Categorizing livestock breeds and their production systems in Liberia
The project conducted a comprehensive survey and characterization of the genetic resources and their production systems in Liberia, which is crucial to develop a national plan for animal genetic resources management aimed at increasing domestic livestock production to meet domestic demand and implementing sustainable livestock research and development plans.
What did the project do
The field survey and characterization of livestock and their production systems were successfully conducted in Liberia's 15 counties and the National Strategy Action Plan for management and conservation of animal genetic resources was developed. A Community Based Breeding Programme was established in three counties and strengthened selected farmers’ associations by enabling them to manage, select and produce quality genetic stock for breeding and replacement.Impact
The information made available through the survey will guide policy decisions, research planning, and allow the establishment of a mechanism to increase livestock production by efficiently exploiting the genetic diversity among and within breeds of different species. The productivity will be increased and the livelihood of farmers improved through the Community-Based Breeding Programme.Activities
- 2 885 animals were phenotypically characterized: 561 beef cattle, 1 065 goats, 785 sheep and 468 pigs.
- A national advisory committee and a technical team were established in support of the development of the National Strategy and Action Plan.
- A training workshop in all aspects of livestock survey and characterization was provided to build the capacity of CARI staff, personnel of the MOA and graduates in agriculture from the University of Liberia and CuttingtonUniversity.
Project symbol: TCP/LIR/3502
Project title: Survey and characterization of livestock breeds and their production systems for the development of a National Strategy and Action Plan for animal genetic resources
Contact: FAO Office in Liberia
Email: [email protected]
Download PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/a-bs934e.pdf