment in conservation facilities and running costs can easily be reduced by mutualising the financial burden, through establishment of regional or sub-regional conservation facilities.
The project will, through this activity, technically and financially support the establishment of gene bank(s).
The first step will be to assess existing facilities on the continent so as to identify those with high potentials to be upgraded to regional facility. 05 facilities will then selected in each region and strengthen as regional gene bank for AnGR.
Activity 5. Support the establishment and strengthening of national and regional livestock breeders' associations.
Past experiences, in Africa or outside the continent, in breeding and/or breed conservation programmes, indicate the necessity of anchoring these interventions to stakeholders' organizations and in particular farmers' organizations.
In order to play their role adequately in the breeding and conservation domains, these organizations need to be strengthened and their capacities related to management of genetic resources improved. The project will support the establishment of regional breeders association and support their operations through its live spam. An exit strategy to sustain these associations beyond the project will be designed at implemented by the 4th year.
South-south exchanges between farmers organizations involved in breeding/conservation activities will be used as a sensitization and capacity building tool.
4Result 4: Knowledge, attitude and practice of the contribution of livestock and livestock sector to economic growth, food security and poverty reduction, promoted.
Result 4 will focus on dissemination of information on issues affecting AnGR and rural community living in the targeted regions, provide decision makers with timely information regarding AnGR, and promote the role of AnGR in resource stewardship, animal health and production of high-quality safe and nutritious products. Under this result the following activities are envisaged:
Activity 1. Develop harmonized tools (protocols) for characterization and inventory of AnGR.
In order to assist countries and RECs in the production of inventories and characterization of their AnGR, and to ensure homogeneity of data and therefore easier compilation, harmonized standard tools (guidelines, protocols, templates for data collection instruments) will be produced, tested, and disseminated to countries. This will entail assessing all existing for their strength and weakness, particular attention will be given to their robustness and the friendly usage. A panel of experts will then discussed and agreed on an harmonized protocols that will be used for the inventory and characterization of AnGR. These protocols will be compatible with those set by the Commission of Animal Genetic Resources for food and agriculture.
Activity 2. Establishment of AnGR database.
AU-IBAR has developed a new version of its Animal Resources Information Systems (ARIS 2). In this activity the animal genetic module will be developed in ARIS and interoperability with the FAO Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) will be established as it is the case with animal health module. Because ARIS 2 is a country level database, this will improve reporting to DAD-IS. Other sub activities will include: Training on collection, summary and management of breed-level data on indigenous animal genetic resources.
Activity 3. Establish and strengthen national and regional systems for monitoring of trends of breeds and associated risks.
Under this activity, Training on advances in sustainable utilization and management of indigenous animal genetic resources information for research, teaching, development and policy making purposes will be provided to various stakeholders as an early warning tool with specific focus on the analysis and utilisation of data on breeds at risk.
This activity will also establish country-based risk monitoring that will assist in setting up early warning systems and response mechanisms, at national and regional levels. The system will first focus on transboundary ruminant livestock and could be adapted to other breeds.
Activity 4. Develop regional networks for information sharing.
Under the GPA, all countries have appointed national focal point on AnGR. For Africa these focal points meet on an ad hoc basis when they are invited to the meetings of all global focal points. This activity will establish an interactive e-learning system for information sharing and discussions among focal points of Africa and will support one biannual meeting of these focal points.
Activity 5. Establish or strengthen regional focal points for animal genetic resources.
As part of the implementation of the GPA, AU-IBAR and partners have established in June 2011 the regional focal point for sustainable management of animal genetic resources in West and Central Africa. This activity will support the meetings of the governance organs of the focal points (steering committee and general assembly) and the communication/advocacy activities of its secretariat. The focal point for East and Southern Africa will also be established and supported on the same.
Activity 6. Document and disseminate best practices and lessons learnt from animal genetic conservation and improvement initiatives.
Awareness raising and advocacy for policy change necessitates the use of evidence and experiences coming from the field. From activities undertaken under Result 1, best practices and/or major lessons learnt in management and conservation of AnGR will be identified, and documented. Good practice papers and policy notes will be produced and disseminated through the Project activities but also through AU-IBAR other advocacy forums, including the ALive platform.
Achievements
Status
The project is generally on track towards achieving its objectives as outlined in the project document. The project provides the various stakeholders and beneficiaries with opportunities to gain valuable experience and expertise in the effective management of animal genetic resources. The project which has entered the implementation phase has so far made some significant strides. For example, the project has promoted and presented a strong position of African countries on issues relating to AnGR. The timely submission of Country Reports by African countries was highly commendable. Africa’s submissions represented a third of all the reports that fed into the preparation of the Second State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources Report. Africa indeed left a “strong genetic footprint” on the Second State of the World’s AnGR report.
Issues of policies and legislation were discussed at the various stakeholder workshops. Existing policies, legislative and regulatory frameworks were highlighted and some gaps and potential interventions were identified. This will contribute to the creation of enabling environments for the management of animal genetic resources in African countries. Some national gene banks across Africa were assessed and proposed to serve as regional gene banks. The project has initiated the assessment of the legal environment for the exchange and movement of animal genetic materials as well as stock-taking of the challenges and constraints in the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol in African countries since its ratification. The Project worked in conjunction with Member States to establish Sub-regional Focal Points (S-RFPs) for AnGR in all five regions of the continent. To ensure ownership, relevance and sustainability, the S-RFPs are anchored in existing Sub-Regional Research and Development Organizations.
Other achievements included the stablished a regional Network and Community of Practice for information sharing, lessons learning and coordination of AnGR initiatives on the continent; initiatives to harmonize AnGR tools including identification of suitable characterization, inventory and monitoring tools for use within the continent; establishment of an AnGR Taxonomy Advisory Group for Africa and production of revised characterization, inventory and monitoring tools’ guidelines tailored to suit the continent’s peculiarities and uniqueness. The African Animal Genetic Resources Information System (AAGRIS) hosted as a module within ARIS2 is envisioned as a “one-stop-shop” for AnGR that will allow a wide range of end-users, particularly policy makers, to access knowledge, information and data as robust evidence to inform decision-making processes, especially on policies and legislation. AAGRIS will also raise awareness and promote best practice in management of AnGR on the continent.
Result Area 1: The Status and trends of AnGR in Africa established
1. Establish the state of AnGR in Africa to identify threatened breeds and breeds at risk of extinction.
Development of the African AnGR Report for a Better Informed and Cohesive Continental AnGR Agenda
During the first year, emphasis was on providing support to MS to prepare Country Reports as contribution to the 2nd SoW-AnGR Report. As a result, 44 countries submitted their Country Reports.
During the reporting period, activities implemented focused on preparing the publication of the State of Animal Genetic Resources in Africa as the first ever publication that will serve as a reference material for the management of AnGR in Africa. The Table of Content was developed and validated by stakeholders on the continent. Data and information have been compiled from Country Reports and other sources and requests for missing information sent to MS.
A catalogue of cattle breeds has been drafted in collaboration with ILRI and will be published as a “Coffee table book”. Information is being compiled for the production of a comprehensive catalogue that will showcase other African livestock species.
The project has introduced “The Animal of the Month” on the AU-IBAR website which highlights the key attributes of a particular breed/type/variety of animal, fish or bee to raise awareness and increase knowledge on the diversity and importance of these genetic resources in Africa. The various monthly exhibits will be compiled and published.
2. Inventory and assessment of existing policies and regulations on the use of animal genetic resources including genetic improvement of livestock in Africa.
Initiated during the first year of the project, the inventory and analysis of Policies and Strategies related to AnGR has been completed and validated by stakeholders in East, Central, West, North and Southern Africa. In general the inventories show that only a few countries on the continent (for example, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa and Mali) have policies and legislations specifically formulated and designed for the management of AnGR. Most of the policies and regulations on the continent relate to controls of imports and exports of AnGR due to risk of disease, particularly transboundary animal diseases. Policies and legislation in some countries are outdated and need to be updated or are in draft form. There are no recorded policies and legislation addressing crossbreeding or transboundary breeds’ issues on the continent.
3. Assessment of the genetic impact of livestock production systems (i.e. intensification systems with utilization of. exotic breeds), and movements of animal populations (linked to transhumance and commercialization) on local/indigenous AnGR resource base
The assessment of the impact of crossbreeding and livestock mobility has been initiated in Central and East Africa.
This assessment highlights the impact of crossbreeding on AnGR resource base in Africa, the impact of mobility (linked to commercialisation, production systems) on AnGR management and identifies lessons learnt and best practices in crossbreeding and mobility of AnGR in Africa.
4. Assessment of local breeds selection and breeding programs impact on animal genetic diversity and socio-economic status in Africa
The assessment of the socio-economic impact of selection and breeding programs has been initiated and will identify the key selection and breeding programmes in the regions to be supported by the project. This will focus primarily on transboundary breeds.
Result Area 2: Policy frameworks for the sustainable use of AnGR developed
1. Develop national, regional and continental guidelines for the formulation and harmonization of crossbreeding policies
An “issues” paper on crossbreeding, conservation and the management of transboundary AnGR in Africa has been drafted and will be used to initiate stakeholder’s consultations to identify key issues to be included in the regional policy and legislative frameworks on crossbreeding.
2. Develop technical standards and protocols (including property rights and benefits sharing) for the exchange and use of genetic materials
Based on the discussions with the Department of Science and technology of the AU on the African Union Strategic Guidelines for the Coordinated Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilisation endorsed by the AMCEN in March 2015, an expert’s consultation was organized to discuss issues specific to animal genetic resources and the transfer of genetic material. Following this consultation an assessment is on-going on: the legal environment for the exchange and movement of animal genetic material on the continent that will culminate in the development of technical standards, legislation or regulatory requirements for the exchange and movement of genetic materials. Regional action plans for Southern Africa have been developed and a committee has been established to liaise with ABS National Focal Points and AnGR National Focal Points in all the AU Members States (including those that have ratified the Nagoya Protocol) on the African submission in response to the CGRFA notification of 31st January 2013 on voluntary codes of conduct, guidelines and best practices, and/ or standards in relation to access and benefit-sharing for all subsectors of genetic resources for food and agriculture.
The Project has initiated the process of piloting of Bio-cultural Community Protocols in pastoral areas of West Africa and will explore the opportunities for expansion on the continent including providing guidelines for such processes.
Result Area 3: Supporting and strengthening national and regional conservation and improvement strategies and initiatives
1. Support Member States to establish and implement their National Action Plan for Animal Genetic Resources within their livestock policy
During the previous period, the mapping of status of countries with National Action Plans was conducted. Following this stocktaking exercise, activities implemented during the reporting period focused on strengthening the capacity to develop NAPs and mainstream AnGR in the NAIPs through the CAADP country processes. The approach also encompassed the development of criteria for the different stakeholders to be supported by the project; including the Member States and RECs.
2. Support Member States to establish or strengthen their national breeding and conservation strategies as part of their National Action Plan for Animal Genetic Resources
During the reporting period, the Djallonké sheep breeding program based on an open nucleus breeding scheme in Togo was assessed to obtain an in-depth understanding of the challenges of the selection programme. Calls for proposals have been drafted and will identify other selection programmes to be supported.
3. Support the development of regional (REC based) conservation policy and strategic frameworks for trans-boundary breeds and populations that are at risk
The inventory of policies and legislation at Member States level for Southern (SADC) and Eastern Africa (EAC and IGAD) will guide the approach to support REC-based initiatives on transboundary breeds.
4. Support the establishment of regional facility (ies) for ex situ conservation, in particular cryogenic storage and gene banks on AnGR
During the previous period, the assessment of a number of national gene banks across Africa was initiated and the initial recommendations were presented and discussed during the General Assemblies and the Steering Committee Meetings when Sub-Regional Focal Point across Africa for the management of animal genetic resources were established.
The assessments continued in North Africa (Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia). The RECs have been officially informed of the outcomes of the assessments and meetings of directors of animal production in various regions are planned to formally endorse the choice of the facilities to be upgraded to regional gene banks. This formal endorsement will signify ownership and enhance sustainability of these facilities post-project. The project visited AU-PANVAC in Debre Zeit in Ethiopia to determine the level of investment required to enable the institute to host the continental back-up gene bank for conservation of AnGR materials for Africa. The project has initiated the development and harmonization of legal instruments (Material Acquisition Agreement - MAA and Material Transfer Agreement - MTA).
5. Support the establishment and strengthening of national and regional livestock breeders’ associations
The project received various requests for support from breeders associations in some Member States. However, to ensure transparency and fairness in the award of support, the project developed selection criteria to enhance the targeting of different categories of associations for increased impact, effectiveness and efficiency and launched "Calls for proposals” which will lead to awards of grants to these associations.
Result Area 4: Increasing knowledge, attitude and practice of the contribution of livestock and livestock sector to economic growth, food security and poverty reduction
1. Develop harmonized tools (protocols) for characterization and inventory of AnGR
Following consultations with stakeholders though an e-discussion and experts workshops, establishment of suitable characterization, inventory and monitoring tools for use within the continent, an Animal Genetic Resources Taxonomy Advisory Group (AnGR-TAG) was established and conducted the revision of existing tools to ensure suitability to African conditions and development of revised tools guidelines for characterization, inventory and monitoring. The piloting of the revised tools to test their efficiency, practicability and adaptability has been initiated in 15 selected countries from all the regions of Africa.
2. Establishment of AnGR database
A module on animal genetic resources has been created in ARIS2 and will be known as the African Animal Genetic Resources Information System (AAGRIS). To engender wide ownership and utilization of AAGRIS and to enhance its design and functionality, a comprehensive needs assessment on AnGR data and information requirements by various stakeholders was undertaken and priority data and information needs identified. Six core data and information categories were identified including; Species and breeds, Inventory and monitoring, Conservation and breed improvement programmes, Capacity development, AnGR Institutions and News trends. The proposed structure of the module has been developed and is a combination of a data collection and web portal systems with linkages to already existing information systems such as DAD-IS and DAGRIS.
3. Establish and strengthen national and regional systems for monitoring of trends of breeds and associated risks
The project working in collaboration with experts from all the regions of Africa is developing tools for characterization, inventory and monitoring of trends and associated risks. The piloting of the tool is planned in 15 countries and once the tool has been validated, systems for monitoring of trends will be developed and utilized by key stakeholders, including Member States, livestock keepers, universities and researchers.
4. Develop regional networks for information sharing
Consultations were conducted with partners to promote synergies and a platform for communication and building partnerships for the management of AnGR.
As part of networking initiatives, the establishment of the regional DAD-Net for the five Sub-Regional Focal Points has been finalized. To-date DAD-Net West Africa, DAD-Net Central Africa, DAD-Net Eastern Africa, DAD-Net Northern Africa and DAD-Net Southern Africa are operational under the moderation of the Secretariats of the different Sub-Regional Focal Points and AU-IBAR.
5. Establish or strengthen regional focal points for animal genetic resources
Working in close collaboration with Member States and RECs, the Sub-Regional Focal Points (S-RFPs) for AnGR in Southern and Eastern Africa were established.
S-RFPs for West, Central and Northern Africa were established through the organisation of General Assemblies and establishment of Steering committees in these regions. As part of the financial support to be provided to the S-RFPs, a strategy including modalities, criteria, budget and process was agreed to.
The S-RFPs together with the project ensured that Africa adopted a united approach with common positions during the Eighth Session of the Inter-governmental Technical Working Group (ITWG) and the Global National Coordinator’s Workshop on AnGR in November 2014 in Rome, Italy. This was highly commended by FAO and other participants to the Session.
6. Document and disseminate best practices and lessons learnt from animal genetic conservation and improvement initiatives
The project has actively disseminated information through the AU-IBAR and partners’ websites, African DAD-Nets and international workshops.
The project has launched the publication of a Special December 2015 Edition of the Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa (BAHPA) to commemorate and highlight the importance of animal genetic resources in Africa. So far 40 Abstracts of original work on topics related to animal genetic resources in Africa have been received.
Communication and Visibility
The project is currently implementing its Communication Strategy.
Publication and production of visibility and communication materials conducted. Visibility materials including roll-ups, T-shirts, bags, flash-disks, pens, notebooks, mousepads and folders were produced and distributed to donors and some stakeholders. This has enabled the branding of the project.
Exit Strategy
Sustainability of project interventions is often considered during design as a necessity to ensure continued flow of benefits to the target communities beyond external support. In the case of the Genetic Project, and as evident in the project focus and strategy, the sustainability of the project initiatives was adequately inbuilt in the design through key strategies that include:
Engagement of local stakeholders during the inception phase and implementation of the proposed project’s activities that will ensure a strong sense of ownership for project actions and goals among them, and to prepare them for the responsibility of continuing to implement activities after the project has ended.
The outcomes fitting the global strategy of conservation and utilization of animal genetic resources and other global and regional legal instruments ratified by all the countries in the project areas.
The development of the project exit strategy was initiated that takes into account the targeted beneficiaries needs and governments capacity. This strategy will be jointly agreed and implemented by the partners. The overall objective of the Exit Strategy is to provide the beneficiaries and all other stakeholders with strategies and tools for smooth and effective transfer of the project results. The strategy includes an implementation plan (results and resources framework) and a provision for identification of lessons leant and best practices in the management of AnGR in Africa, in terms of policy and institutional arrangements and capacity building; Conservation; sustainable use and characterization, inventory and monitoring.
Annexes
Reports
- Animal Genetics Project Regional Inception Workshop Report. Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 6 - 9 November 2013
- Animal Genetics Project Regional Inception Workshop Report. Kigali, Rwanda 20 - 22 November 2013
- Animal Genetics Project Regional Inception Workshop Report. Gaborone, Botswana 26 - 27 November 2013
- Project team retreat. Nairobi 8 - 10 January 2014
- Report of the facilitation workshop on the preparation of the second state of the world’s animal genetic resources (SOW-AnGR). Naivasha, Kenya 28 - 31 January 2014
- Partner’s roundtable meeting report. Kampala, Uganda 6 March 2014
- Project Implementing Partners Meeting. Kampala, Uganda 7 March 2014
- Sub‐Regional Focal Point Workshop for Southern Africa. Harare, Zimbabwe 1 April 2014
- Regional Inception and Sub-Regional Focal Point Workshop Report for North Africa. Algiers, Algeria 9 - 10 June 2014
- Report on the meeting of the Secretariats of Sub-Regional Focal Points. Nairobi, Kenya 15 - 16 July 2014
- Synthesis report of the AnGR e-discussion “Improving the utilization of Animal Genetic Resources characterization, inventory and monitoring tools in Africa” 17 July - 31 August 2014
- Report on the meeting of the Interim Steering Committee of the Sub-Regional Focal Point for East Africa. Nairobi, Kenya 1 August 2014
- Project Report Year 1: Strengthening the Capacity of African Countries to Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of African Animal Genetic Resources. July 2013 – June 2014
- Regional workshop for “Strengthening the capacities for the management of animal genetic resources in central and west Africa”. N’Djamena, Chad 28 - 30 August 2014
- Rapport de l’Atelier Régional sur le Renforcement des Capacités sur la Gestion des Ressources Zoogénétiques en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre. N’Djaména, Tchad 28 - 30 Août 2014
- Workshop report “Assessment of animal genetic resources characterization, inventory and monitoring tools to guide revision and harmonization processes”. Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania 25 - 27 September 2014
- General Assembly of the Sub-Regional Focal Point for Southern Africa. Johannesburg, South Africa 23 - 25 October 2014
- Regional Workshop for the Strengthening of Capacities for the Management of Animal Genetic Resources in Eastern Africa. Kampala, Uganda 11 - 12 December 2014
- Workshop report Finalization on operational structure of the African Animal Genetic Resources Information System (AAGRIS). Nairobi, Kenya 15 – 16 January 2015
- Regional Workshop for the Strengthening of Capacities for the Management of Animal Genetic Resources in Northern Africa. Tunis, Tunisia 2 - 3 February 2015
- Atelier régional sur le renforcement des capacités pour la gestion des ressources zoogénétiques en Afrique du Nord. Tunis, Tunisie 2 - 3 Février 2015
- Experts Consultation Meeting on “The movement and exchange of animal genetic materials and implementation of the Nagoya protocol on ABS in Africa”. Cotonou, Benin 20 - 22 April 2015
- Write shop report “Development of revised and harmonized characterization, inventory and monitoring animal genetic resources tools’ guidelines” Naivasha, Kenya 14 - 17 April 2015
Other documents
- Flyers on the project “Strengthening the Capacity of African Countries to Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of African Animal Genetic Resources”
- Communication and Visibility Plan for the Project Strengthening the Capacity of African Countries to Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of African Animal Genetic Resources
- Establishment of an Animal Genetic Resources Information System (AAGRIS) Stakeholder Needs Assessment Final Report
- African Animal Genetic Resources Information System (AAGRIS) brochure
- Regional Animal Gene banks for Africa: A strategy to ensure the sustainability and efficient maintenance of important animal genetic resources brochure
Webpages
http://www.au-ibar.org/angr
Context/Lessons Learnt
Addressed Issues
There is growing evidence that improving the productivity of subsistence, smallholder and emerging farmers operating on a noncommercial level has the potential to address poverty in agriculturally based economies, while the more commercialized (industrialized) production systems remain in balance with the natural environment. Africa is one of the centers of domestication and is richly endowed with a large number of indigenous breeds that have adapted to the continent's prevailing conditions.
Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) for food and agriculture are essential parts of the biological basis for Africa food security, and contribute to the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people. Farmers that live in low potential and unfavourable agricultural areas depend directly on ecosystem biodiversity for their livelihoods and AnGR are major component of this biodiversity as they are one of the most common assets among rural households in Africa.
A diverse resource base is critical for human survival and well-being, and constitutes a vital contribution to the eradication of hunger. AnGR are crucial in adapting to changing socioeconomic and environmental conditions, including climate change. The adaptability of species and breeds to extreme conditions of drought, humidity, cold and heat, make human livelihoods possible in some of the most inhospitable areas where crop production cannot be exclusively depended upon.
The propose action is in line with the EU Food Security Thematic Program (FSTP) (2011–2013) as it will strengthened governance approaches for food security through policy and strategy formulation and support their implementation, strengthen the institutional capacity of Member States (MS) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and facilitated information sharing on sustainable use and conservation of AnGR.
The legislative framework governing the management of AnGR and the conservation of the habitat of endemic ruminant livestock on the international level is laid down by a range of legal instruments adopted by all African countries. The key instruments include: (i) the Global strategy on the management of domestic animal genetic resources that advocates the implementation of AnGR management plans and establishment of partnerships between relevant bodies to promote sustainable management of such resources; (ii) the June 1992 Rio Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the core instrument on the conservation, sustainable and equitable management of biodiversity. It has been ratified by all the countries in the project targeted areas; (iii) the Carthegena Protocol on Biosafety pursuant to the Convention on Biodiversity that provides for the establishment of a legal instrument on biotechnology risks resulting from trans-border movement of living modified organisms resulting from modern technology that may have adverse effects on biodiversity conservation and sustainable management; (iv) The International Community in 2007 adopted the Global Plan of Action (GPA) as the main strategy to ensure sustainable utilization of AnGR and halt their erosion. The GPA contains four Strategic Areas: a) Characterization, inventory and monitoring of trends and associated risks; b) Sustainable use and development; c) Conservation; and d) Policies, institutions and capacity building; (v)Within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Decision to regulate trans-boundary transhumance between member states adopted in 1998, institutes an international ECOWAS Transhumance Certificate. The certificate seeks to control cattle on departure, protect local herds and notify the people of the cattle destination beforehand. Although policy-makers of the region have recognized the key role of local livestock breeds in scaling up production and income and poverty alleviation as well as sustainable natural resource management, there are significant legal and regulatory lapses that explain the persistent discrepancy between biodiversity conservation policies and local ruminant management strategies. While genetic dilution is considered one of the major threats to local ruminants, there are no laws or regulations to prevent crossbreeding between the different livestock breeds. The project will support the countries in the drafting of relevant legislation thereon.
AU-IBAR has been mandated to lead the livestock sub sector of the CAADP which cuts across the four CAADP pillars. In the framework to mainstream livestock in the CAADP pillars developed by AU-IBAR, sustainable utilisation of AnGR is a Priority Area under Pillars 3 on food security and 4 on research and information dissemination based on the following strategies: characterization of indigenous AnGR, data collection, analysis and establishing of gene banks, development of guidelines for protection and promotion of endangered animal breeds, facilitating and coordinating the setting up and maintenance of gene banks, development of guidelines and policies for harmonization, selection, regulation, intellectual property rights and transfer of new genetic technologies and products, molecular genetics of resistance to diseases, adaptation to environmental stress, development of technologies for multiplication, conservation and preservation of AnGR.
Problem and Institutional Analysis
The African Animal resources population is a valuable reservoir of genes for health, adaptive and economic traits, providing diversified genetic pool, which can help meeting future challenges resulting from changes in production systems and market requirements. Despite their importance, many of African animal breeds are either facing extinction or are undergoing rapid genetic dilution. Genetic improvement programs, by both governments, non-governmental organizations, bilateral aid agencies, and the private sector, have favoured the use of exotic breeds for crossbreeding, upgrading, or replacement. These programs have mostly been implemented without clear policies, regulatory frameworks, strategic thinking and a long term view and were motivated mainly by the objective of rapid productivity gain resulting in indiscriminate, uncoordinated or uncontrolled crossbreeding activities. However, the extent and rate of AnGR loss in Africa is still difficult to estimate, despite the clearer picture of AnGR that has emerged in the country-driven preparation of The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources
On the other hand, very few genetic improvement programs in Africa are based on selection and improvement of indigenous breeds, probably because of their long term impact, which is hardly compatible with the project approach that has so far prevailed in the genetic improvement sector. When they exist, they have tended to focus on single, market driven production traits in isolation of broader livestock system functions with limited involvement of farmers who are the final beneficiaries.
Since the adoption of the Global Plan of Action for the conservation of animal genetic resources, only 4 African countries, in November 2010, have submitted their reports on the implementation of the Global Plan of Action. This is mainly due to the fact that only few countries have developed Action Plans for implementation, and where the Action Plans are developed, low capacity is hindering the implementation.
Taking into consideration the transboundary nature of many breeds and the mobility of animals across national borders for various reasons, among them trade and search of water and pasture, the absence of regional policies and strategies has not facilitated the conservation and the protection of endangered breeds especially where commensurate conservation measures (both in situ and ex-situ) are regarded to be more efficient and cost effective at regional level.
Where policies and strategies have been initiated, this has been constrained by a lack of information and consensus on the current status and trends of AnGR, the harmonisation of the methodology for their characterization and inventory, making it very difficult, if not impossible to inform policy makers.
The basis for the sustainable conservation and utilization of AnGR mainly lies in the existence of comprehensive legal and regulatory frameworks in each country and at regional level to govern breed utilisation, including breed improvement and exchange of genetic materials and, at the same time, assure and define the role and responsibility of each stakeholder.
Given AU-IBAR's strategic choices, its institutional position and links and its experience of working with national authorities and RECs, the institution chose to take up the important task of assisting the AU Member States with the design of such frameworks and policies as a high priority. The main outcome of this intervention will be increased capacity in countries for defining policy, legal and regulatory frameworks and strategies, in order to convince national decision makers, private sector and other partners on mobilising the necessary human and financial resources to maintain and further enhance AnGR, as well as increased capacities in RECs for harmonizing policy frameworks at regional level. In this regard the CAADP round table process within the countries will be instrumental for the mobilisation of resources.
In terms of data base development, the project will build on the work done by ILRI when developing the DAGRIS which will be integrated in the ARIS database as its AnGR component. Consultations with FAO will also be initiated for the interoperability of this database with the FAO DAD-IS.
In terms of institutional framework, the project will strengthen the national and regional focal points for AnGR set up under the FAO, Institutional Framework for the Management of AnGR.
Lessons Learnt
Past interventions in the AnGR sector mainly focused on technical aspects of management and activities, including those aiming at conserving indigenous breeds, had generally not been supported by adequate strategies and policies. This absence of institutional anchorage resulted both in the lack of regulations to control activities, and of resources to support activities. In many countries, lack of strategies and regulations left the sector abandoned to the market rules only, which resulted in many countries in anarchic importation of genetic material with insufficient control, uncontrolled crossbreeding leading to irreversible losses of indigenous genetic resources.
The present project will for the first time, on the continent at this geographic scale, address this gap by targeting in particular the institutional frameworks to be established, and the policy frameworks:
Areas of policy making related to conservation of AnGR should include:
- Regulation of new technologies, considering local capacity and promotion of appropriate technologies;
- Regulation and control of import and export of genetic materials;
- Incentive mechanisms to farmers for conservation and breeding of improved animals;
- Harmonization of characterization and inventory methodology and monitoring of trends and factors of threats;
- Intellectual property rights, patents and their enforcement.
Other major lessons learned from previous and ongoing interventions in Africa (e.g. Belgian Technical Cooperation projects on conservation of genetic resources in Sahel, and FAO/UNDP N'Dama cattle breed Project in Guinea) on sustainable management of AnGR indicate that, community-based management and private sector involvement is the most effective way to establish and sustain animal genetic conservation and improvement initiatives, as they develop a sense of ownership among farmers and other members of the community, thus enhancing transparency and encouraging accountability.
Very few interventions have so far targeted the institutional aspects of the genetic subsector, and lessons learnt and best practices related to that topic have not been compiled yet. The project will thus attempt to compile and disseminate them to inform policy making and future interventions.
Policy Briefs
Communication and Visibility
A comprehensive communication and visibility work plan will be developed during the inception phase of the programme. This work plan will outline the following details:
- Target audiences and the communication objectives per target group,
- Communication/visibility activities that will be undertaken,
- Responsibilities for the execution of the activities,
- Communication tools that will be applied,
- Indicators to measure the communication impact,
- Human and financial resources required for the execution of the plan.
AU-IBAR, will ensure adequate visibility, using, whenever applicable, the standards of visibility described in the "Communication and Visibility Manual for EU External Actions" published by the European Commission (and those applied by the AUC for the AU-IBAR).
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| Communication and Visibility Plan for the Project (322.61 KB) | 322.61 KB |
