English

The call for participatory approaches, including planning and implementation of crossbreeding activities in Africa, emanates from the many failed experiences in the crossbreeding sector, some of these have been directly linked with the absence or weak participation of stakeholders in the crossbreeding and associated efforts.

Many African countries argue that investments in developing local animal genetic resources (AnGR) breeds could benefit small-scale, subsistence or resource poor farmers, and as well contribute to the development of the poorest regions of the Continent.

Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC) in Africa are considered the original custodians of their AnGR.

The importance of the sustainable management of AnGR in Africa has been widely accepted, not only because of countries’ obligations under the Global Plan of Action GPA), but also to protect valuable native and historic assets.

These indigenous animal genetic resources (AnGR) breeds are not well characterized or described, and are often not subject to structured breeding programmes to improve their performance.

Most African tilapia farmers typically run unprofitable operations that yield poorly due to input supply failures, notable among which is fish seed.

The call for participatory approaches, including planning and implementation of crossbreeding activities in Africa, emanates from the many failed experiences in the crossbreeding sector,some of these have been directly linked with the absence or weak participation of stakeholders in the crossbreeding and associated efforts.

Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) that have evolved in the diverse African environments represent unique combinations of genes which define not only productive qualities, but also adaptive capability.

The African Union has placed a great emphasis on agricultural development as an engine for rural development and the wider economic sectors.

In the context of the management of animal genetic resources (AnGR), especially in the area of conservation, there are areas of development and implementation where ethical issues and challenges emerge, or are deemed by the general public as needing resolution.