Proposal Long-Term Activities (APHCA: 01/6)

A) Householder Poultry Enterprise in Asia (HOPE-A) - Bhutan
B) Householder Poultry Enterprise in Asia (HOPE-A)
C) South Asia FMD Control Unit - Possible Mandate of the South Asia FMD Control Unit (SA-FMD-CU)
D) Animal Genetic Resource Management for Asia (Angrasia)
E) The First Report on the State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources

A) Householder Poultry Enterprise in Asia (HOPE-A) - Bhutan

(A Draft Proposed as an Example)

Country Specific Project Document
Prepared by: R.G. Alders
July 2001

A. General Background

A1. Small farmers in Asia and the role of livestock

Almost one third of the world’s population consists of Asian farming households. Across the continent, hundreds of millions of families make at least part of their living from small-scale agriculture. Among developing countries in the region, the proportion of the population engaged in agriculture lies between 42% in Indonesia and 96% in Nepal. Most of these farming families are small holders. In Bhutan, the share of small holders in the total population is approximately 85%.

Small farmers are the bedrock of Asian economic development. Because of the importance of small farmers as producers of each nations’ food and industrial raw materials, as consumers of goods and services and as citizens, success in economic development largely hinges on the viability of smallholder agriculture and the vibrancy of social, economic and cultural life in rural areas.

Small farmers generally practice mixed farming and most raise small stock. By producing and raising a diversity of products and animals, farmers spread their risks decreasing the impact of lowered production in one of their endeavours.

To date over 1,300 livestock breeds have been identified in Asia, representing approximately 30% of the world’s known breeds. The majority of householders in Asia live in rural environments and raise poultry, usually chickens that are relatively cheap to buy and require very few inputs. Asia is home to 46% of the world’s chickens and 85% of the world’s ducks. In Bhutan, village chickens are kept throughout the country and constitute approximately 86% of the national poultry flock.

In many cases, little or no supplementary feeding is given and chickens roost in trees or the owner’s home. Village chickens in particular fulfil a wide range of functions, e.g., the provision of meat and eggs, food for special festivals, offerings for traditional ceremonies, pest control and petty cash. They require minimal external inputs, minimal human attention and cause minimal disruption to the environment. Village poultry are also the livestock most likely to be owned and cared for by women and children. Apart from chickens and ducks, other poultry raised on a small scale include pigeons, quails, turkeys and pheasants.

A2. Food security

Food security has been defined in a number of ways, but in any discussion on food security it is inferred that all people at all times need and deserve access to enough safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy active life. Food security in practice, however, depends on activities carried out at various levels of aggregation such as the global, regional, national, household and individual. At the national level, food security has often been equated with the maintenance of a balance between availability of food and requirements for adequate nutrition (based on assumed needs per individual), known as the food balance. Food balance at any level, however, is not an adequate criterion for defining food security, because poor distribution and lack of purchasing power means not all of the national population would always have access to sufficient food, even though the food balance may be adequate.

Household food security relates to the ability of a household to meet its requirements from a variety of activities including food production, income generation, and gifts or assistance that can be used to provide the household with food. However, meeting household needs does not ensure individual food security because within a household food distribution may be based on social status, age and sex, rather than need, which makes estimating individual food security an extremely complex task.

When household and individual food security are lacking, malnutrition results. Asia and the Pacific as a whole has about 70% of the world’s severely stunted, underweight and wasted children. In 1998, it was estimated that 24% of Bhutanese children were malnourished. This situation has wider implications for development because protein-energy malnutrition in children below the age of 5 years inhibits their growth, increases their risk of illness, affects their mental development, and reduces their subsequent school performances and labour productivity.

Food security is achieved efficiently when people produce or have access to affordable, high quality food. It is generally acknowledged that poultry production is the most efficient and cost-effective way to increase the availability of high-protein food. Eggs can be stored under village conditions more easily than most foods of animal origin. For decades, the egg has represented the standard reference food, perfectly balanced, containing most essential amino acids, large amounts of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, iron and zinc. It represents one of the main sources of vitamin A and of vitamin B complex. One egg provides approximately 11.5% of daily protein requirement and 5% of daily energy requirements.

Food security is also more than access to an adequate quantity of good quality food. The available food must also be culturally acceptable. This is of particular importance in Bhutan where the majority of people are Buddhist. An infertile egg is acceptable food even to strict Buddhists.

Sustainable food security is linked directly to sustainable livelihoods. A livelihood is sustainable when it can cope with and recover from stresses and shocks and maintains or enhances its capabilities and assets both now and in the future, while not undermining the natural resource base.

Sustainable food security is also dependent on the ability of agricultural production systems to cope with new stresses and strains, new diseases and environmental constraints. The greater the degree of genetic diversity within livestock species, the more likely it is that the species as a whole will be able to survive challenges. Commercial breeds, especially commercial poultry breeds, have been highly selected for a few production traits and consequently have lost much of their genetic diversity. It is essential that the remaining indigenous poultry breeds be recognised as vital genetic resources and strategies put in place to ensure the survival of these local breeds.

Bhutan is not self-sufficient in food production. The food deficit measured in terms of production as a percentage of requirement was estimated to be around 35% in 1996. It is expected that growth in agricultural output will lag behind population growth rate during the period 1997-2002.

Although social and human health statistics have improved over the past 10 years, there are still unacceptably high levels of malnutrition and stunting in children. Selected human health indicators for 1998 are listed:

• The infant mortality rate per 1000 live births was 70.7
• The child malnutrition rate (weight for age) was 24.2%
• 23% of children delivered had low birth weights
• 73.2% of mothers suffering complications during pregnancy were anaemic.

While there are no obvious differences in the economic situation between the different regions in the country, there are regional differences in the nutritional status of children. In 2000, the nutritional status in the eastern regional was found to be comparatively poor where there was a chronic shortage of nutritious food. About 48% of children in the east were stunted, 35% in the central region, 31% in the south and 34% in the west.

A3. Prior and ongoing assistance to poultry development

Previous projects involving poultry:

• Improving poultry production, Bhutan. UNDP/FAO Project BHU/76/001.
• Poultry Development - Establishment of a Central Poultry Breeding Farm, Bhutan. FAO Project BHU/82/012.

Ongoing projects of relevance to this proposal:

• Development of a Newcastle disease (ND) vaccination program for village chickens in rural Bhutan using locally produced thermostable live vaccine. Small project funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID; New Delhi office). This project has supported: the local production of the thermostable I-2 ND vaccine at the Veterinary Vaccine Unit at Serbithang; field trials in Gedu and Gelephu in the south and Khaling in the east; and the preparation of a pilot extension package on the control of ND in village chickens.
• Completion of breed surveys project. A subcomponent of the FAO Programme for the documentation of Farm Animal Genetic Resources in Asia. Although this programme focuses on ruminants, similar approaches could be used to document indigenous poultry genetic resources.

A4. Results and lessons learnt from poultry projects

To date, government livestock and extension services have focused on the distribution of imported commercial breeds to small farmers in an attempt to improve production. Observations indicated that the distribution of 1 or 2 birds per household has had little impact. Where 200 to 250 birds where received by farmers, production was initially good but there were problems with feed supply and the unwillingness of farmers to cull birds at the end of their productive life (because of their Buddhist beliefs).

The government supports two chicken breeding farms that produce White Leg Horns and Rhode Island Reds. Farmers generally prefer the latter breed because of its red colour.

The poultry development program did not meet with success because:

• Hens of commercial breeds did not go broody;
• Too many farmers were asking for a low number of birds;
• There were very few commercial enterprises at the district (Dzongkhag) level;
• Poultry rations were in short supply and of low quality;
• Buddhist farmers were unwilling to cull old or low producing birds;
• Adequate veterinary and extension services were not available for small scale poultry producers; and
• Poultry farm production was below demand.

A5. Towards community livestock projects

To achieve a successful outcome, the project must build on what already exists. The project will work not only with the types of poultry that have been a feature of rural life in Asia for centuries, but it will also explore and document the wealth of ethnoveterinary knowledge possessed by poultry farmers.

Farmer participation will be sought from the outset to ensure that interventions respond to local priorities and are appropriate to local circumstances. Local farming systems will be investigated together with the social and cultural context in which poultry production is carried out. Gender sensitive, participatory methodologies will be employed to promote and support community-based food security and nutrition programmes that encourage self-reliance.

Time will be required to work with farmers in the field. Time and resources will also be required to enable the veterinary and extension services to integrate participatory methodologies into their daily routines. For this programme to be successful in the long term, it will work with the relevant government department and training institutions to ensure that subsequent generations of professional staff use participatory gender-sensitive methodologies as a matter of course.

B. Project Rationale

B1. Problems to be addressed

a) The development problem

• A lack of adequate quantities of safe and nutritious food for the most vulnerable households to maintain healthy and active lives.

b) Problems which will be directly addressed by the programme

• Inadequate production by local and commercial breeds of chickens in the eastern and southern regions of the country.
• Lack of understanding and appreciation of farmers’ objectives with regards to small-scale poultry production.
• Lack of appreciation of the worth of indigenous chickens.
• Lack of veterinary staff trained in poultry production and health issues.
• Lack of field staff trained to diagnose and treat poultry diseases and production problems in a cost-effective manner.
• Lack of understanding of clients’ preferences for different types of poultry products and marketing options.

B2. The situation expected at the end of the project

At the end of the project:

• Village chicken production in participating households in the east and south of the country will increase by at least 100%.
• The indigenous poultry breeds will have been identified and their beneficial characteristics determined.
• Key government and private decision makers will have better understanding of the contribution that village poultry can make to improved household and community food security.
• Veterinary and extension services staff will use participatory and cost-efficient techniques to assist village poultry farmers in a process of continuous improvement.
• Veterinary services will have a veterinarian qualified in avian pathology.
• A field guide will have been prepared that will assist the diagnosis and cost-effective treatment of disease and production problems.
• Veterinary and extension services staff will have a better understanding and appreciation of farmers’ objectives.
• The optimum mix of indigenous and commercial breeds of chickens will have been determined for farmers who wish to specialise in egg production.
• Buyer preferences and marketing strategies will have been determined to enable farmers who wish to sell products to choose the option that gives the best returns on investment.

B3. Project beneficiaries

The beneficiaries of the project will be vulnerable rural households who raise or wish to raise poultry in the east and south of Bhutan. Women and children, in particular, will be targeted.

B4. Project strategy

This project will build on experience gained in earlier projects. During the five years of the project, emphasis will be placed on the training of key national staff within the veterinary and extension services as well as within the relevant training institutions. Capacity building of these staff will occur at the same time as pilot field activities commence to assist with the development of appropriate participatory techniques and receive feedback directly from farmers with regards to project activities.

The productivity of locally available resources will be studied and enhanced. The use of local breeds of chickens rather than commercial breeds alone will be studied. Investigations into the control of ND in the project areas will continue. This will include refinements in the production, distribution and use of locally produced thermostable ND vaccine once the AusAID-funded project comes to a close in September 2001.

B5. Technical scope of the programme

This project will use a range of physical and social science techniques to support the development of holist and sustainable householder poultry activities. These techniques will facilitate:

• Quantitative and qualitative data collection dealing with poultry production, farmers’ knowledge and perspectives and consumer preferences.
• Reliable, cost-efficient veterinary diagnostic techniques to assist with the diagnosis of poultry diseases.
• The development of cost-efficient disease control programs.
• Genetic studies and conservation of local poultry breeds.
• Preparation of effective and cost-efficient extension materials and methodologies.
• The determination of farming systems and sustainable livelihoods from the farmers’ perspectives.
• Post-graduate training of Bhutanese nationals in avian pathology, poultry production and extension methodologies.
• In-service training of Bhutanese nationals in the participatory methodologies including farming systems research, action learning and the sustainable livelihood approach.

B6. Institutional arrangements

The Programme Advisory Committee will consist of the National Co-ordinator, representatives of the participating Bhutanese institutions, Donor representatives and the Household Poultry Enterprise in Asia (HOPE-A) Project Manager. The National Co-ordinator will represent Bhutan at the regional level (Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific HOPE-A Steering Committee).

B7. Reasons for technical assistance from FAO

FAO is well placed to bring together the technical expertise required to support the activities outlined in this proposal. The Organisation has been supporting the development of family poultry for several decades and is currently doing so in many countries via its food security programme.

B8. Special considerations

a) People’s participation

The participation of all stakeholders will be facilitated at all stages of the project. Particular attention will be given to ensuring effective participation of both male and female farmers in project activities.

b) Non-government organisations

Non-government organisations (NGOs) are not abundant in Bhutan. Where relevant, collaboration with NGOs will be sought.

c) Integration of women in the programme

In Bhutan, the majority (62%) of women in the labour force are involved in agriculture. Unlike many other countries in the region, Bhutanese women have an important and visible role in agricultural and food production. Studies in selected areas of the country have shown that women have greater responsibility for livestock activities. In the north of Bhutan, marketing of livestock products in the neighbourhood is usually conducted by women and the funds generated are used mostly to purchase food for their households. However, there are indications that the degree of involvement of Southern Bhutanese women in marketing is lower compared to women in the north.

Among the strategies recommended by the Eighth Five Year Plan in Bhutan, the improvement of women’s social and economic status was to include vocational and skill development training. This would include the improvement of women’s knowledge about backyard poultry production.

The World Food Program of the United Nations estimates that female literacy in Bhutan is 19%, less than half that for men which stands at 45%. Many rural women have not received formal education and speak only local languages. Project meetings, training sessions, etc. will be conducted using the appropriate level of language and non-formal methods of training, especially where illiteracy is common. Such methods may include drama, role plays, song, dance, visual aids and “learning by doing.”

A range of approaches will be used when implementing project activities to facilitate the participation of women:

• Training sessions will be done in short, regular bursts and not run for the entire day and will be located in the village rather than at provincial training centres;
• Training methodologies will take into account the high levels of illiteracy among rural women. Visual aids for training will be used where possible, but this type of methodology is more difficult for veterinary training, which involves recording medicines and dosages;
• Information will be imparted in short training sessions over a longer time period to make it more easy to remember;
• When new information is introduced which relates specifically to women’s areas of work, it is particularly important to ensure that women are given control over this information. Veterinary training is one such area, because women are responsible for small livestock. Where this training and information is provided to men, there is a risk that women will lose control over areas formerly considered female;
• Female extension workers will be involved as much as possible. They are important role models and increase women’s self-esteem and the awareness that women are intelligent, particularly when they approach village women on the same level, and not as alien city women. Female extension workers are a significant influence on the participation of women in extension and support activities. Field workers have noted that female extension workers managed to work effectively in a way that still allowed them to behave in a manner considered appropriate for women. In this way, they were respected and listened to by all members of the community;
• The number of female extension workers will be increased. The lack of female extension workers is a setback. The numbers of women currently in agricultural higher education institutions is low.

B9. Co-ordination arrangements

a) General remarks on co-ordination APHCA

Overall coordination of the project will rest with the Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific (APHCA) HOPE-A Regional Coordination Unit located in FAO-RAP/APHCA, Bangkok. The Project Manager will be based within the Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific (APHCA) in Bangkok and will supervise a number of country sub-projects.

HOPE-A will be an active enterprise, of and for APHCA member countries. It will aim to promote joint action, co-operation, co-ordination and information exchange among the members for better householder poultry production.

HOPE A Organization Structure

C. Development Objective

To improve food security and alleviate poverty of householders in eastern and southern Bhutan, by means of sensible interventions, involving participatory decision-making focussing on sustainable, affordable village poultry production.

D. Immediate Objectives, Outputs and Activities

Objective 1

To improve food security and alleviate poverty of householders by increasing the production of poultry in rural areas of eastern and southern Bhutan.

Output

1. Poultry numbers at the household level increased by at least 100% in participating households.

2. Productivity of village chickens increased in terms of egg production.

3. Household access to high quality protein increased in participating areas.

4. Open communication between veterinary and human health services reinforced.

1. Newcastle disease control activities initiated with support from AusAID will continue in the east and south of the country.

2. Baseline data collection on issues relating to rural poultry production, ethnoveterinary knowledge and farmers priorities will be done in order to identify the key issues to be dealt with by the project.

3. Develop appropriate technological interventions and extension materials in response to farmers’ priorities using participatory and action learning methodologies.

4. The possible role of the farmer field schools in improving rural poultry production will be investigated and schools initiated if the concept is found to be relevant in the Bhutanese context.

5. Determine the optimum mix of indigenous and commercial chickens at the household level for farmers who wish to specialise in egg production.

6. A field guide will be prepared and training sessions held to assist field staff with the diagnosis and cost-effective treatment of the problems that appear in village poultry.

7. Develop links with mother and child nutrition programmes operating in the east and south of Bhutan. Veterinary staff will work with Human Health workers to ensure that the increased numbers of chickens and eggs result in an increased consumption of this high quality food by rural households.

8. A study tour to Bangladesh Small Holder Poultry Development Project will be conducted. Tour members will include veterinarians, extensionists and farmers.

To conserve the natural resource base with special emphasis on the conservation of genetic diversity of local poultry breeds.

Output

1. Local breeds of poultry identified.

2. Characterisation of local poultry breeds in terms of production potential and hardiness commenced.

3. Key government and private decision makers will have a better understanding of the contribution that village poultry can make to improved household and community food security.

1. Establish links with the FAO Programme for the Documentation of Farm Animal Genetic Resources in Asia.

2. Conduct initial survey work to determine the number of local poultry breeds in existence.

3. Compile local knowledge available on each breed.

4. Commence production and hardiness studies on those breeds most preferred by farmers.

To improve communication between farmers and government services involved with poultry production.

Output

1. Veterinary and extension services staff will have a better understanding and appreciation of farmers’ perspectives and priorities.

2. Farmers will understand the services offered by government services and be aware of whom to consult when they need to seek advice.

1. Veterinary and extension services staff at all levels will receive training in participatory methodologies (including farming systems research, action learning and the sustainable livelihood approach).

2. Veterinary staff will receive training in village poultry production that will emphasise the benefits of poultry production in comparison to ruminant species.

3. The range of communication media used by veterinary services will be expanded to include radio and printed media.

4. Regular meetings between government personnel and farmers will become institutionalised such that farmers are able to provide feedback on activities being supported by the project.

To increase the capacity of government staff to offer cost-effective advice to village poultry farmers.

Output

1. Staff trained at the post-graduate level in avian pathology, poultry production and extension methodologies.

2. Field staff trained in the use of participatory and action learning methodologies, baseline data collection, and the diagnosis and cost-efficient treatment of poultry disease and production problems.

3. Reliable field data available concerning the prevalence of avian diseases.

4. Prevention of diseases and improved poultry husbandry practices performed routinely.

5. Farmers’ receiving relevant and cost-efficient treatment of their poultry.

1. One Bhutanese national to complete a Masters degree in avian pathology.

2. One Bhutanese national to complete a Masters degree on the improvement village egg production with the field work to be done in Bhutan.

3. One Bhutanese national to complete a short course or post-graduate diploma in livestock extension.

4. Workshops dealing with participatory methodologies, baseline data collection, field diagnosis and treatment of poultry diseases and production constraints to be held in the south and east of Bhutan.

5. Refresher courses for field staff will be held on an annual basis. In the initial phases of the project these courses will also serve to provide feedback to project leaders about the effectiveness of early training and how project activities may be improved.

To improve the marketing of village poultry products.

Output

1. Village poultry producers informed about the preferences of consumers such that they are able to produce products that are guaranteed a market.

2. Importation of poultry products reduced.

1. Current marketing practices will be investigated and documented.

2. A consumer survey will be conducted in urban, peri-urban and rural settings in the east and south of Bhutan.

3. The results of the above activities will be compiled, analysed and discussed with farmers. Strategies to enable farmers to benefit from the information will be developed.

4. The marketing strategies employed by the Bangladesh small holder poultry development project will be studied during a study tour.

E1. Government inputs

National Co-ordinator
Office space

E2. Donor inputs

a) Experts and duty travel

The Project Manager will be based within the Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific (APHCA) in Bangkok and will supervise a number of country sub-projects.

b) International consultants and sub-contracts

• Poultry health specialist (ND control in village chickens)
• Sociologist (gender, social and cultural issues)
• Extension specialist (communication, participatory technologies)
• Poultry production specialist (genetics, characterisation of local breeds, husbandry and production)
• Rural Marketing specialist

c) Regional consultants

Consultant from the Bangladesh Smallholder Livestock Development Programme.

d) National experts and consultants

Co-ordinator of ND control programme

e) General operating expenses

• Administrative support
• Communication costs
• Production and distribution of media materials
• Support costs for APHCA Information Unit
• FAO Management Fee

f) Equipment

• Technical equipment - expendable
• Technical equipment - nonexpendable
• Office equipment - computer, printer, fax and photocopier

g) Training

It is expected that this project will be followed by additional phases. Training forms a large component of this project to ensure that sound foundations are constructed onto which subsequent phases can be built.

Training will include:

• Masters degrees in avian pathology and poultry production. Where appropriate these degrees will be done as sandwich courses to enable the research component of the degree to address local priorities.
• A short course or post-graduate diploma in livestock extension.
• In-service training in participatory methodologies will be conducted.
• A study tour of the Bangladesh Smallholder Livestock Development Programme.

F. Risks

F1. Community

• Relevant NGOs do not exist.
• Participatory planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation processes and gender and development principles not used by all stakeholders in project activities.
• Staff and community have insufficient readiness to use participatory processes.
• Dependency syndrome will exist.
• Natural disaster.

F2. Newcastle disease control program

• Loss of master vaccine seed/working seed.
• Failure of egg supply.
• Breakdown in cold chain: poor maintenance.
• Poor distribution systems for vaccine.
• Funds recovered deposited into consolidated revenue and are lost to the control program.

F3. Extension

• Chicken owners unable to pay for the Newcastle disease vaccination.
• Disinterested extension officers and/or other agencies.
• Lack of senior-level government support.
• Poor/ineffective extension services.
• Extension methods and/or materials inappropriate to stakeholder needs.
• Extension personnel overloaded with work.
• Extension materials not relevant and/or appropriate to target populations.
• Extension program ineffective.
• Poor marketing infrastructure for chickens and eggs leading to oversupply at village level.
• Inadequate numbers of extension personnel available.
• Stakeholders not interested in creating or maintaining communication mechanisms and linkages.
• HIV/AIDs.

F4. Policy issues

• The Royal Government of Bhutan fails to create facilitating policy environment.
• Countries continue to use exotic genetic materials indiscriminately without determining the long-term consequences of their use, and without properly evaluating the role indigenous genetic resources should play in the poultry development strategies.

F5. Project management

• Suitable personnel not available to be seconded by their home organization to work as the National Coordinator.
• Employment policies leading to non-replacement of key staff if they leave.
• Key staff will not be released for training.
• Government agencies not willing to be involved in linkage activities.
• National coordinators lack adequate financial management and accounting skills or resources to prepare and acquit accurate financial claims.
• Recipient government unable to provide necessary project office space and unable to expedite the provision of telecommunications and provision of utilities.
• Adequate communication mechanisms do not exist or will not be used.

G. Prior Obligation and Prerequisites

The salary of the National Co-ordinator and office space is to be guaranteed by the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The Royal Government of Bhutan should confirm its commitment to the development of rural poultry and the creation of a policy environment that will facilitate the sustainability of the programme beyond the life of this FAO project.

H. Project Reporting

H1. Reporting

Formal Reporting to FAO and Donor Agency

• Quarterly activity reports will be submitted to the Project Manager by the National Co-ordinator.
• Activity reports and financial acquittals will be submitted to FAO and the donor agency every six months.
• Annual reports and financial acquittals will also be submitted to FAO and the donor agency.

Communication with Partners

• A national newsletter will be circulated within Bhutan every six months.
• Communication with other member countries involved with HOPE-A will be facilitated by posting all reports and publications on the APHCA Information Unit website.

H2. Reviews and evaluations

a) Meetings of the Programme Advisory Committee

Annual meetings of the Programme Advisory Committee will be held. All relevant reports and publications will be submitted and circulated prior to the meeting.

b) Mid-Term Review

A mid-term review will be conducted after two and a half years by a multidisciplinary team including a poultry specialist (with expertise in village poultry production), a sociologist (with expertise in gender analysis) and a livestock economist.

c) In-depth Evaluation

A major evaluation by a multidisciplinary team will be completed within the last six months of the project.

B) Householder Poultry Enterprise in Asia (HOPE-A)

Introduction

Improving poultry production at the householder level will improve food security and assist with poverty alleviation. The majority of householders in Asia live in rural environments and raise poultry, usually chickens which are relatively cheap to buy and require very little inputs. In many cases, little or no supplementary feeding is given and the birds roost in trees or the owner’s home. Village chickens in particular fulfil a wide range of functions, e.g., the provision of meat and eggs, food for special festivals, offerings for traditional ceremonies, pest control, and petty cash. They require minimal external inputs, minimal human attention and cause minimal disruption to the environment. Village poultry are also the livestock most likely to be owned and cared for by women and children. Other poultry raised on a small scale with similar requirements are pigeons, quails, turkeys, ducks and pheasant.

HOPE-A is designed to assist and encourage village poultry production in Asia including intensification if the conditions are right, with the aim of assuring food security and income generating in case of surplus production, benefiting the rural poor, especially woman and children.

It is proposed that HOPE-A be established as a sub-commission of APHCA, as an initiative of the members at their 25^th Anniversary Session to be held in Bangladesh in November 2000.

The objectives of APHCA have always included the development of livestock as an integral part of agriculture. The strategy for achieving this goal has been founded on collective self-reliance and mutual assistance between the developing countries, and this successful model will be followed with HOPE-A.

“A livelihood comprises the capabilities, assets (including both material and social resources) and activities required for a means of living. A livelihood is sustainable when it can cope with and recover from stresses and shocks and maintains or enhances its capabilities and assets both now and in the future, while not undermining the natural resource base.” From DFID Sustainable Livelihood Approach”

HOPE-A will therefore be an active enterprise, of and for APHCA member countries with the specific aims of:

• promoting joint action, cooperation, coordination and information exchange among the members for better householder poultry production;
• overcoming existing constraints to householder poultry production in Asia to the extent achievable;
• developing appropriate agricultural education and research that relates to Asian householder poultry systems;
• seeking cooperation and assistance from relevant UN and other international and intergovernmental organizations to help implement HOPE-A activities;
• carrying out the above functions so as to raise the output and income of farmers, by developing profitable village poultry production.

For HOPE-A, poultry production assistance has a broad meaning. It includes research, development, extension, training and support activities relevant to the production, marketing and management of village poultry in Asia.

HOPE-A will not directly undertake all the above-mentioned activities but will commission groups in Asia such as private, public and non-governmental organizations and individuals to carry out this work under umbrella partnership agreements.

HOPE-A, as a legitimate sub-commission of APHCA, will operate within the framework of the APHCA constitution, established 25 year ago, which stipulates management by the members and annual international audit of accounts. APHCA presently consists of 15 member countries; Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Iran, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Any country, which is a member of FAO, can easily join APHCA and therefore become a part of HOPE-A by requesting membership in writing, and acknowledging the existence of and willingness to follow the articles of APHCA.

HOPE-A’s postal address is: HOPE-A Sr. Animal Production & Health Officer, Secretary of APHCA FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) Maliwan Mansion 39 Phra Atit Road Bangkok 10200, THAILAND

The Challenge

By the year 2020 it is expected that the population in Asia will represents 57% of the world’s population and rural poverty is expected to increase.

Food security has been defined in a number of ways, but in any discussion on food security it is inferred that all people at all times need and deserve access to enough safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy active life. Food security in practice, however, depends in activities carried out at various levels of aggregation such as the global, regional, national, household and individual. At the national level, food security has often been equated with the maintenance of a balance between availability of food and requirements for adequate nutrition (based on assumed needs per individual), known as the food balance. Food balance at any level, however, is not an adequate criterion for defining food security, because poor distribution and lack of purchasing power means not all of the national population would always have access to sufficient food, even though the food balance may be adequate.

Household food security relates to the ability of a household to meet its requirements from a variety of activities including food production, income generation, and gifts or assistance that can be used to provide the household with food.

However, meeting household needs does not ensure individual food security because within a household food distribution may be based on social status, age and sex, rather than need, which makes estimating individual food security an extremely complex task.

Only through sustainable rural development and by developing sustainable ways of using natural resources will it be possible to meet the challenge to provide food security for the world’s hungry millions: 790 million in the developing countries.

Our Mission

To improve food security and ameliorate poverty of householders in Asia, by means of sensible interventions, involving participatory decision-making, in sustainable, affordable, village poultry production.

Our Goals

The governing principle behind our mission is the same as for all principled development endeavours: taking seriously the priorities, knowledge and realities of people living in rural areas of Asia who wish to improve their own lives, that of their communities, and the coming generations.

Our Principal Goals are:

• reduce poverty, enhance food security and conserve the natural resource base;
• analyse and respond to local needs and resources;
• assist development planners and government officials to match their plans and expectations to these local priorities and resources;
• allocate sufficient time to investigating local farming systems and the social and cultural contexts in which poultry production is carried out in each country in the region;
• promote and support community-based food security and nutrition programmes that encourage self-reliance, utilizing participatory planning and implementation processes;
• foster the growing appreciation in the region of the benefits of indigenous breeds and the inefficiency of improved breeds in resource-poor environments;
• encourage rural households and communities to adopt low-cost technologies and innovative practices for improved poultry production;
• promote policies and programmes which encourage appropriate input technologies, farming techniques, and other sustainable methodologies associated with local integrated poultry production;
• promote, concurrently, regional collaboration in poultry disease control and sharing of information;
• give assistance to national policy-makers and regional bodies involved in the development of legal, institutional and economic mechanisms which affect poultry production;
• support applied research including the continued collection, analysis and dissemination of data already available in numerous locations to foster greater regional and world understanding of agro-ecosystems;
• undertake studies based on economic principles to demonstrate the benefits gained from activities undertaken with donor financing;
• encourage participatory studies of women’s involvement in poultry production training programmes to determine constraints to their involvement; development of planning procedures and training approaches which improve women’s involvement in poultry production.

Livelihoods are sustainable when they: Are resilient in the face of external shocks and stresses Are not dependent upon external support (or if they are, this support itself should be economically and institutionally sustainable) Maintain the long-term productivity of natural resources and Do not undermine the livelihoods of other people, or compromise the livelihood options open to them. From DFID Sustainable Livelihood Approach

Stakeholders

HOPE-A ‘s primary investors are FAO, APHCA and its member countries who contribute to the APHCA trust fund as well as members of the international donor community who may be encouraged to invest in this initiative.

HOPE-A’s partners include those invited national and international agricultural research centers, scientists and administrators in national governments, policy and planning groups and agencies, non-governmental organizations and private individuals that can assist us in our mission.

HOPE-A’s main beneficiaries are the rural and semi-rural poor in Asia, and, by future extension, of other countries in Asia and the rest of the world, when the advantages of HOPE-A’s integrated communicative participatory approach to solving the difficult problems of food security in the region are seen.

Food security is a multi-dimensional development issue that requires intervention in an integrated fashion.

Our Vision and Values

HOPE-A’s vision as part of APHCA is expected to be recognized as an organization that:

- Contributes to improvements in food security and the lives of the people in rural communities in Asia;

- Assists with poverty alleviation in Asia;

- Is a partner in facilitating collaboration in the aid community in overcoming the problems of the future; and

- Acts as an information source for the region and the world.

• encourage administrative processes driven by flexibility and desired outcomes;
• ensure projects are developed to benefit the target group(s);
• encourage innovation in the pursuit of our stated goals; and
• encourage autonomy and results and not be merely driven by the process.

Asia and the pacific as a whole has about 70 percent of the world’s severely stunted, underweight and wasted children. These daunting statistics underscored the scale and depth of the food insecurity problem in Asia.

Our Critical Operational Issues

When examining the possibility of productivity gains in household poultry through better feeding, improved genetic material, health care, extension, the provision of credit and marketing, value adding to poultry outputs, and the encouragement of private sector investments in inputs and output processing, we are aware of critical operational issues such as:

• Reflecting the identified needs and priorities of our target group(s);
• Recognising that possible solutions for problems within any community may differ from those applicable to others, and the importance of local ownership of, and devolution of, decision-making;
• The importance of delivery of solutions to problems to the sufferers;
• Ensuring implementation of programmes planned, with sensitivity and timeliness;
• Involvement of the private sector;
• The effects of national macro-economic policies on small-scale poultry production and concomitant food security;
• Local area, national, and regional human capacity building needs;

Outcomes, Indicators and Strategies

Outcome 1

Productive and sustainable village poultry production in Asia is enhanced

Indicators

Evidence of HOPE-A activities providing:

• increased levels of village poultry outputs
• reduction in the costs of production
• adoption of appropriate technologies
• improved policy adoption relating to the above-mentioned, and
• significant social, economic and environmental benefits for target group/s in participating countries.

Strategies

• Seek funding for, and commission bilateral projects that address the constraints to rural householder poultry production.
• Broaden the information base and develop effective decision-making tools.
• Promote appropriate technologies.
• Develop effective interactions and communication.

Outcome 2

Efficient, transparent, accountable utilization of donated resources.

Indicators

• HOPE-A’s stated project objectives achieved within budget.
• Regular meaningful reviews of progress published.
• Appropriate levels of stakeholder interactions.

Strategies

• Seemly problem identification and addressing.
• Programme completed on time and within budget.
• Pertinent delivery of benefits of research and development technologies.
• Implementing communication network.
• To attract external resources for funding initiatives under HOPE-A

APHCA has, for almost 25 years now, provided a new direction for planning in rural development by advocating technical cooperation and development assistance appropriate to the real basis of Asia’s farming traditions. mutual exchange of experience and expertise between the farmers themselves from countries with common problems enabled the identification of development alternatives.

The Future

Food security is an important issue and agricultural production including livestock production plays an important part in providing food security for small-scale farmers in Asia.

Advances in human-environment understandings made in recent times mean that it is no longer enough for us to say “We are increasing livestock (poultry) production” or “We are preventing or controlling (poultry) diseases” and to be content that these activities are by definition good things. It is now necessary for us to provide evidence of the sustainable benefits to the whole environment to be derived from our actions in livestock production and animal health. The need to determine these benefits actions is an imperative throughout the world, and livestock production specialists are not alone in having to come to grips with the problem of defining their role within this context. HOPE-A participants need to be aware of this, and to review progress, and commission cost-benefit analyses both ex-ante and ex-post of activities.

Food security is one aspect of livestock production and livestock production is one aspect of food security. Livestock production needs to be viewed in the broader context of sustainable rural development and food security is part of that broader context.

Through time, the focus of food security has shifted from national and international food security concerns (food supplies) to individual and household food security (access, vulnerability, entitlement).

Sustainable livelihoods framework

C) South Asia FMD Control Unit - Possible Mandate of the South Asia FMD Control Unit (SA-FMD-CU)

The Main Functions of the SA-FMD-CU are:

• To stimulate regional interest and cooperation on control of FMD;
• To formulate FMD control/eradication strategies in South Asia;
• To seek and provide technical support to the member countries in South Asia;
• To coordinate epidemiological studies of FMD in the region;
• To coordinate FMD control activities in the region;
• To assist in improvement FMD surveillance and reporting systems in each country;
• To assist in improvement of FMD diagnostic services in each country;
• To coordinate research and training activities related to the FMD campaign;
• To provide technical advice to national FMD campaign coordinators.

Plan of Action of the SA-FMD-CU

In order to carry out its mandate to coordinate and harmonise the FMD control and eradication activities in the South Asian region, the CU will work in close collaboration with all the national coordination units. In doing so, the CU will implement the following activities:

• Arranging consultancy/technical visits by the regional coordinator(s) and consultants recruited by the Unit/APHCA;
• Organizing international workshops and training courses that are relevant to the regional FMD activities;
• Assisting the national FMD control activities that require international inputs (such as virus typing, consultancy/technical services, emergency assistance, etc.);
• Assisting/promoting bilateral negotiations on the control of FMD along national borders;
• Contributing to the development of national strategies for the control of FMD in the member countries;
• Harmonizing technical and strategic processes to be adopted in the member countries;
• Assisting in support solicitation for national activities from national and international sources and coordination of international assistance by other aid agencies;
• Preparing annual progress reports for submission to the authorities concerned;
• Liaison with OIE, FAO-EMPRES, IAEA and other similar authorities/bodies.

Location of the RCU

The SA-FMD-CU will be provisionally located in Bangkok attached to the APHCA Secretariat.

D) Animal Genetic Resource Management for Asia (Angrasia)

Introduction

Livestock production in Asia and the Pacific region has been increasing dramatically. Figures for 1988-98 (FAO RAP 1999/34) show an increase in the Gross Livestock Products index (1989/91 level set as 100) to 154.9 in Asia, compared to the world figure of 113.8. During this period Asia had a four-fold increase over the rest of the world.

A study of the individual species shows that for almost all the annual rate of increase is much higher than the rest of the world. This suggests that much of the increase has been through increased numbers rather than better efficiency and, therefore, it is likely that environmental pressures are greater and food security is at more risk. Certainly a study of environmental aspects would confirm the increased degradation and therefore the lack of sustainability of some of the livestock production now practiced.

Predictions suggest that the increase in demand for livestock products will continue and that the major region for this demand is Asia. The problem, if not addressed urgently, is likely to get worse rather than better thus increasing the risk to food security as environmental damage undermines sustainable production. There is need to increase efficiency of production and not to increase numbers of animals per se. The most likely improvements in efficiency will come from the better use of local resources rather than greater reliance on imported feedstuffs. This can be exemplified by those industries totally reliant upon imported materials, feed, etc., such as the poultry industries of Indonesia and Laos, which collapsed during the Asian economic crisis. Given that the better use of all local resources is crucial and that most livestock production in Asia takes place at the small farmer level generally in a mixed farming system, then better use has to be made of those resources adapted to the local conditions.

One of the basic resources crucial to livestock production is the genetic one. In the majority of countries in Asia, agriculture is a major use of labour and this will continue for many years. Livestock are a means of adding income as well as providing many other benefits such as food, fuel, fertiliser, hides, skins, savings bank, draught power. Various different species and breeds/types provide a means to alleviate poverty in many situations. It is crucial to have the correct genetic base to achieve the outputs required with acceptable efficiency in use of all other resources and in a sustainable manner.

Twelve Asian countries took part on a Trust Fund project (GOJ Supported) and these possess about one third of the world’s known farm animal breeds (the addition of the rest of Asia would add a small proportion to this). Much has been achieved in Asia over the last few years in terms of awareness of the potential problems and of the need to establish national plans for the optimal use of all genetic resources available - indigenous and exotic. Eleven of the twelve participants in the pilot scheme produced National Animal Genetic resources Management Action Plans (NAGMAPs) while the twelfth already had produced a similar publication just as the project started. There has been a realisation that several indigenous breeds are at risk of extinction - indeed the global figures suggest that about one third of the known resources are at risk. Given the need to exploit the adaptive abilities of the local breeds as well as the improved output offered by some exotic breeds, ANGRASIA aims to continue the process started by this initial ‘pilot’ scheme through APHCA which took over the co-ordinating role when the original project finished. It is designed to assist Asia in the management of its animal genetic resources so as to maximise the effective use of resources in a sustainable manner whilst adding significantly to the financial improvement of small farmers. Given that, at household level, most livestock are cared for by women and children, it is anticipated that they will be the major beneficiaries.

The intention is to formally adopt ANGRASIA as a sub-commission or working group of APHCA at the 25^th Anniversary Session in November 2000 to be held in Bangladesh. Such an activity fits well within the objectives of APHCA and would enable countries to be better involved with all activities given that they are directly involved under the umbrella of APHCA.

The Specific Aims of ANGRASIA - APHCA will be:

• To promote joint action, cooperation, cordination and information exchange among members to improve the use and maintenance of the genetic resources for food and agriculture by various methods including improved networking.
• To assist in the prioritisation of all aspects of the management of genetic resources including research (this in cooperation with ILRI).
• To provide means of communication between members and to assist members in the development of communication strategies within their own country.
• To enhance capacity building by developing and assisting in appropriate training programmes at all levels.
• To assist in the development of appropriate breeding strategies and breed improvement programmes.
• To seek support and assistance from all relevant agencies in the implementation of the various aspects and activities of ANGRASIA.
• To provide the background administrative support under the UN/APHCA umbrella to allow the full range of activities to be implemented.
• To commission any individual, group or organisation to undertake all or part of activities supported under ANGRASIA.

These objectives will contribute in a significant manner to the urgently required “State of the World for Animal Genetic Resources” which has been recommended by the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture to FAO as a major priority to be achieved by 2005.

As a result of the earlier regional ‘pilot’ project, ANGRASIA already has the programme document prepared by the twelve national coordinators in conjunction with the regional coordinator and an outside consultant as a useful guideline of the future needs and priorities within the region. These will clearly require further debate with donors and the members prior to development of any project as part of ANGRASIA.

The membership of APHCA covers 15 countries within Asia and the Pacific region of which ten are common with the 12 participants of the regional AnGR project to which reference has been made. The two not in APHCA are China and Vietnam while the present APHCA members not in the project are Australia, Bangladesh, Iran, Papua New Guinea and Sri Lanka. Several of these together with others expressed their interest in becoming involved in a project on Animal Genetic Resources Management.

The Challenge

The region has the largest proportion of the world’s population (over 50%) but 30% of arable land. Asia has the largest and fastest growing livestock industry of any region but the sustainability of this position is in doubt unless there is much improved efficiency. Rural and urban poor populations are likely to increase. At the same time, a large proportion of the animal genetic resource base is at serious risk, which if lost will seriously reduce the possibilities of achieving sustainable agriculture.

Food security has been defined in a number of ways but all infer that people need and deserve access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to develop and maintain a healthy, active life. At the basic level, food security aims at each individual but, in practice, the lowest grouping that can be effectively addressed is that of the individual household.

Given the rapid increase in food output from livestock, it is important to note that this has been mainly from increases in livestock population and changes to the population type/breed. Over the last 25 years or so, there has been a great deal of ‘exotic’ material introduced in an effort to increase output. Some of these introductions have been successful but, unfortunately, the majority has also created new difficulties - often not obvious until many years after the original introduction. These difficulties range from large increases in feed for maintenance requirements (as well for the extra production), lower reproductive rates, greater disease and stress susceptibility and, in many cases, debts for the local farmers who then were unable to pay off the loans given to acquire the exotic material. The introduction of exotic material usually was as semen and crossbreeding with local breeds took place. The resultant first crosses were generally highly successful and resulted in further back-crossing to the exotic which then created a level of indigenous genes which was too low to provide the adaptation requirements for that environment/management system.

The most effective strategy both for the nation and the individual farming household has to be developed to provide adequate food to meet demand from sustainable production while providing a proper income for the farmer.

Rationale

Failure of the region to address the problems outlined will seriously impair the region’s ability to provide adequate food, reduce economic opportunities in the longer term and create serious environmental damage which itself will further exacerbate the situation. The ‘Asia and Pacific’ region contains about 70% of the severely stunted, underweight and wasted children.

• The loss of genetic material needs addressing urgently - this will need to include proper genetic characterization at a level which allows the development of a strategy to maintain genetic diversity - not necessarily all breeds.
• The lack of management capacity must be resolved by proper training programmes at all levels.
• Breeding strategies with both the short and long term implications identified and agreed need developing.
• An awareness programme is a crucial element especially as the proportion of the population in agriculture is reducing.
• Increased communication between all levels and all involving the farmers and consumers must be achieved urgently if policy and planning is to provide the sustainability required to provide food security.
• Improved co-ordination and co-operation between countries, sub-regional groups and within the region must be achieved if the most effective actions for the maintenance of the region’s genetic resources and diversity are to be maintained in order to ensure long term achievement of the goals of sustainable, intensive production to meet demand.

Box

“Livestock are central to the livelihood of the rural poor in developing countries in at least six ways (Livestock in Development 1998, DFID UK). First, they are an important source of cash income. Second, they are one of the few assets available to the poor, especially poor women. Third, livestock manure and draught power are vital to the preservation of soil fertility and the sustainable intensification of farming systems in many developing areas facing increasing population density. Fourth, livestock allow the poor to exploit common property resources, such as open grazing areas, in order to earn income. Fifth, livestock products enable farmers to diversify incomes, helping to reduce income variability, especially in semi-arid systems characterized by one cropping season per year. Sixth, livestock provide a vital and often the only source of income for the poorest and most marginal of the rural poor, such as pastoralists, sharecroppers, and widows”
(p.40 Livestock to 2020 The Next Food Revolution, IFPRI)

Our Mission

To improve food security and to ameliorate poverty in households of Asia by means of realistic interventions and assistance agreed by participatory decision making in the management of all the animal genetic resources available.

Our Goals

The governing principle is the same as for all principled development endeavours - to take seriously the priorities, knowledge and realities of rural households and urban livestock keepers who wish to improve their lives and those of the whole community both at present and for the coming generations.

The Principle Goals are to:

• Reduce poverty and enhance food security.
• Conserve the natural resource base.
• Foster the appreciation of the contribution of local breeds to sustainable production and develop strategies and schemes for livestock breeds.
• Assist development planners and government officials to match their plans and expectations with those of the local resources and priorities.
• Allocate sufficient time and resource to investigating local farming systems and the social and cultural contexts in which livestock are used in each country.
• Promote and encourage participatory processes to achieve community based food security and nutrition programmes.
• Give assistance to national and regional policy makers and planners in developing the most effective management and maintenance of genetic diversity of farm livestock.
• Provide assistance to those involved in the development of legal, institutional and economic mechanisms which affect livestock production.
• Promote research and data collection and analysis into the livestock systems and the specific role of different genotypes to foster better understanding and more effective methods of maintaining biodiversity with respect to farm animals and in line with the requirement of the Convention on BioDiversity (CBD).

Box

Livestock and livestock products are essential elements in the food and agricultural sector in the Asian region. Over thousands of years, a diverse array of animal breeds has been developed in order to take advantage of a wide range of production environments. Over 1300 breeds have so far been identified representing approximately 30% of the world’s known breeds. These resources not only contribute to food and agricultural production in the region, they have been shared around the world enhancing global food security.

The next five years is a critical period for livestock production in the Asian region. Poorly planned animal breeding strategies and the loss of many indigenous breeds threaten the region’s ability to meet future demands, reducing food security. Countries and the region as a whole must immediately begin to increase understanding of the role and value of the full range of their AnGR, and develop comprehensive and effective strategies to ensure their wise use and conservation. (Programme Document for Farm Animal Genetic Resources in Asia, 1997. FAO RAP, Bangkok.)

Our Pledge

ANGRASIA-APHCA will:

• Encourage administrative processes driven by the desire to achieve the stated outcomes while retaining full accountability.
• Provide full, independent auditing and transparent accounting procedures.
• Ensure that projects are developed with full participatory procedures.
• Maintain links with global sources of information and provide an open base for accession of these.
• Cooperate and liaise fully with all who have similar aims and objectives.
• Constantly maintain contact with all interested agencies with a view to obtaining support as required to achieve the prioritised objectives.
• Provide reports and reviews on all activities on a regular basis.

Out Comes

1. A mechanism for developing regional animal genetic resource policies and an interface between the region and the Global Focal point for Animal Genetic Resources.

2. Enhanced management capacity for the use and maintenance of farm animal genetic diversity at regional, sub-regional and national levels.

3. Improved margins for farmers coupled to long term system sustainability.

4. Improved communications, data collection and sharing among farmers, scientists, managers, countries and interested organizations.

Evaluation of Success

1. Operational ANGRASIA within APHCA - governed under the constitution of APHCA.

2. Completed training courses, fully evaluated by participants, comparisons of capacity prior to and after (this would be a component for the State of the World Surveys).

3. Study of breeding strategies, programmes and National Action Plans and the ability of a country to observe the CBD.

4. Direct studies of systems and financial margins when FULLY costed together with measures of sustainability (agreed with experts from relevant organizations).

5. Studies of network size and usage, publications, guidelines and common documents translated for use in each country. Measures of information provided to the State of the World Survey and to outside organizations/people on request.

Stakeholders

ANGRASIA’s present primary stakeholders are FAO and the member countries of APHCA who contribute to the APHCA Trust Fund. Those agencies who invest in this initiative will also become direct stakeholders.

ANGRASIA’s partners include those invited international and national agricultural research centres, scientists and administrators involved in the agricultural policy and planning agencies, interested non-governmental organizations and invited private individuals who can contribute to our mission.

ANGRASIA’s Beneficiaries are:

• Farmers, rural communities and urban livestock farmers in Asia and the Pacific region through enhanced management capacity to use the resources available.
• Policy makers and planners by improved mechanisms for identifying policy issues, needs and the implications of any potential solution.
• Scientists, managers and extensionists by further training and improved communication between all levels - especially with farmers.
• Improved access to quality information and assistance in developing co-ordinated programmes at the regional and sub-regional level.
• The countries which have ratified the Convention on BioDiversity. (CBD)

Box

For billions of people, the regular consumption of a range of animal products provides almost complete protection against a variety of nutritional disorders. The three major human nutritional problems that the world still faces are iron deficiency, Vitamin A deficiency and protein-energy malnutrition. An increased consumption of a relatively small amount of animal product in populations at risk would substantially and efficiently ameliorate all three diseases. Animals provide the draught power for about 28% of the world’s arable land, and will be the most economically realistic and socially appropriate technology for many regions of the world into the foreseeable future. Estimates suggest that about 22% of total nitrogen fertilisation and 38% of total phosphate be of animal origin. There is a wide range of other important products from animals. (Vizard, A.L. 2000 Animal Contributions to Human Health and Well-being. Asian-Aus. J. Anim. Sci. 13 Supplement, July 2000 A: 1-9.)

ANGRASIA-APHCA.des.23.08.00

E) The First Report on the State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources

The process of preparing the report is a way to:

• Analyze data on animal breeds to determine the state of global farm animal genetic resources
• Evaluate policies and traditional and new technologies to use develop and conserve these resources better
• Identify country priorities so immediate action can be taken
• Build countries’ capacities to manage their resources

What are the goals of the report?

To promote the wise use and development of locally adapted animal genetic resources, improve food security, strengthen environmental protection and reduce poverty. It also aims to protect traditional livestock practices of smallholder farmers and nomads.

Demand for livestock products in the developing world is expected to double over the next 20 years, because of population growth, urbanization and rising incomes. To meet this demand, animal agriculture is intensifying and relies increasingly on a few breeds that can produce high yields. As a result, less productive but genetically valuable local breeds are threatened. Already an estimated 35 percent of mammalian breeds and 63 percent of bird breeds risk extinction - 60 percent of them in developing countries. And of the local breeds that remain, few are being bred for higher productivity, a missed opportunity to help the developing world feed its people.

What is the report’s mandate?

Recognizing the important role animals play in food security, FAO started develop in a Global Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources in 1993. In 1998, at the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Animal Genetic Resources, FAO was asked to coordinate preparation of the Report on the State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources. Participants placed great importance on the process leading up to the report, which will be country-driven and will strengthen countries’ ability to manage their animal genetic resources.

Is the focus of the report on conservation or development of animal genetic resources?

The emphasis is on both. It is essential not only to conserve local breeds that have unique features but also to use breeding methods to develop animals further in response to the food security needs of developing countries.

It is important to conserve breeds at risk because they may be able to:

• Withstand lower-quality feed
• Be more resilient to climate stress
• Have stronger resistance to local parasites and diseases
• Be a source of unique genes for use in improving the health and performance of breeds chosen for industrialized animal production

It is important to develop local breeds because an animal that is genetically adapted to its environment will:

• Produce the most at the lowest cost and be sustainable in the long term
• Support food, agriculture and cultural diversity
• Be most effective in achieving local food security objectives

How will the report assist in the conservation and development of these breeds?

The report will provide countries with essential information so they can manage their animal genetic resources wisely. This information will enable countries to:

• Determine core genetic resources for each species
• Monitor breed populations at risk
• Establish conservation priorities
• Establish genetic improvement priorities
• Assist the development of an early warning system for breeds at risk
• Identify appropriate environments for breeds to be most productive

Who are the players?

In addition to international stakeholders and FAO, the key contributors will be the 120to 150 countries that are expected to submit country reports by 2002. Countries will assign coordinators to lead National Consultative Committees, which will be the driving force behind the process. Each committee will consider the most pressing issues in its country and organize efforts to produce an accurate and comprehensive country report. Countries will also be encouraged to invite local stakeholders (including government a land non-governmental technical organizations such as training institutes and breeding associations) to workshops where the process will be discussed. Consultants at the regional level will offer assistance in preparing reports and keep track of progress and priorities. Finally, the working group will monitor the progress of the report’s development, evaluate the results and provide support in national and regional assessments.

How can international stakeholders help?

Funding from FAO’s regular programme will support the coordination activities of the secretariat of the report on the state of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources. But international stockholder support will be necessary to ensure that developing countries are able to participate fully. This will require:

• Regional training workshops for members of the National Consultative Committees
• Equipment and expert advice so countries can prepare comprehensive and accurate reports
• International scientific consultations to develop sustainable breeding strategies
• Funds to begin priority actions, for example, to protect endangered breeds that have unique disease resistance or to breed poor-performing animals to adapt better to harsh climates

What role will the experts play?

The high profile of this report guarantees the participation of the world’s top experts in animal genetic resources. These experts will in turn train others, leading to the establishment of a network of over 2,500 animal genetics specialists with expertise in both traditional knowledge and modern technology. The experts will play an essential role at organizational meetings and scientific consultations. They will also be called upon by FAO to prepare selected reports to complete the picture of the world’s animal genetic resources.

What is DAD-IS and how will it help in the preparation of the report?

DAD-IS, the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System, is FAO’s Internet-based database for countries to collate and store information on animal genetic resources (www.fao.org/DAD-IS). A special module of this system has been created for the preparation of country reports. DAD-IS will also help in planning and monitoring the process by providing online training and by fostering information-sharing and decision-making among National Consultative Committees, stakeholders and donors. Regional workshops will train countries to use DAD-IS effectively.

Should priority actions take place while the report is being prepared?

The country reports will identify priority actions to be taken to use and conserve the full range of domestic animal breeds better. FAO will encourage and support such actions at national and regional levels during the process.

What comes next?

The process, the overall schedule and the guidelines for country reports have been developed and endorsed by the working group. A prototype of the computer module for preparing country reports and the final report has been created for DAD-IS and will be available for country training. Meanwhile, almost 100 countries have identified coordinators for their National Consultative Committees, started building partnerships with local stakeholders and begun to use DAD-IS.

2001

Secretariat invites countries and international stakeholders to participate. Second Ad hoc session of international stakeholders meets at FAO in Rome.

Countries establish National Consultative Committees and raise necessary resources. Regional and country training begins, including the use of DAD-IS.

National Consultative Committees, with participation from local stakeholders, prepare supporting data.

National Consultative Committees draft country reports and begin submitting them for government clearance.

2002

Countries and international stakeholders submit reports to FAO.

Third Ad hoc session of international stakeholders meets at FAO in Rome to review progress.

Secretariat begins analysing reports.

Secretariat reports to the working group so it can evaluate progress.

2003

Secretariat drafts strategic priority action report.

Fourth Ad hoc session of international stakeholders meets at FAO in Rome to review progress.

Working group and ninth session of FAO’s CGRFA to finalize and adopt strategic priority action report. Secretariat proposes follow-up mechanism.

2004

Priority actions begin in areas requiring urgent attention.

Secretariat completes analysis of country reports and regional reports.

Secretariat finalizes draft of first report on the state of the World’s Animal Genetics Resources.

2005

Working group and tenth session of FAO’s commission on Genetic Resources for food and agriculture review the draft of the report.

Governments and stakeholders continue to implement follow-up actions.