Subregional Report on Animal Genetic Resources: North and West Africa Acknowledgements The Subregional Factsheet was prepared by Marion De Vries. Subregional Priorities were compiled by Milan Zjalic.

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

All rights reserved. Reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product for educational or other non-commercial purposes are authorized without any prior written permission from the copyright holders provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of material in this information product for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission of the copyright holders. Applications for such permission should be addressed to: Chief Electronic Publishing Policy and Support Branch Communication Division FAO Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy or by e-mail to: [email protected] © FAO 2007

Citation: FAO. 2007. Subregional report on animal genetic resources: North and West Africa. Annex to The State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Rome. Contents

Introduction 5

Part 1 Subregional factsheet: North and West Africa 7

1 Importance of livestock to subregion’s economy and food security 7 1.1 Poverty 10 1.2. Production and supply 12 1.3 Non-food related livestock functions 14 1.4 Imports and exports 15 1.5 Projected demand for livestock products 18 2 Livestock Production Systems 20 2.1 Overview 20 2.2 Roles and functions of livestock in North and West Africa 25 2.3 Projected changes in production systems 26 2.4 Impact of production system trends on animal genetic resources 27 3 Animal genetic resources 28 3.1 Status 28 3.2 Threats to animal genetic resources in North and West Africa 34 3.3 Unique resources highlighted 34

References 35

Annex 37

Part 2 Subregional priorities: North and West Africa 39

1 Inventory and characterization 39 2 Sustainable utilization and development 40 3 Conservation of animal genetic resources 42 4 Policies, institutions and capacity building 45

 TABLES

1. Land area and population 8 2. GDP and the economic contribution of agriculture 9 3. Land use 10 4. Poverty rates by country 11 5. Food supply situation by country 13 6. Net importers and exporters for primary livestock products and live animals in 2004 16 7. Livestock numbers, meat and milk production: past and projected annual growth rates for North and West Africa 19 8. Resource base, production and productivity of the different production systems found in North and West Africa 24 9. Classification of traditional ruminant production systems in sub-Saharan Africa 25 10. Total population size and number of breeds of the major livestock species in North and West Africa and their share of the world total 28 11. Transboundary mammalian and avian breeds in North and West Africa 28

FIGURES

1. Total production of meat, milk and eggs in North and West Africa, 1995–2005 12 2. Total imports and exports of live animals and primary livestock products in North and West Africa, 1994–2004 16 3. Total exports of live animals and primary livestock products in North and West Africa, 1994–2004 17 4. Total imports of live animals and primary livestock products in North and West Africa, 1994–2004 18 5. Past and projected total meat, milk and egg production in North and West Africa 20 6. Production systems in Africa 21 7. Tsetse fly distribution – predicted areas of suitability in Africa 23 8. Risk status of mammalian breeds recorded in North and West Africa up to December 2005: absolute (table) and relative (chart) figures 30 9. Risk status of avian breeds recorded in North and West Africa up to December 2005: absolute (table) and relative (chart) figures 31 10. Population data status and index for mammalian breeds recorded by countries of the North and West Africa subregion up to December 2005 32 11. Population data status and index for avian breeds recorded by countries of the North and West Africa subregion up to December 2005 33

 Introduction

his document is one of a set of subregional and regional reports prepared as part of the Annex to The State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. It consists of two T sections: • a factsheet; and • a synthesis of priorities.

The factsheet is a compilation of background material on the significance of livestock to the subregion’s economy and food security; the characteristics, distribution, and relative significance of the various livestock production systems; and the characteristics of animal genetic resources.

The priorities presented in this report are based on the outcome of consultations held at the subregional level to review a draft report on strategic priorities for action, which had been prepared by FAO as a global-level synthesis of priorities identified in the Country Reports submitted as part of State of the World process. The consultations, which were held during the final quarter of 2005, took the form of e-mail conferences and/or physical meetings, and provided an opportunity for country representatives, from both technical and policy backgrounds, to identify priorities and to further strategies for cooperation.



PART 1

Subregional factsheet: North and West Africa

For the purposes of this report, the countries of the North and West Africa subregion include Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Tunisia and Western Sahara. The countries in the subregion are located between latitudes 38° north and 13° south and longitudes 31° east and 26° west, and cover 14.3 million km2 of land area. The subregion is home to over 413 million people, equal to 6 percent of the world’s total human population. Climates range from arid (the Sahara covers a significant part of the subregion) to tropical hot and humid. A summary of general information for this subregion can be found in Tables 1 to 3. Nigeria, with almost one third of the total, has the highest population in the subregion, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Algeria and Morocco. Between 1993 and 2003 the population of the subregion increased by 27 percent, with the steepest increase during this period being in Liberia. Population densities in the subregion are rather low – on average only 29 inhabitants per km2 of land. Coastal areas are more densely populated. Nigeria is noted as one of the most populous developing countries. In contrast, countries such as Mauritania, Gabon, Chad and the Central African Republic, are among the least densely populated parts of Africa (FAOSTAT).

1 Importance of livestock to subregion’s economy and food security

Agriculture plays a leading role as a source of income for almost 200 million people in North and West Africa. Among the countries of the subregion, the proportion of the population dependent for their livelihood on agriculture varies substantially from approximately 20 percent in Cape Verde to 92 percent in Burkina Faso (FAOSTAT). In line with this, the economic output of agriculture also differs substantially across the subregion. The economic contribution of agriculture to gross domestic product (GDP) ranges from only 6 percent in the Congo to 71 percent in agriculture-oriented Guinea-Bissau (World Bank Data). Like the contribution of agriculture, the contribution of livestock to the economy differs considerably among the countries of the subregion. For example, in Mauritania livestock contributes approximately 75 percent to the agricultural GDP (CR Mauritania, 2005), while in the Congo livestock accounts for only 5 percent of the agricultural GDP (CR Congo, 2003). The North and West African livestock sector generally shows poor productivity, and the availability of food of animal origin for human consumption is low. Projections for the livestock market in North and West Africa show a large increase in demand for livestock products, resulting from population growth. The North and West African population is expected to increase by approximately 120 percent within the next 45 years (UNFPA, 2005).

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Table 1 Land area and population

Land area Population 2004 Population Projected population (1 000 km2) (million) density growth rate (%) (km-2) 2005–2015

Algeria 2 382 32 14 1 Benin 111 7 63 3 Burkina Faso 274 13 49 3 Cameroon 465 16 35 2 Cape Verde 4 0 117 2 Central African Republic 623 4 6 1 Chad 1 259 9 7 3 Congo 342 4 11 3 Côte d’Ivoire 318 17 53 2 Democratic Republic of the Congo 2 267 54 24 3 Equatorial Guinea 28 1 18 2 Gabon 258 1 5 1 Gambia 10 1 146 2 Ghana 228 21 94 2 Guinea 246 9 35 2 Guinea-Bissau 28 2 55 3 Liberia 96 3 36 3 Mali 1 220 13 11 3 Mauritania 1 025 3 3 3 Morocco 446 31 70 1 Niger 1 267 12 10 3 Nigeria 911 127 140 2 Sao Tome and Principe 1 0 172 2 Senegal 193 10 54 2 Sierra Leone 72 5 72 2 Togo 54 5 92 2 Tunisia 155 10 64 1 Total 14 282 413 29 2

Data from UN and FAO statistics.

Data unavailable for Western Sahara.

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Table 2 GDP and the economic contribution of agriculture

GDP1 2003 GDP1 per capita Value added in Agricultural population1 (US$billions) 2003 (PPP US$) agriculture2 2003 2004 (% of total) (% of GDP)

Algeria 84.6 6 107 12.7 23 Benin 4.1 1 115 36.3 50 Burkina Faso 4.8 1 174 30.8 92 Cameroon 14.7 2 118 43.9 48 Cape Verde 0.9 5 214 6.8 20 Central African Republic 1.3 1 089 40.0 69 Chad 4.3 1 210 60.9 71 Congo 4.4 697 30.0 37 Côte d’Ivoire 15.3 1 476 25.3 45 Democratic Republic of the Congo 6.6 965 5.9 61 Equatorial Guinea 3.2 19 780 * 69 Gabon 7.2 6 397 9.1 33 Gambia 0.4 1 859 32.0 78 Ghana 8.6 2 238 35.3 55 Guinea 3.5 2 097 24.9 82 Guinea-Bissau 0.3 711 70.7 82 Liberia 0.4 * * 66 Mali 4.9 994 45.0 79 Mauritania 1.4 1 766 19.1 52 Morocco 50.1 4 004 16.7 34 Niger 3.1 835 * 87 Nigeria 72.1 1 050 26.4 30 Sao Tome and Principe 0.1 1 231 15.6 62 Senegal 7.7 1 648 17.0 72 Sierra Leone 1.1 548 53.2 60 Togo 2.1 1 696 41.2 57 Tunisia 28.2 7 161 12.6 23 Western Sahara * * * * Total 335.3 * * 48

1 Data from UN and FAO statistics.

2 Data from World Bank statistics and Country Reports.

*Data unavailable.

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Table 3 Land use

Arable (%) Permanent crops (%) Permanent pasture (%) 1993 2003 1993 2003 1993 2003 Algeria 3 3 0 0 13 13 Benin 15 24 1 2 5 5 Burkina Faso 13 18 0 0 22 22 Cameroon 13 13 3 3 4 4 Cape Verde 10 11 1 1 6 6 Central African Republic 3 3 0 0 5 5 Chad 3 3 0 0 36 36 Congo 1 1 0 0 29 29 Côte d’Ivoire 9 10 11 11 41 41 Democratic Republic of the Congo 3 3 1 0 7 7 Equatorial Guinea 5 5 4 4 4 4 Gabon 1 1 1 1 18 18 Gambia 16 32 1 1 45 46 Ghana 12 18 7 10 37 37 Guinea 3 4 2 3 44 44 Guinea-Bissau 11 11 4 9 38 38 Liberia 4 4 2 2 21 21 Mali 3 4 0 0 25 25 Mauritania 0 0 0 0 38 38 Morocco 20 19 2 2 47 47 Niger 11 11 0 0 17 19 Nigeria 33 33 3 3 44 43 Sao Tome and Principe 2 8 41 49 1 1 Senegal 12 13 0 0 30 29 Sierra Leone 7 8 1 1 31 31 Togo 40 46 2 2 18 18 Tunisia 19 18 13 14 29 31 Total 7 8 1 1 22 22

Data from UN and FAO statistics.

Data unavailable for Western Sahara.

1.1 Poverty Poverty rates can be quantified on the basis of a poverty line, which provides a threshold in income or consumption below which a household can be classified as poor. Some poverty lines aim tobe internationally comparable – adjusting for the purchasing power of local currencies in local markets to indicate similar levels of consumption of goods and services in all the countries compared – and, thus, are useful for producing continental and global totals. Widely cited examples are US$1 day-1 and US$2 day-1 international lines published by the World Bank. Numerous practical difficulties, however, remain with respect to ensuring that the measures reflect a consistent level of deprivation across countries, and the statistics must be treated with some caution (World Bank, 2001). National poverty lines reflect intercountry differences in economic and social status and are used to assess progress on a national scale. The figures presented in Table 4 utilize three different poverty lines: the international US$1 day-1 and US$2 day-1 lines; and national poverty lines based on Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) data.

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Table 4 Poverty rates by country

Country TAC Definition Less than 1US$/day Less than 2US$/day Algeria 23 2 15.1 Benin * * * Burkina Faso * 61.2 85.8 Cameroon 37 * * Cape Verde * * * Central African Republic * 66.6 84 Chad * * * Congo, Republic of * * * Côte d’Ivoire * 12.3 49.4 Democratic Republic of the Congo 70 * * Equatorial Guinea * * * Gabon * * * Gambia * * * Ghana 42 * * Guinea * * * Guinea-Bissau * * * Liberia * * * Mali 54 72.8 91.6 Mauritania * 3.8 22.1 Morocco 37 2 7.5 Niger * 61.4 85.3 Nigeria 40 70.2 90.8 Sao Tome and Principe * * * Senegal * 26.3 67.8

Sierra Leone * 57 74.5 Togo * * * Tunisia 17 2 11.6 Western Sahara * * *

Sources: FAO (1997) and World Bank (2001) as presented by Thornton et al. (2002).

*Data unavailable.

Table 4 indicates that among the countries of the subregion the proportion of the national population living below the US$1 day-1 poverty line ranges from 2 to 73 percent. In several countries, civil strife and insecurity contribute to the poor prospects for crop production and food security. According to the poverty line figures shown in Table 4, Mali and Nigeria are among the poorest countries in the subregion, with more than 70 percent of the population living below the US$1 day-1 poverty line (Thornton et al., 2002). In fact, among the 27 countries in North and West Africa, 18 are classed as Least Developed Countries. Sao Tome and Principe, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone are among the top five aid-dependent economies in Africa (UNECA, 2005). The unemployment rate is 10.9 percent in sub-Saharan Africa and 10.4 percent in North Africa (UNECA, 2005). Working poverty is also very high, with 56 percent of people employed in sub-Saharan Africa not earning enough to provide for their families’ basic needs. There are large variations among regions and countries with respect to unemployment rates, and West Africa had the lowest unemployment rate in the continent in 2003 (6.7 percent). Even within a single country there are disparities – with the rural–urban divide often the most visible. About 70 percent of poor Africans live in rural areas. In these areas, 90 percent of the population rely for their main source of income on agriculture – in which productivity and earnings are low (all figures from UNECA, 2005). Increasing agricultural production is vital to ensuring food security, including that of the urban populations (ibid.).

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In many instances poverty is inversely related to landholding size and the poorer people are, the more they rely on livestock as a means of supporting their livelihoods. The poor derive a larger proportion of their meagre incomes from livestock than do the wealthier (Delgado et al., 1999), and for the landless, livestock are often the only income generating option available (Thornton et al., 2002).

1.2. Production and supply In most countries of the North and West Africa subregion livestock plays an important role as a source of income. However, production and consumption figures vary considerably among the countries of the subregion. Among other factors, civil strife, displacement of inhabitants, and diverse climatic conditions contribute to variations in food production and availability. Also, in parts of the subregion (e.g. Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Senegal) the agricultural sector is affected by plagues of locusts.

1.2.1 Production Figure 1 shows the total production of meat, milk and eggs in the North and West Africa subregion. The average production per capita is well below the world level. The meat, milk and eggs produced in the subregion contribute only 1.8, 1.1 and 1.9 percent respectively to the world production totals for these products.

Figure 1 Total production of meat, milk and eggs in North and West Africa, 1995–2005

million kg 8 000

6 000

4 000 Milk,Total Meat, Total Eggs Primary 2 000

0

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Source: FAOSTAT.

Nigeria, Morocco and Algeria show the highest absolute production of livestock products in the subregion. Nigeria has the highest meat and egg production, followed by Morocco and Algeria, while Algeria has the highest milk production in the subregion. However, Nigeria is not a leading country with respect to the average production per capita. Tunisia generally shows high productivity per capita for all sectors (FAOSTAT). Approximately 4 700 million kg of meat is produced annually in North and West Africa. Beef and veal (29 percent) and chicken meat (26 percent) make the greatest contribution to meat production in the subregion. Nigeria contributes most to the total production of beef and veal, whereas

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for chicken meat, Morocco is the main producer (followed by Algeria and Nigeria, respectively). Sheep and goat meat contribute 22 percent to the subregional total meat production. Other types of meat (pork, game meat, and meat from turkeys, camels, asses, horses, rabbits and ducks) contribute around 24 percent to total subregional production, varying substantially in importance among countries. For example, Nigeria accounts for more than half of the total pork production in the subregion. The North and West Africa subregion produces approximately 6 800 million kg of milk. The milk produced in the subregion comes mainly from cows (78 percent), but also includes goat, sheep and camel milk. Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia produce significantly more cow milk compared to the other countries in the subregion, together accounting for two-thirds of the total subregional production. In Tunisia, cow milk production per capita, as well as productivity per milking cow, greatly exceeds the productivity levels in the other countries in the subregion. Mali (goat, sheep and camel milk) and Algeria (sheep milk) are the main producers of milk from animals other than cows. Total milk and meat production in the North and West Africa subregion increased substantially during recent decades, while egg production showed little growth. With an annual growth rate of 3.0 percent in the last decade, milk production in the subregion increased faster than did total world milk production. Meat production increased in parallel to world production, but the growth rate for egg production was lower than the world level during this period (FAOSTAT).

1.2.2 Supply Food shortages and food insecurity are continuously present in several countries in the subregion, arising from the effects of war, displacement and droughts. In 2004 and 2005, desert locusts and drought hit the subregion and had serious effects on income, livelihoods and nutrition. The severe food crisis resulted in depletion of household assets including animals, as well as high levels of indebtedness, million kg notably in Niger and parts of Burkina Faso, Mali and Mauritania. According to Table 5, 12 countries in the subregion currently require urgent external food assistance as a result of the aforementioned 8 000 problems (FAO, 2005).

Table 5 6 000 Food supply situation by country

Nature of food insecurity Country Main reasons Generalized lack of access Liberia Recent civil strife, IDP*

4 000 Mauritania After effects of 2004 drought and locusts Milk,Total Niger After effects of 2004 drought and locusts Meat, Total Eggs Primary Sierra Leone Returnees, refugees 2 000 Severe localized food insecurity Burkina Faso After effects of 2004 drought and locusts Chad Refugees

Central African Republic Recent civil strife 0 Congo IDPs, refugees 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Côte d’Ivoire Civil strife, IDP

Democratic Republic of the Congo Civil strife, IDP and refugees

Guinea IDP and refugees

Mali After effects of 2004 drought and locusts

Source: FAO (2005).

*IDP =internally displaced people.

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The average food consumption in North and West Africa is 2 518 kcal per capita per day (Glipha, 2002). This is, however, much influenced by the large contribution of Nigeria, which has been making progress in recent decades in raising its per capita food consumption (2 814 kcal/cap/day) and in reducing the incidence of undernourishment. Excluding Nigeria, the average food consumption in North and West Africa is only 2 385 kcal per capita per day. This is far below the average developing-country level (2 681 kcal). At least eight of the countries in the subregion, mostly inland countries, have a per capita food consumption below 2 200 kcal. Many have a per capita food consumption that is lower than that attained in the past; examples include the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Liberia. Some other countries have failed to make progress in raising per capita food consumption. However, not all of the countries of the subregion are in such a dire food security situation. Besides Nigeria, 10 other countries (all coastal) have made significant progress and have raised consumption levels to over 2 400 kcal per person per day (FAO, 2003a). Food shortages and insecurity are also reflected in all the figures for the average supplies of livestock products per capita. For each person in the subregion, egg supply1 is 2.4 kg/year, meat1 12.2 kg/year and milk1 17.4 kg/year – representing respectively 29 percent, 31 percent and 39 percent of the average world food supply per capita for these products (FAOSTAT). Meat supply per capita is the highest in Gabon (where game meat is of great importance), Mauritania, Central African Republic and Cape Verde. In the subregion as a whole, beef, pork, mutton and lamb and poultry meat are consumed in relatively equal amounts. Of the total meat supply per capita, most is poultry meat (30 percent), followed by beef (26 percent), mutton and lamb (16 percent) and pork (12 percent). At country level, beef supply is exceptionally high in Central African Republic, while in the case of Mauritania the supply of mutton and lamb available for consumption is relatively high. Because of religious sensibilities, pork supply is especially low in parts of the subregion2. Cape Verde strongly contrasts with other countries in the subregion with respect to pork supply, having an average supply of 18.6 kg per capita per year as compared to 2.0 kg in the subregion as a whole. Milk supply varies greatly across the region, ranging from 1.3 kg per capita per year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo up to 123.8 kg per capita per year in Mauritania.

1.3 Non-food related livestock functions The contribution of livestock to the livelihoods of their owners and to the wider economic, social and cultural life of African countries extends well beyond their role as providers of food. Non-food related livestock functions include agricultural inputs, transport and fuel; hides, skins, fibres and other by- products; savings, investment and risk management; and a range of sociocultural roles. Cattle, camels, horses, donkeys and mules are all used as draught animals. In mixed rainfed systems cattle are usually more important for draught power than for other functions. In Gambia for example, 73.4 percent of the crop fields in the country are cultivated using animal power (CR Gambia, 2003) and it is reported that in Chad between 30 and 40 percent of households have draught animals and ploughs (CR Chad, 2003). The possession of draught animals is often of great significance to small scale farmers, enabling them to make efficient use of their cropland. Owners can also hire them out for others to use. Livestock provide not only draught power, but also manure and transport. In Chad, for example, donkeys, horses and camels are used to transport people, the belongings of nomads, water, fuelwood and goods to be traded (ibid.). In some places crop and livestock production is integrated through the grazing of pastoralists’ livestock on crop farmers’ fields after the harvest – the cropland benefiting from the manure and the livestock feeding on the crop residues (CR Cameroon, 2003). Sometimes, however, the use of manure is limited by the absence of a means of transporting it to the cropland where it is needed (CR Chad, 2003; CR Guinea, 2003). Another function of animals is as providers of manure for fuel (FAO, 1996). In semi-arid zones, fuelwood is often scarce as a result of deforestation and range degradation. The role of dung as a source of fuel is mentioned, for example, in the Country Reports from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2005) and Guinea (2003). Hides and skins are among the most important by-products of livestock. Cattle and small ruminants are the main species concerned, but other species such as camels also contribute. Wool and hair are also significant livestock products in some countries. Sheep, goats and camels are the important

1 Equatorial Guinea data not included. 2 Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Tunisia.

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species where fibre production is concerned. Skins are used in the production of clothing, rugs and other household items (CR Central African Republic, 2003; CR Chad, 2003). Hides and skins provide raw materials to the local leather and tanning industries, often at the artisanal scale (CR Chad, 2003; CR Côte d’Ivoire, 2003; CR Mauritania, 2005). In a number of countries they are also significant export products. Horns and hooves are used for the production of various household goods, tools and decorative items (CR Cameroon, 2003; CR Chad, 2003; CR Nigeria, 2004). For many livestock keepers, the importance of livestock is partly related to their role in savings, capital accumulation and the management of risk. While for many small-scale farmers and herders production is largely for subsistence purposes, the need for a source of cash to meet necessary expenses arises from time to time. The sale of livestock is frequently a means of meeting these requirements. The goods and services in question range from household items such as soap, salt and petrol to school fees, building materials, agricultural inputs, health expenses, taxes and meeting the costs of marriages, funerals and other cultural events and ceremonies (CR Niger, 2003; CR Sao Tome and Principe, 2003; CR Senegal, 2003; CR Togo, 2003). Sheep and goats are useful for this purpose on account of their individual low value compared with cattle which means they can be easily sold to meet recurrent cash needs (FAO, 2002). The role of livestock keeping as a method of savings or investment is not limited to farmers and rural people; urban residents such as traders and employees in the public and private sector also often hold their savings in the form of livestock (CR Republic of Congo, 2003). In many cases, the offtake of livestock is related to social and cultural rather than strictly commercial motivations. In the Central African Republic, for example, the offtake of animals from the herds of the Peuhl pastoralists is generally related to occasions such as marriages, births and religious festivals, unless brought about by pressing financial needs (CR Central African Republic, 2003). For mixed farmers also, livestock slaughter can be associated with a range of celebrations and religious festivals (CR Guinea- Bissau, 2003). In some communities, livestock ownership is considered to be a sign of social status or prestige. Such considerations sometimes influence choices regarding the particular breeds or types of livestock that are kept. Loans and gifts of livestock, inheritance, and the transfer of animals at the time of marriage serve to maintain networks of obligation and dependence within family and social groups, and can also be a manifestation of hierarchical relationships between social strata (CR Congo, 2003). Such traditions are another influence on the choice of breeds kept by some communities. Livestock by- products also have significance to cultural life. For example, skins, and horns of sheep, goats and cattle as well as poultry feathers have diverse roles associated with religious ceremonies, gifts, sacrifices and so on. Similarly, livestock have roles in sports (fighting cocks, camel racing, horse racing) and traditional healing practices.

1.4 Imports and exports African economies rely heavily on revenues from trade with countries outside the region: nearly 90 percent of African trade is with the rest of the world (Brinkmann & Grey, 1999). The Euro zone is Africa’s largest trading partner. Nigeria (oil production), Algeria (hydrocarbon production) and Morocco (phosphate mining) are among the five largest economies in Africa. In contrast to Algeria and Morocco, the agricultural sector in Nigeria is relatively important, contributing 26.4 percent to the total GDP. In 2004, Africa recorded the highest economic growth in almost a decade, and the fastest economic growth in the continent during this year was recorded in Chad and Equatorial Guinea (39.4 and 18.3 percent respectively) (UNECA, 2005). Only these two countries in the subregion have sustained growth of at least 7 percent a year since 2001 (corresponding to the growth rate required to meet the Millennium Development Goal of halving poverty by 2015) (ibid.). The North and West Africa subregion is a net importer of live animals and primary livestock products (Figure 2). Almost all countries are net importers for livestock products (Table 6). All figures presented refer to primary livestock products. Benin is the largest importer of animal products, mainly of poultry meat. In the so-called West African Corridor there are substantial livestock trade flows from Mali and Burkina Faso to markets in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo. Cattle produced in the Sahelian countries were traditionally supplied to domestic markets as well as to foreign markets in the more densely populated coastal areas of West Africa. Mali and, to a lesser extent, Chad are the largest exporters of live animals in the subregion (FAOSTAT). Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, as well as Nigeria and Algeria, are among the largest importers of live animals in the subregion. It is argued that livestock trade within the subregion would benefit from efforts to harmonize policy among the importing and exporting countries (Williams et al., 2003).

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Figure 2 Total imports and exports of live animals and primary livestock products in North and West Africa, 1994–2004

million US$ 12 00

1 000 total import total export 800

600

400

200

0

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Source: FAOSTAT.

Table 6 Net importers and exporters for primary livestock products and live animals in 2004

Primary livestock products Live animals Net importers Net importers Net exporters Algeria Chad Algeria Burkina Faso Benin Benin Chad Burkina Faso Cameroon Guinea Cameroon Cape Verde Mali Cape Verde Central African Republic Mauritania Central African Republic Congo Niger Congo Côte d’Ivoire Côte d’Ivoire Democratic Republic of the Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo Gabon Equatorial Guinea Gambia Gabon Ghana Gambia Guinea-Bissau Ghana Liberia Guinea Morocco Guinea-Bissau Nigeria Liberia Sao Tome and Principe Mali Senegal Mauritania Sierra Leone Morocco Togo

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Table 6 cont. Net importers and exporters for primary livestock products and live animals in 2004

Primary livestock products Live animals Net importers Net importers Net exporters Niger Tunisia Nigeria Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Sierra Leone Togo Tunisia

Source: FAOSTAT.

1.4.1 Exports North and West Africa’s exports of live animals and primary livestock products have remained relatively stable during the last decade. In 2004 exports of live animals in the subregion were the most important element (US$210 million) of the total exports of live animals and animal products (Figure 3). Cattle form the main component of the total exports of live animals (65 percent). The main producers of live cattle for export are Mali (59 percent) and Chad (30 percent). Exports of live sheep and goats together contribute 30 percent to the total exports of live animals. Again, Mali produces the main share of sheep destined for export, followed by Mauritania and Chad. These three countries plus Niger also produce nearly all the goats exported. With a total value of US$13 million, the exports of animal products from the subregion are extremely low compared to exports of live animals. Fifty-seven percent of the exports of animal products are snails (not sea snails), mainly from Tunisia, but also from Morocco, Algeria and Senegal. Another 30 percent of the exports of animal products are made up of other meat products, such as beef and veal from Chad and poultry meat from Benin, Senegal, Togo and Tunisia. Egg and (cow) milk (from Algeria) exports contribute only 5 and 2 percent respectively to the subregion’s total exports of animal products. Sheep skins (with wool) contribute another 4 percent to the total exports of animal products (FAOSTAT).

Figure 3 Total exports of live animals and primary livestock products in North and West Africa, 1994–2004

million US$

300

250

200

150 live animals meat 100 milk eggs 50 other

0

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Source: FAOSTAT.

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1.4.2 Imports In contrast to the stable export figures for live animals and primary livestock products, imports rose substantially during the recent years (Figure 4). This was mainly the result of a steady increase in the import of poultry meat, particularly in Benin, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo, Ghana and Senegal. In 2004, poultry meat accounted for two-thirds of the total meat imports. The imports have increased since 1998 as a result of the reduction in tariff barriers and increase in European, North American, Brazilian and Thai poultry production. Throughout the region, poultry farmers have been strongly affected by this competition, and many farms have been forced to close. As well as the increased import of poultry meat, beef and veal imports doubled in 2004 and imports of goat and sheep meat increased fourfold in the same year. Nearly all countries import cow milk and hens’ eggs. In 2004, total imports of animal products were worth US$475 million and the imports of live animals US$509 million. The imports of live animals mainly consist of imports of cattle (75 percent). Nearly half of the cattle are imported by Nigeria, the rest mainly by Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. There are also significant imports of sheep and goats – Nigeria and Senegal being the main importers – and chickens, mainly imported by Morocco and Algeria. Import live animals and animal products

Figure 4 Total imports of live animals and primary livestock products in North and West Africa, 1994–2004

million US$

600

500

400 live animals other meat 300 live animals milk eggs eggs 200 other

100 milk meat 0

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Source: FAOSTAT.

1.5 Projected demand for livestock products The projected population growth rate for North and West Africa is 2.2 percent per year for the next decade (UNFPA, 2005). Demand for livestock products is rising rapidly in response to population growth, urbanization and rising income. At 2.9 percent per year, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest projected growth rate in the world for consumption of crops and livestock products up to 2030 (FAO, 2003a). Nonetheless, in absolute terms the predicted increase in consumption is very modest. To compare: the projected consumption of meat in 2030 is 13.4 kg per capita for sub-Saharan Africa, while in the same year the projected consumption of meat in industrial countries is 100.1 kg per capita. If livestock production is to keep pace with demand, the imperative is to enhance productivity per animal and reduce wastage. In sub-Saharan Africa, recent productivity growth per animal has, for all species, been far less than the projected growth rates for demand. Productivity growth has ranged from -0.5 to 0.6 percent per year while demand growth is projected to be between 2.6 and 4.2 percent per year (ILRI, 2000). In North Africa, the demand–productivity growth gap is not nearly as large as in sub-Saharan Africa. 18 Subregional Report ON ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES – North and west Africa

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Low productivity of the livestock sector is one of the major reasons why only small amounts of food of animal origin are available for human consumption in the subregion. Low productivity is associated with a number of interacting factors: poor nutrition and acute seasonal feed deficiencies, limited availability of water in arid and semi-arid areas, poor management, disease, and low genetic potential as feed and health constraints are removed. The expected growth rate for livestock numbers in North and West Africa is only 1.7 percent per year (Table 7). This suggests that expansion of the livestock population is not sufficient to keep pace with human population growth, and that increases in animal productivity are necessary (FAO, 2002). Although some countries (e.g. Gabon and Senegal) have increased consumption of poultry meat significantly, the subregion has seen little expansion of the poultry sector – a situation that will probably persist for some time, with projections suggesting only very modest gains in the longer term (FAO, 2003a).

Table 7 Livestock numbers, meat and milk production: past and projected annual growth rates for North and West Africa

Annual growth rate (%) 1990–2000 2000–2015

Total livestock numbers 2.96 1.68 Total meat production (kg) 2.82 3.38

Total milk production (kg) 3.61 2.20 Total egg production (kg) 2.88 3.54

Source: FAO (2003b).

Data from Equatorial Guinea not included.

Figure 5 shows total milk and meat production for North and West Africa in the past, and the projection for the future. Total meat production in North and West Africa will increase rapidly with an annual growth rate of 3.4 percent in the next decade (FAO, 2003b). The highest increase will be in the poultry meat sector (4.4 percent/year), with particular gains predicted for Benin and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, Nigeria, Morocco and Algeria will remain the largest producers of poultry meat in the future and steadily increase their production. The sector will see an expansion of the poultry population and benefit from higher offtake rates. The subregion’s beef production is also projected to increase – at a rate of 3.1 percent per year during the next decade. In 2030, Nigeria will be the largest beef producer in the continent after Egypt. Though at a slower rate, production of sheep and goat meat will steadily grow in all countries in the subregion. Nigeria, Algeria and Morocco will remain the largest producers in this sector. Pork production will show the smallest increase, but with much variation among the countries in the subregion because of religious restrictions on pork consumption. Large increases are predicted for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is expected to triple its pork production by 2015 and increase production sevenfold by 2030. Egg production is predicted to have the fastest increase among animal products in the next decade (3.5 percent/year). The subregion shows the highest projected growth rate for egg production in the continent, with practically all countries showing increases. Nigeria continues to be the largest producer of eggs in the subregion and is expected to triple its production by 2030. Nigeria is also projected to substantially increase cow milk production. In 2030 Nigeria will be among the largest cow milk producers in the subregion, together with Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. The subregional projected growth rate for cow milk production to 2015 is 2.2 percent per year. The much smaller milk production of sheep and goat milk is expected to increase by 2.4 percent per year. The growth rates are the highest in Niger and Burkina Faso, but in 2030 the main producers of sheep and goat milk will be Algeria, Mali and Niger. Projected increases in camel milk production in the subregion are only very slight.

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Figure 5 Past and projected total meat, milk and egg production in North and West Africa

production (billion kg)

15 total milk production 12 total egg production total meat production 9

6

3

0 1989/1991 1999/2001 2015 2030

Source: FAOSTAT.

Data for Equatorial Guinea not included.

2 Livestock Production Systems

2.1 Overview In this factsheet, livestock production systems are described according to the classification developed by Seré and Steinfeld (FAO, 1996). The statistics presented are based on updated data from 2004. The classification system distinguishes grassland-based systems (including pastoralism and ranching), mixed rainfed systems, mixed irrigated systems and landless systems. The production systems are further classified by agro-ecological zone: arid/semi-arid, humid/subhumid and temperate/tropical highland. A description of the classification system can be found in the Annex to this factsheet. According to the allocation method used (see FAO (1996) for details), the North and West African subregion includes only grassland-based, mixed rainfed and landless production systems. Some irrigation is of course present in the subregion, but is insufficient to register under this classification. Similarly, there are some mountainous areas within the subregion, notably the Atlas ranges of North Africa. Figure 6 shows the production systems present in Africa as mapped by Thornton et al. (2002). Note that because of the method used to allocate data, the statistics presented below in Table 8 do not correspond exactly to the production system distribution shown in Figure 6. In addition to the above-described classification, livestock systems are often distinguished according to whether they are “modern” or “traditional” systems. This classification overlaps the FAO (1996) classification. “Modern” systems have large capital requirements and employ substantial amounts of hired labour, while “traditional” systems mainly rely on family labour and the extensive use of land (FAO, 1991a). “Traditional” livestock systems are far more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa than “modern” systems.

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Figure 6 Production systems in Africa

-20 ° 0 ° 20 ° 40 ° Livestock production systems in Africa

Livestock only, rangeland based (LG) LGHYP hyperarid LGA arid/semi-arid 20 ° LGH humid/subhumid 20 ° LGT temperate/tropical highland

Mixed (crop/livestock) rainfed (MR) MRHYP hyperarid MRA arid/semi-arid MRH humid/subhumid MRT temperate/tropical highland

Mixed (crop/livestock) irrigated (MI) 0 ° 0 ° MIHYP hyperarid MIA arid/semi-arid MIH humid/subhumid MIT temperate/tropical highland

Other Urban area -20 ° Other (forest, mangroves,...) -20 °

Data not available

0 1000 km

Lambert Azimuthal Equal Area Projection -20 ° 0 ° 20 ° 40 °

Source: Kruska (2006).

Table 8 provides general production and productivity data, for the main livestock products in the various production systems of the subregion. Generally speaking, the highest production figures can be found in the mixed rainfed system, accounting for 71 percent of the total meat production and 82 percent of the total milk production. The quantity of animal products produced in the grassland- based system is much lower, and intensive landless production systems produce only sheep and goat meat, pork, poultry meat and eggs. Pork production is only a small sector in North and West Africa and is mainly concentrated in the mixed rainfed production systems (FAO, 2004). Camels are of great importance in semi-arid and arid zones due to their adaptation to the conditions and their ability to cross harsh terrain. All subregions in Africa exhibit a decline in the cattle density from the semi-arid to the humid zone. This generally coincides with a rise in human population pressure, which tends to reduce farm size to the point at which only few cattle can be kept per household. It has been estimated that among the 280 million poor people (2001 figures for people living below the US$1/day poverty line) in sub-Saharan Africa more than 70 percent are found in mixed rainfed systems (Thornton et al., 2002). The grassland-based systems support around 10 percent of the poor (ibid.). Most of the poor are dependent to some extent on livestock for their livelihoods.

2.1.1 Grassland-based systems Grassland-based systems consist mainly of permanent pasture (140 million hectares) and to a much lesser extent of arable land (10 million hectares). The population in the grassland-based systems accounts for less than 10 percent of all the subregion’s inhabitants. Especially in the huge areas of permanent pasture (114 million hectare) of the arid and semi-arid zones the population density is very low (FAO, 2004). In the arid and semi-arid areas of North and West Africa, pastoralism constitutes a traditional livelihood for significant populations (IFAD, 1996); “modern” systems are far less prevalent. Although described as “traditional”, these pastoral systems are today often partially controlled and financed by urban 21 THE STATE OF THE WORLD'S ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES FOr FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

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capital (Perry et al., 2002). Rangeland grazing is the most important feed resource, but there is high variability of feed availability in both time and space. Under traditional systems, pastoralists rely on moving their livestock across the landscape in response to variation in the availability of forage and water (FAO, 2002). Grassland-based systems face a number of pressures. Multi-year droughts can lower livestock populations (single-year droughts do not have a great impact in terms of livestock mortality) (IFAD, 1996). Moreover, rising human populations and changes to land tenure and land use have often combined to confine pastoral livestock and disrupt traditional mobile management strategies. Adaptation strategies under these circumstances include diversifying livelihood activities (e.g. to include crop production and wage labour). The relative spatial distribution of cattle, sheep and goats can generally be determined by the comparative advantages of each species in the particular locations (FAO, 2002). In North and West Africa, the main species in the arid and semi-arid areas of the grassland-based system are sheep and goats (40 million head), followed by cattle (15 million head). Meat and milk production per inhabitant is higher in the grassland-based systems of the arid and semi-arid zones than in the other production systems of the subregion. Nevertheless, the absolute quantity of output of the grassland-based systems is much lower than in the mixed rainfed systems where the total numbers of animals is higher. Moreover, although pastoralists make relatively efficient use of the rangeland resources, production parameters in the “traditional” livestock systems are generally poor. In particular, beef and milk offtake per animal are extremely low when compared with “non-traditional” systems (FAO, 2002). Meat and dairy (cow) milk production in the grassland-based systems account for only 13 and 10 percent of total subregional production, respectively. An exception to the pattern is the case of milk from other species, where the arid/semi-arid grassland-based systems account for almost half of the total production in the subregion. Indeed, in the grassland-based system the quantity of “other” milk produced exceeds the total dairy (cow) milk production. The production of pork, poultry meat and eggs is relatively unimportant in this system, which contributing less than 4 percent to the total subregional output of these products. The humid and sub-humid zones have potential for livestock production, but are more suitable for crops, and therefore are more likely to be used for mixed rainfed farming. Furthermore, the humid and subhumid zones have disease constraints which constrain livestock production (FAO, 2002). However, livestock numbers are shifting from drier to wetter areas as transhumant herders have moved south and settled and local farmers have incorporated ruminants into their farming systems (ILRI, 1995). Small ruminant numbers have increased relative to cattle over the last decade in West Africa. Sheep and goats were identified by Perry et al., (2002) as being the livestock species of highest relevance to the poor in grassland-based systems in West Africa, followed by equines, camels, cattle and poultry. Generally speaking, the livestock breeds found in grassland-based systems are well adapted to severe nutritional and climatic stress and to the challenges posed by endemic diseases (FAO/UNEP, 2000). However, the distribution of many breeds is restricted by the presence of animal African trypanosomiasis (“nagana”), which is present throughout the area marked in Figure 7 (though within this area the situation is far from uniform). The disease, transmitted by tsetse flies, causes serious detriment to farming and negatively affects the regional economy. It acts as an increasing constraint to cattle rearing as one moves from the semi-arid to the humid zone. Some breeds of livestock, such as N’Dama cattle (a West African Bos taurus breed), show resistance to the disease and are described as trypanotolerant. In the humid zones of both West and Central Africa, trypanotolerant breeds of cattle, sheep and goats replace the trypanosensitive breeds found in the semi-arid zone (FAO, 2002).

22 tHe State oF tHe WoRld'S aniMal genetiC ReSouRCeS FoR Food and agRiCultuRe Subregional Report ON ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES – North and west Africa Regional and Sub-Regional RepoRtS PART– east 1 africa

FiguRe 7. Figure 7 Tsetse fly distribution – predicted areas of suitability in Africa Tsetse fly distribution – predicted areas of suitability in Africa

This map shows the predicted areas of suitability for tsetse flies. It was produced for FAO – Animal Health and Production Division and DFID – Animal Health Programme by Environmental Research Group Oxford (ERGO Ltd) in collaboration with the Trypanosomosis and Land Use in Africa (TALA) research group at the Department of Zoology, University of Oxford in November 1999. The modelling process relies on logistic regression of fly presence against a wide range of predictors. The predictor variables include remotely sensed (satellite image) surrogates of climate: vegitation, tempreture, moisture. Demographic, topographic and agroecological predictors are also used. The prediction was created at 5 kilometres resolution for the whole sub-Saharan Africa.

2.1.2 Mixed rainfed systems The mixed rainfed system has the largest share of the subregion’s land area. The system, mainly found in coastal countries, covers nearly 160 million ha of permanent pasture and another 87 million ha of arable land. It also accounts for 91 percent of all inhabitants (the largest numbers being found in the subhumid/humid zones) and for the largest livestock populations in the subregion. Mixed rainfed systems in the subregion are quite diverse and face a range of constraints. Some crop production occurs even in arid areas receiving between 300 and 500 mm annual rainfall. In the humid and sub-humid zones mixed agriculture is severely affected by trypanosomiasis. West African mixed farming zones accommodate populations whose livelihoods are primarily livestock-based living in proximity to crop-based mixed farmers. In this part of Africa there is a long tradition of seasonal penetration by livestock keepers into the more humid areas, with southward movements during the dry season and northward movements during the rainy season. Most livestock, however, is kept in integrated crop-livestock farming systems. In mixed farming systems, livestock is often multifunctional and only of secondary importance to the farmer’s objective (FAO, 1996). In contrast to eastern and

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southern Africa where cattle are more significant, sheep and goats are considered to be the most important species for poor livestock keepers in both arid/semi arid and humid/subhumid mixed farming systems in West Africa, followed by poultry, cattle, equines and pigs (Perry et al., 2002). Although there are approximately equal numbers of cattle in arid/semi-arid and humid/subhumid zones, production of beef and veal meat, sheep and goat meat and especially of dairy milk is much higher in the arid/semi-arid areas. The highest productivity and self-sufficiency figures for meat, milk and egg production are found in the arid/semi-arid areas. Beef and veal productivity in the arid and semi arid areas of the mixed rainfed system is far higher than in the subhumid/humid zones, at 27 kg meat per head. Dairy milk yields in these areas (800 kg/cow/year) are among the highest in the continent (although there is marked variation within the subregion). The existence of belts of traditional dairies around big towns in semi-arid areas is well known. With the growth in demand for milk and a transfer of animals from the hands of traditional herders to new breeders (business people, etc.), there is an increased tendency to keep exotic breeds with higher potential, and there is massive utilization of agro- industrial by-products (FAO, 1991b).

Table 8 Resource base, production and productivity of the different production systems found in North and West Africa

Grassland-based Mixed rainfed Mixed irrigated Landless

Temperate/ Humid/ Arid/ Temperate/ Humid/ Arid/ Temperate/ Humid/ Arid/ Highlands Sub- Semi- Highlands Sub- Semi- Highlands Sub- Semi- TOTAL humid arid humid arid humid arid

Parameters: Human population 13 23 211 138 385 (millions)

a. Resource base a1. Permanent pasture 25.4 114.3 74.8 94.5 308.8 (million ha) a2. Arable land (million ha) 1.4 8.7 48.2 39.2 97.5 a3. Irrigated land (million ha) 0.1 0.2 0.4 2.5 3.2 a4. Livestock numbers cattle (million head) 3.3 14.6 23.7 22.6 64.1 dairy cows (million head) 0.4 1.7 2.9 4.9 9.9 buffalo (million head) sheep and goats 2.7 39.9 63.3 102.4 1.7 210.1 (million head)

b) Major outputs (million kg) beef and veal meat 38 228 386 614 1 266 buffalo meat - sheep and goat meat 11 158 250 548 25 992 pig meat 5 2 193 65 71 336 poultry meat 6 28 217 378 528 1 157 eggs 11 12 320 323 413 1 079 dairy milk 80 456 677 3 899 5 112 other milk 9 659 87 665 1 420 milk production total 89 1 115 764 4 564 6 532

c) Productivity indicators beef and buffalo meat 12 16 16 27 20 kg/head sheep and goat meat 4 4 4 5 14 5 kg/head milk yield kg/cow 188 276 233 800 519

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Table 8 cont. Resource base, production and productivity of the different production systems found in North and West Africa

Grassland-based Mixed rainfed Mixed irrigated Landless

Temperate/ Humid/ Arid/ Temperate/ Humid/ Arid/ Temperate/ Humid/ Arid/ Highlands Sub- Semi- Highlands Sub- Semi- Highlands Sub- Semi- TOTAL humid arid humid arid humid arid

d) Self-sufficiency of systems rum meat kg/inhabitant 4 17 3 8 6 monogastric meat kg/ 0.8 1 2 3 4 inhabitant milk kg/inhabitant 6.8 48 4 33 17

eggs kg/inhabitant 0.8 1 1.5 2 3

Source: FAO (2004); FAO (1996).

2.1.3 Landless systems The landless systems in the North and West Africa subregion produce sheep and goat meat, pork, poultry meat and eggs. Landless sheep production systems are found only in North Africa and show very high productivity. Production is based on local or improved local breeds (Hoffmann and Scherf, 2005). Their share in the total production of ruminant meat is, however, very small. In contrast, landless systems produce more poultry meat and eggs than any other production system in the subregion.

2.2 Roles and functions of livestock in North and West Africa With respect to the roles and functions of livestock, large differences are found between livestock systems classified as “traditional” and systems classified as “modern”. Traditional livestock systems are far more prevalent in North and West Africa than “modern” systems. Farmers in “traditional” livestock systems basically seek to attain subsistence from their livestock. They are, therefore, more interested in continuous flows of food than in terminal products. In addition to food production, livestock have many alternative uses (see Chapter 1). “Non-traditional” systems are generally commercial enterprises, with generation of a cash profits as the primary objective. They specialize in one or more livestock species and produce mainly live animals for slaughter (for meat, skins and hides), but wool or milk may also be important (FAO, 2002).

Table 9 Classification of traditional ruminant production systems in sub-Saharan Africa Grassland-based Mixed rainfed

Semi-arid Humid/Subhumid Species goats, cattle, cattle, sheep, goats, goats, cattle sheep sheep

Breeds indigenous indigenous indigenous, exotic (+)

Output milk, milk, meat, meat power milk, draught power

Source: FAO (2002).

+ = some importance.

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Table 9 shows the variation in the species, breeds and outputs associated with grassland-based and mixed rainfed ruminant production systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Important functions of livestock production in grassland-based systems are the provision of subsistence products (milk, blood and meat), to meet social obligations (bride price, stock alliances and stock patronages) and to insure against disaster (drought, epidemics, raids) (FAO, 2002). Africa’s pastoralists prefer to use a mixture of species (cattle, sheep, goats, camels) and to maximize herd size as means of adapting to the harsh environment and averting risks. Small ruminants with their higher reproductive rate play a key role in rebuilding livestock populations after destocking caused by the periodic droughts which affect the system. As the table shows, in mixed rainfed systems draught power is an additional output. The importance of livestock’s role as a source of income and nutrition is reduced in mixed rainfed systems compared to grassland-based systems, but the asset and security functions and the cultural and social roles continue to be important. Cattle in the mixed rainfed systems are kept for ploughing, breeding, milk, farm manure, bridewealth, savings and emergency sale (FAO, 2001). As such, individual animals in the mixed rainfed systems are mainly sold to meet specific cash requirements. Studies of income sources have indicated that livestock make a greater percentage contribution to household income in the systems of the semi-arid zone, than in the subhumid zone where the contribution of crop production is generally higher (FAO, 2002).

2.3 Projected changes in production systems There is a broad set of influences that are of importance to the present and future status and development of farming systems. This section focuses on the effects of predicted changes in population density, possible impacts of climate change, and the capacity of ecosystems to provide goods and services in the face of these changes. Other relevant driving forces include structural changes in the livestock sector such as vertical integration, which can create new opportunities for livestock keepers and stimulate changes in production methods (FAO, 2006a). However, small-scale farmers tend to have difficulty participating in these rapidly evolving and competitive markets, and sub-Saharan Africais rather less affected by these trends than are many other regions of the developing world (ibid.). Changes to rainfall and temperature may have substantial impacts on agriculture and human health in Africa, which is the continent most vulnerable to the impacts of projected changes because existing widespread poverty limits adaptation capabilities. Parts of West Africa are predicted to become drier, with considerable reduction in the length of the growing season. Other areas, including southern Cameroon, may become wetter, with increases in the length of the growing season (Thornton et al., 2002). Such changes will certainly make fundamental changes to ecosystem structure and function. This in turn will affect land use and livestock-based livelihoods, and has the potential to make livestock keeping populations, especially pastoralists, more vulnerable (FAO/UNEP, 2000; Galvin et al., undated). Water availability is a key area of vulnerability for agriculture in Africa. Given that several models predict a decrease in mean annual precipitation in the order of 10 to 20 percent in the main semi-arid zones of Africa, there is a real possibility of a serious negative impact on pastoral livelihoods. The combination of continued population growth and climate change is also likely to accentuate water scarcity in subhumid regions of Africa (McCarthy et al., 2001). Furthermore, simulations indicate that warming causes changes in the distribution of tsetse flies. Climate change could, thus, also affect livestock distribution and productivity via changes in the distribution of this disease vector (Hulme, 1996). The North and West African population is expected to grow at a mean annual rate of 1.8 percent to 2050 (UNFPA, 2005). At 2.9 percent per year, sub-Saharan Africa’s projected growth rate for consumption of crops and livestock products to 2030 is the highest in the world (FAO, 2003a). Considering this population growth and increasing demand, the output of livestock products will have to increase substantially in the next decades (FAO/UNEP, 2000). There are, however, major constraints to achieving increased levels of production. The arid and semi-arid rangelands are subject to overgrazing and range degradation (Otte and Upton, 2005). The degradation is caused by increasing stock numbers, but also by crop production being expanded into increasingly marginal lands. In general, substantial increases in output in the grassland-based system are improbable (FAO, 1996). According to the estimates provided by FAO (2002) the livestock populations in pastoral systems in sub-Saharan Africa are growing at a slower rate than in any other “traditional” system, with the semi-arid, subhumid and humid mixed systems showing the highest growth potential. In the grassland-based systems of the humid and subhumid zones feed quality strongly limits output per animal. The prospects for pasture improvements are limited and there is little

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scope for horizontal expansion (FAO, 1996). In general, the importance of grassland-based systems in the humid and subhumid zones is expected to decline as mixed farming systems expand. In the mixed rainfed systems of the semi-arid zones agricultural intensification is restricted by the resource base and the financial risks involved in increasing the use of inputs (ibid). The importance of small ruminants is likely to increase with increasing population pressure and declining farm size in the semi-arid zones. Increases in human population are greatest the humid and subhumid zones – the main challenge here is to find ways to increase the productivity of the system, in which “biological potentials … will be the key to productivity increases, and the expectation is that purchased feed inputs will be replaced by enhanced knowledge about the system, in particular, nutrient cycled within the system” (ibid.). Increased output of animal protein and cash income per hectare from livestock production may be generated by shifting from grassland-based systems to integrated crop-livestock mixed systems, or by shifting from such mixed systems to intensive landless production (Otte and Upton, 2005). Over time, the mixed rainfed system has been under strong pressure to specialize in meat or dairy production, and in the case of pigs and poultry, this has given rise to a significant landless monogastric sector in some countries (FAO, 1996). Movement from extensive systems to intensive (zero-grazing) systems has always been slow in arid and semi-arid areas, while the supply of natural feed resources in these areas has remained static or increased very slowly (IFAD, 1996). Overall, it is expected that sub-Saharan Africa will undergo substantial transition from pastoral to agropastoral systems over the next half-century, as population density increases (Thornton et al., 2002). It is predicted that by 2050, the largest contiguous areas remaining in the livestock-only grassland- based production system category will be located in the Central African Republic and southern Chad (ibid.). However, as a result of climate change, some areas are likely to have become more suitable for pastoral systems and less suitable for mixed farming by 2050. Such zones are predicted to include areas stretching in a band across the Sahel and Sudan (ibid.).

2.4 Impact of production system trends on animal genetic resources The major trends in the subregion are fast growing demand for livestock products in the face of serious climatic and environmental constraints to livestock production. To meet increasing demands, the use of straight-bred or cross-bred exotic breeds has often been regarded as a solution. However, tropical environments are challenging, and the majority of farmers are unable to achieve the high levels of inputs and investments required for the utilization of exotic breeds. In these circumstances, local breeds which are better suited to the prevailing environment and may be resistant to various diseases are a resource which should not be undervalued.

Impacts of the above-mentioned trends differ by production system: • In the mixed rainfed system and grassland-based systems of arid/semi-arid areas, the ceiling to intensification imposed by the resource base and production conditions, and the multiple purposes of livestock, mean that the introduction of exotic breeds is quite limited (FAO, 1996). However, particularly close to urban centres, growth in demand for milk leads to an increased tendency to keep exotic breeds (FAO, 1991b). Moreover, a range of constraints (including climate change, population pressure and changes to land use) threaten the sustainability of pastoral production systems and the associated animal genetic resources. • Adaptation of highly productive temperate breeds to the high temperatures and high humidity of humid/subhumid zones has been notably poor and in the smallholder systems local breeds are still widely used (FAO, 1996). In extremely hot areas even the Bos indicus breeds are beyond their thermal optimum. Under these conditions, meat and milk production declines and there is limited potential alleviating the problem through breeding (McCarthy et al., 2001). • Landless systems for monogastric species tend to involve the utilization of high-output breeds (Hoffmann and Scherf, 2005). However, the relative importance of landless systems in the subregion is very low compared to OECD and Asian countries. Landless small ruminant production, occurring mainly in North Africa, is based on local or improved local breeds (FAO, 2004).

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3 Animal genetic resources

3.1 Status Table 10 illustrates the number of animals of each major species in the North and West Africa subregion, and also gives an estimate of the number of breeds. The importance of dromedaries in the subregion is reflected by the relatively large share in the world stock that is found here. The subregion also accounts for 32 percent world’s dromedary breeds. The region has a higher number of breeds than the other subregions of Africa for all livestock species except for cattle and pigs. Table 11 shows the transboundary mammalian and avian breeds found in North and West Africa.

Table 10 Total population size and number of breeds of the major livestock species in North and West Africa and their share of the world total

Share of world total Population size (1 000) Number of national breed Population (%) Number of breed populations populations (%) Buffalo 0 2 0 1 Cattle 69 073 223 5 8 Goat 105 171 104 13 9 Sheep 116 294 141 11 7 Pig 14 918 57 2 5 Ass 5 836 15 14 8 Horse 1 628 59 3 4 Dromedary 3 481 31 18 32 Chicken 780 357 153 5 7

Duck1 385 13 0 4 Turkey 4 471 11 2 6 Goose 24 6 0 2

Source: FAOSTAT (estimates of 2004 live animal populations).

1 Domestic duck and Muscovy duck.

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Table 11

Transboundary mammalian and avian breeds in North and West Africa

Mammalian breeds Avian breeds Ass Cattle – continued Horse Sheep Chicken l’Ane Africain Nelore Anglo-Arab Beni Guil Australorp Native of North Africa N’gabou Arab Berber Light Sussex Normande Bandiagara Berrichon Du Cher Rhode Island Red Buffalo Piedmont Barb Black Maure Sussex Mediterranean Red Bororo Dongola Blackhead Persian Wyandotte White Red Sindhi Hausa Bornu Plymouth Rock Cattle Sahiwal Hodh Caussenard Du Lot Chicken commercial strains Adamawa Salers Koto-Koli Pony Charmois broiler, Arbor Acres AA broiler breeders Africander Santa Gertrudis Percheron D’man broiler, Euribrid Hybro N Ankole Senepol Thoroughbred Dorset Horn broiler, Kabir Chicks Ltd. Azaouak Shorthorn West African Barb Fulani broiler, Ross Bahima Shuwa West African Dongola Ile-De-France Derco Bambara Simmental Pig Karakul Hubbard Baoulé Sokoto Gudali Alentejana Katahdin Jupiter Beefmaster Somba Berkshire Lacaune layer, Anak Belgian Blue Tarentaise Duroc Maure layer, Babcock Bhagnari Thari Korhogo Merino layer, Babolna Harco Bokolodji Toupouri Large Black Mossi layer, Cobb 500 Bonsmara Watusi Large White Sudan Desert layer, Euribrid Hisex Boran West African Zebu Landrace Suffolk layer, Euribrid Hisex Brown Borgou White Fulani Pietrain Tadmit layer, Hendrix Bovan Goldline Brahman Dromedary Toronke layer, Hubbard Golden Comet Brown Atlas Chameau De L’aftout Rabbit Touabire layer, Hy-Line Brown Swiss Maghrabi Butterfly Tuareg layer, ISA Brown Charolais Saharan Camel California Tunisian Barbary layer, Leghorn Gambian N’dama Fauve de Borgogne Uda layer, Lohmann Gir Goat Flemish Giant layer, Lohmann Brown Girolando Alpine New Zealand layer, Shaver Goudali Anglo-Nubian New Zealand White layer, Shaver Starcross 579 Guernsey Angora Marten Duck Guzerat Berber Géant des Flandres Khaki Campbell Hereford Kigezi Pekin Holstein (black&white) Maradi Rouen Holstein (red&white) Maure Muscovy duck Indo-Brasilian Moussoro Muscovy Jersey Murcia-Granada Goose (domestic) Kuri Murciana Bourbonnaise Lagune Red Sokoto Ostrich Limousin Saanen African Black Lugware Sahelian Turkey commercial strains Maure Sudanese Desert BUT Mirandesa Toggenburg Hybrid Modicana Tuareg Nicholas Montbéliarde West African Dwarf Muturu Western Goat 29 THE STATE OF THE WORLD'S ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES FOr FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

north and west AFRICA

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the structure of the data recorded in the Global Databank for Farm Animal Genetic Resources, showing the risk status of the mammalian and avian breeds recorded for each species up to 2005. Less than 4 percent (18 out of 516) of extant mammalian and avian breeds in North and West Africa are categorized as at risk. However, this is probably an underestimate of the actual situation, primarily due to a lack of information. In Africa, population data is available for only 64 percent of mammalian and avian breeds and those that are most at risk of extinction are usually those for which it is most difficult to obtain accurate census information (FAO/UNEP, 2000).

Figure 8 Risk status of mammalian breeds recorded in North and West Africa* up to December 2005: absolute (table) and relative (chart) figures

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0 RISK STATUS Ass Buffalo Cattle Dromedary Goat Guinea Pig Horse Pig Rabbit Sheep Total

critical 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

endangered 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

extinct 0 0 11 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 12

not at risk 3 1 70 12 16 0 10 20 4 40 176

unknown 9 1 33 16 31 2 26 13 8 40 179 Total 12 2 115 28 47 2 37 33 12 81 369

*Breeds that are also recorded in countries outside Africa are excluded from the analysis.

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Figure 9 Risk status of avian breeds recorded in North and West Africa* up to December 2005: absolute (table) and relative (chart) figures

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0 Chicken Duck Goose Guinea fowl Muscovy Ostrich Pigeon Quail Turkey Total RISK STATUS duck critical 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 1 7

endangered 1 0 0 4 1 0 3 0 0 9

extinct 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2

not at risk 40 7 1 8 1 1 2 0 7 67

unknown 43 6 2 18 2 0 1 1 3 76

Total 84 13 6 32 4 4 6 1 11 161

*Breeds that are also recorded in countries outside Africa are excluded from the analysis.

Figures 10 and 11 provide general overviews of the quantity and quality of the population data provided by each country for their animal genetic resources. The total number of breeds recorded by each country is shown. For all countries, breeds are split into those with population data and those with no population data (risk status unknown). When one or more fields in the Global Databank for Farm Animal Genetic Resources have been completed then the breed is identified as having population data. For those breeds recorded as having population data, a population data index (PDI) is calculated, which provides an indication of the completeness of the data provided by the country. Selected basic population data fields, regarded as being the most important and used in the calculation of risk status, are considered: population size (absolute or range), number of breeding females, number of breeding males and the percentage of females bred to males of the same breed (FAO/UNEP, 2000).

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Figure 10 Population data status and index for mammalian breeds recorded by countries of the North and West Africa subregion up to December 2005

population data index last year of reporting 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5

Algeria 2004 Benin 2004 Burkina Faso 1997 Cameroon 2003 Cape Verde Central African Republic 1990 Chad 2003 Congo 1992 Côte d'Ivoire 2002 Democratic Republic of the Congo 1991 Equatorial Guinea 1991 Gabon 1991 Gambia 1991 Ghana 1994 Guinea 2005 Guinea-Bissau 2003 Liberia 1994 Mali 2003 Mauritania 1992 Morocco 2005 Niger 1996 Nigeria 2003 Sao Tome and Principe Senegal 2005 Sierra Leone 1991 Togo 1996 Tunisia 2004 Western Sahara no information 0 25 50 75 100 number of breeds recorded

with population data no population data population data index

With population data – Those breeds with information recorded in one or more of the 16 population data fields.

No population data – Those breeds with no information recorded any of the 16 population data fields.

Population Data Index (PDI) – For each country the PDI was calculated only for those breeds recorded as having population data. The PDI is the fraction of selected population data fields (population size, number of breeding females, number of breeding males and the percentage of females bred to males of the same breed) that contain information, averaged across breeds.

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Figure 11 Population data status and index for avian breeds recorded by countries of the North and West Africa subregion up to December 2005

population data index last year of reporting 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8

Algeria 2004 Benin no information Burkina Faso 1994 Cameroon 2003 Cape Verde no information Central African Republic Chad 1994 Congo Côte d'Ivoire 2001 Democratic Republic of the Congo Equatorial Guinea no information Gabon

Gambia no information Ghana 1993 2005 Guinea Guinea-Bissau 1990 Liberia no information Mali Mauritania 1992 Morocco 1993 Niger

Nigeria no information Sao Tome and Principe Senegal 2004 Sierra Leone Togo 1996 Tunisia

Western Sahara no information 0 10 20 30 40 number of breeds recorded

with population data no population data population data index

With population data – Those breeds with information recorded in one or more of the 16 population data fields.

No population data – Those breeds with no information recorded any of the 16 population data fields.

Population Data Index (PDI) – For each country the PDI was calculated only for those breeds recorded as having population data. The PDI is the fraction of selected population data fields (population size, number of breeding females, number of breeding males and the percentage of females bred to males of the same breed) that contain information, averaged across breeds.

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3.2 Threats to animal genetic resources in North and West Africa Growth of the human population and increasing urbanization has resulted in increased demand for animal products. In an effort to meet these demands, strategies and policies often promote the utilization of exotic breeds, either straight-bred or crossed with indigenous breeds. In these circumstances, local breeds, which are better suited to the prevailing environment and may have an important contribution to make in meeting future demand for animal products, may be placed at risk (FAO/UNEP, 2000). Changing climatic conditions may also be a threat. The expansion of the Sahara in West Africa has resulted in the recent decline of a large number of indigenous breeds (the indigenous shorthorn taurine cattle breeds) and has brought others close to extinction (FAO/UNEP, 2000). Livestock disease epidemics and the measures taken to control them are another threat. Past epidemics include that of rinderpest, at the end of the nineteenth century, which wiped out nearly 90 percent of all African cattle (ibid.). Among the most serious epidemics to hit the subregion in recent years have been outbreaks of African swine fever, for example in Benin in 1997 and in Togo in 2000 and 2001 (OIE, 2006). Because of high mortality rates and the implementation of culling measures, this disease can have severe impacts on pig populations. In the case of chickens, Newcastle disease is a major problem in Africa (FAO/UNEP, 2000). The disease results in high levels of mortality in affected flocks, and also provokes preventive culling measures in some countries. During 2006 the subregion was affected by outbreaks of avian influenza (FAO, 2006b). Outbreaks of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) have also led to preventive culling measures in some countries in recent years, as have outbreaks of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) (OIE, 2006). Other serious diseases endemic to the subregion include trypanosomiasis, and various tick- borne diseases (FAO/UNEP, 2000).

3.3 Unique resources highlighted Several breeds present in the subregion are noted for their resistance to, or tolerance of, various diseases. A notable example is the tolerance of the humpless shorthorn and longhorn cattle of West and Central Africa to trypanosomiasis, the major disease limiting introduction of non-native livestock into vast humid and subhumid areas (Rege, 1999). Approximately 10 percent of the African cattle population and an uncertain percentage of small ruminants are considered trypanotolerant (ILCA, 1992). Trypanotolerant cattle groups are the N’Dama breed, the Savannah Shorthorn, the Dwarf Shorthorn and the Zebu × West African Shorthorn (ibid.). The N’Dama, a West African small humpless longhorn, can survive under very humid conditions. They are reported to be trypanotolerant and are well known for their hardiness and rusticity (FAO/UNEP, 2000). However, the trypano-susceptible Zebu cattle with their large size and high production levels have a competitive advantage over the trypanotolerant breeds. Some breeds are adapted to specific micro-environments which present unique challenges to animal production. For example, the Kuri cattle of the Lake Chad basin have morphological (they are quite tall) and physiological (they are resistant to endemic diseases) adaptations which enable them to cope with an island existence. Kuri cattle are, however, in danger of extinction due to uncontrolled Zebu introgression (ibid.). Each agro-ecological zone (see Chapter 2) has a different climate, supports a different type of vegetation and makes different demands on livestock. Many long-established species and breeds including dromedaries, Zebu cattle, and West African Dwarf goats, have evolved the necessary physiology to cope with hot climates. The Zebu breeds are abundant in Africa and exhibit a high level of resistance to harsh environmental conditions, making them the only type of cattle that can survive over a large part of the continent. While the highest concentration of Zebus is in East Africa and neighbouring countries in South and Central Africa, many Zebu breeds are found in the dry savannah and Sahelian belts of West Africa. As well as the ability to survive and produce under challenging conditions, some local livestock breeds are also valued for their sociocultural roles. For example, in Nigeria, Muturu cattle play a part in title- taking and chieftaincy festivals, while in Chad pure black or white chickens are preferred for religious ceremonies (CR Chad, 2003; CR Nigeria, 2004). The special characteristics of African breeds attract international attention. Several African breeds have been identified by scientists as carriers of specific genetic traits which confer resistance against diseases and may, therefore, have the potential to benefit to livestock production around the world. Research is intensifying on several potentially useful livestock breeds such as N’Dama cattle (LPP/ITDG, undated).

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References

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Delgado, C., Rosegrant, M., Steinfeld, H., Ehui, S. & Courbois, C. 1999. Livestock to 2020: the next food revolution. Washington DC. IFPRI/FAO/ILRI.

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Galvin, K.A., Thornton, P.K., Boone, R.B. & Sunderland, J. undated. Climate variability and impacts on East African livestock herders. Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Fort Collins, USA. Colorado State University.

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Annex

Classification of livestock production systems FAO (1996)3 used the agro-ecological zones (AEZ) described by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC, 1994)4 and provided a comprehensive description of global livestock production systems using quantitative statistical methods. In this system the distinction is based upon grassland-based systems (LG), mixed-rainfed systems (MR), mixed irrigated systems (MI) and landless systems (LL). The landless livestock production systems are not linked to agro-ecological zones.

• Grassland-based systems (LG) are livestock systems in which more than 90 percent of dry matter fed to animals comes from rangelands, pastures, annual forages and purchased feeds and less than 10 percent of the total value of production comes from non-livestock farming activities. Annual stocking rates are less than 10 livestock units per hectare of agricultural land. A further distinction is made between Temperate Zones and Tropical Highlands (LGT), Humid and Subhumid Tropics and Subtropics (LGH) and Arid and Semi-arid Tropics and Subtropics (LGA).

• Mixed-rainfed systems (MR) are defined as rainfed systems in which more than 10 percent of the dry matter fed to livestock comes from crop by-products and/or stubble or more than 10 percent of the value of production comes from non-livestock farming activities. A further distinction is made between Temperate Zones and Tropical Highlands (MRT), Humid and Subhumid Tropics and Subtropics (MRH) and Arid and Semi-arid Tropics and Subtropics (MRA).

• Mixed-irrigated systems (MI) are defined as irrigated systems in which more than 10 percent of the dry matter fed to livestock comes from crop by-products and/or stubble or more than 10 percent of the value of production comes from non-livestock farming activities. A further distinction is made between Temperate Zones and Tropical Highlands (MIT), Humid and Subhumid Tropics and Subtropics (MIH) and Arid and Semi-arid Tropics and Sub-tropics (MIA).

• Landless systems are defined as those where less than 10 percent of the dry matter consumed is produced on the farm where the livestock are located, and where annual average stocking rates are above 10 livestock units (1 LU = 1 cattle or buffalo or 8 sheep or goats) per hectare of agricultural land. Furthermore, landless monogastric (LLM) and landless ruminant systems (LLR) are distinguished. The former are mainly industrial, intensive and vertically-integrated pig and poultry enterprises whose economic outputs are higher than those of ruminant enterprises. In landless ruminant systems, the value of production of the ruminant enterprises is lower than that of the pig and poultry enterprises.

3 FAO. 1996. World livestock production systems. Current status, issues and trends, by C. Seré, H. Steinfeld & J. Groenewold. FAO Animal Production and Health Paper No. 127. Rome. 4 TAC. 1994. Animal agriculture in developing countries: technology dimensions. Development Studies Paper Series. Morrilton, Arkansas. Winrock International.

37

PART 2

Subregional priorities: North and West Africa

Representatives of governmental and academic institutions from Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo – participants in an electronic consultation held during October and November 2005 – agreed on subregional priorities in inventory, characterization, conservation and utilization of animal genetic resources (AnGR). They identified financial restrictions and insufficiency of human resources qualified in AnGR,the indiscriminate introduction of exotic breeds for peri-urban breeding, the absence of a policy of valorization and genetic improvement of the local breeds, and the absence of an institutional framework adapted for effective management of AnGR as the main problems that need to be addressed.

1 Inventory and characterization

The following activities are proposed: - implementation of effective livestock censuses to establish the numbers of animals in active use; - enhancement of policy-makers’ awareness of the need for breed inventories and ensuring the financing of actions and programmes; - training of qualified and skilled personnel to carry out inventories, especially in molecular characterization; - establishment of a communication network system; - ensuring that all National Focal Points (NFP) for AnGR are financed by the respective governments; - setting of targets and objectives to be achieved each year; - ensuring that the position of the National Coordinator (NC) is permanent and is given an appropriate budgetary allocation; - development of a concise and common plan to facilitate cooperation in breed characterization; - ensuring that NCs and NFPs provide periodic reports to their respective governments covering work on inventory and characterization; - ensuring that copies of these reports are sent to FAO and national data be updated in DAD-IS; - ensuring exchange of information between neighbouring countries on the characterization of transboundary breeds; - development of research programmes and cooperation between subregional research institutions; - establishment of a subregional database and ensuring the computerization of operations at national and subregional levels; and - introduction of periodic inventory (every five years) of all species and all breeds.

FAO can facilitate the implementation of national priorities in the field of breed inventory by: - collecting national plans and programmes for submission to potential donors for funding; - providing documents and technical and methodological support to countries; - ensuring coordination at the continental and world level; - supporting public awareness campaigns; - supporting capacity building, training of human resources, and the provision of equipment (laboratories and support centres); and - mobilizing financial resources to help developing countries to complete their inventories, and improve the management and development of AnGR. 39 THE STATE OF THE WORLD'S ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES FOr FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

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International technical and development institutions, such as the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and bilateral donors such as GTZ can provide both technical and financial assistance to the countries of the subregion in carrying out inventory and characterization.

2 Sustainable utilization and development

Considering the important role that local breeds play in rural economies (sources of income, food, contribution to crop production) and the low levels of production currently achieved, it is necessary to undertake recording of their productivity and production levels. Basic measures needed to increasing local production include: - improvement of production conditions (animal health, feed etc.); - genetic improvement; and - better access of local AnGR to the market.

Other measures include: - establishment of regional centres of multiplication and selection; - guaranteeing a stable and adequate living space for local breeds, and formulating specific projects for their development; - maintaining and restoring the natural environment of these breeds; and - implementing improvements to traditional agricultural production systems by: • improving the production conditions – feed, health and habitat of the animals; • establishing centres of selection; • training stockbreeders; • establishing funding systems adapted to agriculture in general and to traditional breeding in particular; and • following up and encouraging the projects and actions of NGOs in the field.

The products of certain breeds of livestock are recognized for having particular characteristics that are highly appreciated and in demand. The types of marketing activities that can enhance motivation to conserve these breeds include: - creation of labels; - establishment of a strategy for development of local, regional and international markets, integrating traditional and modern tools of communication; - study of distribution chains for the products of these local breeds; - promotion of these breeds through the media in national, regional and international markets; - organization of fairs for the best animals at local and national levels; - installation of marketing infrastructure for cattle; - application of the principles of traceability to the products of local breeds; - highlighting the rustic character of local breeds and their socio-economic and environmental potential to benefit future generations; and - re-examination of regulations with a view to the systematic integration of local breeds in food production/processing systems.

More advanced methods of sustainable production can make it possible to increase the productivity of local breeds. It is necessary to raise stockbreeders’ knowledge levels, while taking account of both cultural values and scientific developments. Among the developments required are: - improvement of the conditions of breeding and production; - health control; - genetic improvement involving modern tools for selection: • identification, • performance recording, • genetic evaluation, - and traditional and local knowledge: • production objectives,

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• breeding objectives, • zootechnical characteristics, • selection criteria; - use of local breeds as an element in cross-breeding programmes; and - improved research/development. Joint research and development should be undertaken for breeds shared by several countries. Short-term activities should include: - the establishment of a regional network of experts; - re-examination of legislation at regional and national levels; - organization of training in the following fields: genetics, selection and zootechnics, and the development of regional transboundary species and breeds; - formulation of subregional projects with the full participation of the various communities of stockbreeders as private individuals, and other actors such as governmental stakeholders, consumers, conveyors, brokers, policy-makers, NGOs, research centres, laboratories and donors; - discussion of the possibilities of collaboration with other Regional Focal Points in the field of research and the exchange of information; - installation of a system of collaboration or even of a draft agreement between the countries that have similar breeds; and - seeking financial resources for the implementation of these projects.

Medium-term activities should include: - establishment of true multidisciplinary programmes at subregional level to identify and characterize AnGR and to study the potentialities of these resources; - creation of a regional research centre for AnGR; - creation of common centres of production and conservation in the subregion; - installation of a network for the exchange of information and data on AnGR; - training of resource persons in the utilization of AnGR; and - periodic subregional dialogue for assessment purposes.

There is a need to formulate research programmes on the genetic improvement of local AnGR such as the project currently being undertaken for the Azawak Zebu in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso with Belgian support. All participating countries supported the establishment of “centres of excellence” provided that the financing of their operation is ensured by the countries concerned, and that they receive the support of the donors and the cooperation of other similar centres. These centres of excellence should be located in a country of the subregion that has quality training infrastructure and research centres and where the importance of AnGR is recognized. They should play a role in the demonstration and popularization of activities related to AnGR management. The centres should operate under a subregional structure belonging to the respective countries. However, they must be regularly supervised by FAO. They should not be more than two in the subregion. They should submit periodic reports to FAO, and present their results at national or international conferences. The centres should consider the current needs for the development of expertise, taking account of the importance of particular species and breeds, the possibility of interactivity with the similar centres, and the state of infrastructure and human resources. Institutions with the potential to assist our countries and our subregion in the management of AnGR include: - Technical aid and development: ITC (International Trypanotolerance Centre), ILRI, CIRDES (Centre International de Recherche-Développement sur l’Elevage en zone Subhumide), INSAH (Institut du Sahel), FAO, CIRAD (Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement), GTZ. - Financial Assistance: FAO, WAAP (World Association for Animal Production, UNDP, World Bank, EU (European Union), ADB (African Development Bank), CEMAC (Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa), UEMOA (West African Economic and Monetary Union), ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), AU/IBAR (African Union/InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources) and CEBEVIRHA (Economic Commission on Cattle, Meat and Fish Resources). Support can also be provided by national institutions such as the regional universities and the Interstate School of Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Dakar. 41 THE STATE OF THE WORLD'S ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES FOr FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

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Other activities that could be implemented to support the sustainable utilization of AnGR include: - support to breeding associations through: - organization of workshops, seminars and training of trainers, - increasing awareness through information and, communication; - development of standardized registration systems; - making available the communication tools in DAD-IS to all the National Coordinators so that problems can be discussed and solved on the Internet; - convening once or twice per annum by FAO, of a meeting at which the National Coordinators will present their activities and discuss very urgent subjects; - implementation of sustainable programmes of genetic improvement for local and exotic breeds; - collection of data on various national programmes, their analysis at the national level, and preparation of a regional synthesis; and - providing training to professionals in order to enhance dialogue between projects, research stations, NGOs, politicians and others. Activities with the potential to increase the contribution of animal production to national economies include: - organization of fairs and to support networking among agricultural stakeholders; - organization of exchange visits; and - organization of regional and international meetings for the exchange of experiences.

Further points raised Burkina Faso does not have the experience of centres of excellence which would allow it to give its position. Proposal of Senegal: establishment of “centres of excellence” for species/breeds to coordinate research activities. It should be noted that in the field of research in breeding two subregional centres exist in West Africa: CIRDES based in Burkina Faso and ITC based in Gambia. CIRDES covers Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo, with Ghana being an associate country. ITC covers Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Senegal and Sierra Leone. These two centres are recognized as base centres of CORAF (West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development). The base centres are regarded as centres that have the role of accommodating and coordinating research projects in regional matters. These centres are located in subhumid zones and work mainly on trypanotolerant breeds. The question of whether there is a need to establish a centre which would focus on the breeds of the semi-arid or arid zones was raised.

3 Conservation of animal genetic resources

Establishment of networks for breeds at risk: A participant from Senegal described the type of regional project that should be undertaken – involving a harmonization of methodologies for inventory and characterization, common identification of breeds of national interest to a number of countries, and breed development and/or conservation activities at the regional level. The example of the forthcoming project for the in situ conservation of endemic trypanotolerant cattle at the level of four countries (Gambia, Guinea, Mali and Senegal) should inspire other countries to establish similar joint projects. Political decision-makers and civil society in general in the countries of Africa lack the data needed to assess the potential of their AnGR. It is, therefore, necessary to organize AnGR-related conferences involving those in charge of the relevant government departments (ministers), and if possible a summit of heads of state. Such events will make decision-makers more open and sensitive to the proposals emanating from the technical structures. There is a need to ensure, through the actions of the various professional institutions involved in the field, that AnGR are a priority in national development programmes. This can be achieved by: - publishing reports via international channels that have a large audience; - utilizing information seminars, broadcasts, guided tours, films and documentaries on the subject to show the dangers associated with a reduction in the diversity of AnGR; - conducting information and awareness campaigns related to the roles of AnGR;

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- organizing international fairs and other national exhibitions; and - updating, at country level, studies relating to the contribution of AnGR to gross domestic product (GDP) and the development of the rural sector, and the proportion of the working population whose activities and incomes are related to AnGR.

The other sectors which can contribute to conservation include: - agriculture, fishing, the environment and forestry; - the agro-food industry; - tourism and ecotourism at sites where threatened species/breeds are kept ; - the veterinary pharmaceutical industry; - the information technology sector; - the biodiversity management sector; and - game and wildlife. The following actions should be undertaken: - training of trainers at various levels: regional, national, local and intra-group; - organization of training courses at national and subregional levels; - inclusion of AnGR-related training for students at the end of their animal production courses; and - creation of training centres of in each part of Africa: Southern Africa, West and Central Africa, and East Africa. The research centres and technologies available at regional level should be used to support training – both theoretical and practical. The structures should be used as frameworks for training in specific fields, and the technicians associated with these structures could be utilized as trainers, and provide support and facilitation in the field of human resources. Periodic training courses should be implemented. The structures should also serve as centres for the improvement of technologies, and include the necessary laboratory facilities. To ensure that the future generations have a better understanding of the importance of AnGR, the following actions are required: - inclusion in the school curriculum of lessons on local AnGR and their role in the traditions and the cultural heritage of the country; - inclusion of training modules on the topic in the programmes of professional schools involved in the technical training of junior and higher-level staff; - improvement of education on environmental and life sciences in the curricula of secondary schools and colleges; - development of adequate educational materials; - inclusion of information on the geographical distribution of AnGR in training courses on AnGR; - organization of visits to conservation centres; - preparation of documentary audio-visual material on local breeds and their production, highlighting the natural quality of these products; - involvement of the broadcasting media and the press; and - sensitizing and providing information for journalists. Educational programmes would be carried out by the Ministry for Education in collaboration with the Ministry for Agriculture/Livestock, and include: - the development of partnerships among institutions such as the Ministries of Education and Tourism, UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) and UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund); - media sensitization; - making schools more receptive to the subject of AnGR (the basic schools and those specialized; agricultural production in general and in animal production in particular); - dialogue between persons in charge of the education systems in locations that share similar characteristics; - providing teachers with basic knowledge of AnGR; - creation of clubs or associations for young people focused in AnGR; and - development of extra-school activities which are likely to obtain media coverage, such as theatre, examinations of levels of knowledge, and exhibitions.

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To develop the techniques of in situ and ex situ conservation of local breeds the following actions are required: A specialized structure – a National Focal Point for Management of AnGR – should be established within the Ministry of Livestock Production in order to ensure coordination, control and follow-up of programmes for use, conservation and genetic improvement of AnGR, and to ensure that an adequate regulatory framework is developed and applied. There should be collaboration with groups of breeders, with the potential Regional Focal Point, and with other regional structures working in the field of AnGR management. The structure should be financed by governments with the financial support of international institutions. The development of conservation activities at the regional level is a priority. This is because weaknesses in human and financial resources available at country level mean that it is difficult for countries to independently develop conservation programmes. This collaboration would facilitate better knowledge of AnGR and the establishment of rational management policies that are of benefit to all. - Institutions having a regional mandate should become involved in the identification and formulation of joint projects. - Exchange of experience and information at the level of breeders, technicians and project coordinators is required. - Technical assistance and training programmes should be initiated. It is necessary and feasible to establish regional/subregional gene banks. This requires improved characterization of local breeds at the country level. These banks, whose maintenance costs would have to be borne by the various countries concerned, would be situated in regional institutions working in the field of the AnGR. The necessary legal frameworks for such facilities are lacking. There is a need for further study to identify the steps that need to be taken in this field. Regional/subregional organizations could be the key to formalizing such gene banks. In the case of West Africa, for example, a decision at the level of CEDEAO (Communauté Économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest) might establish the necessary legal framework – as has happened in the case of transhumance. Such a legal framework would have to address questions of property rights over the genetic material placed in the banks, conditions of access to this material by other countries or other institutions, and financial contributions.

FAO assistance to countries could consist of: - providing assistance with the functioning of the focal points; - raising funds for the realization of AnGR projects; - including AnGR management in the agenda of international meetings; - proposing an international day of AnGR and encouraging participation at national level; - providing support for the role of rural and community radio and television in the promotion of AnGR-related activities; - providing training and technical support in the field of communication; and - supporting countries in the identification and the implementation of technical cooperation projects (TCP).

Disagreement/discrepancies/new ideas as compared to the draft RSPA5 New ideas: A participant from Burkina Faso proposed the development of a pyramidical training programme. The system would involve the creation at world or continental level of a team of for training trainers. This team would carry out training activities at national or regional level and would assure the supervision of training at the lower levels of the programme. In turn, subregional or national teams, based on the national networks would ensure the further transfer of knowledge. The use of information and communication technologies (CD-rom, Web sites, video cassettes etc.) has the potential to contribute to the success of this system of training. A sound regional network would also be essential. A participant from Mali proposed that as CIRDES already has a bank of semen from the Azawak and Goudali Zebu breeds, this bank could be extended to the other breeds of strategic interest such as the Zebu Maure, the wool sheep, and the Levrier of Menaka.

5 Review of the draft Strategic Priorities for Action for the sustainable use, development and conservation of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture at http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/subjects/en/genetics/documents/ITWG-AnGR4/CGRFA_WG_AnGR_4_06_4.pdf

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Discrepancies: Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo do not agree to the development of conservation activities at the regional level, arguing that activities should be undertaken at the national level.

4 Policies, institutions and capacity building

National Focal Points exist in all countries and they functioned well during the preparation of the Country Reports on AnGR, but currently their operation is limited because of a lack of financial resources. There is cooperation at the subregional/regional level with respect to research on the characterization of local breeds. The work is carried out by ILRI or CIRDES and covers several countries. With regard to the selection of local breeds, the International Trypanotolerance Centre undertakes a programme on the trypanotolerant breeds of Gambia, which has connections with Guinea and Senegal. An in situ conservation project for trypanotolerant cattle involving Gambia, Guinea, Mali and Senegal is under negotiation. CORAF (Conseil Ouest et Centre Africain pour la Recherche et le Développement Agricole) is preparing a project on policies for genetic resources (Genetic Resources Policy Initiative – West and Central Africa) including AnGR. The current initiatives would merit a more extended time-frame and longer-term planning . Projects in progress: 1. In situ conservation of endemic cattle, involving Senegal, Gambia, Mali and Guinea with the participation of ILRI, and financial support from GEF. 2. Projects of Benin financed by the contribution of the Member States with the support of the international organizations: - conservation of the Lagunaire cattle in Benin, Togo and Nigeria led by the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin. - management of poultry and the small ruminant genetic resources, involving Benin Ethiopia and Kenya led by the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin. - collaboration between Togo and Benin on the characterization of the Somba and Borgou cattle, carried out by the CIRDES - collaboration between Benin and some other countries in subregion on the breeding of the grasscutter 3. Guinea collaborates with International Trypanotolerence Centre (ITC) involving Gambia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau and Mali.

Subregional networks should be established in order to: - harmonize legislation on AnGR at the subregional level; - set up common research programmes and a network for the exchange of information and data on AnGR; and - invite international organizations to support and participate in the operation and the financing of the programmes. This support can be implemented through the establishment of scientific partnerships (with European institutions) and financial partnerships (with the EU, the UNDP and other donors).

Role of FAO FAO should facilitate the mobilization of resources from donors to implement promptly the priorities identified in Country Reports. - FAO should convince countries to dedicate a portion of their budget to the sustainable management of AnGR – this will add weight to the case made to the donors. - FAO should indicate and support possible sources of financing. - FAO should organize an international forum of financial donors to discuss the financing of priority programmes for AnGR and make concrete suggestions to the donors. - FAO could support the formulation of regional projects and the investigation of sources of finance among interested donors. - FAO could set up a bank of proposals for priority projects derived from the validated subregional and national priorities, and establish short, medium or long-term plans for their implementation. 45 THE STATE OF THE WORLD'S ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES FOr FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

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Establishment of a Regional Focal Point Countries of the subregion are favourable to the establishment of a Regional Focal Point (RFP) to coordinate activities at the regional level, to define the regional priorities on the basis of national needs, and to provide a framework for dialogue between researchers and other stakeholders in the subregion. The financing of the RFP should be ensured by the Member States and also be supported by the donors. The countries which propose to coordinate the Regional Focal Point and to contribute resources sufficient to support its establishment and its maintenance are: Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo. Gabon: Structures need to be reinforced in terms of laboratory equipment. Logistic support would be also necessary for the efficient operation of the focal point. Côte d’Ivoire: It is possible if human resources and infrastructure are upgraded: the INHP (Polytechnic Institute Houphouet Boigny) of Yamoussokro and the CNRA (National Center of Agronomic research) in Abidjan. Nigeria: It is possible if human resources are strengthened. Senegal: In Senegal, ISRA (Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles) could possibly coordinate the Regional Focal Point taking into account the existing infrastructures and human resources. Togo: Human resources and the infrastructure of the Ministry need to be improved.

Regional organizations that can foster the establishment of a RFP are: Côte d’Ivoire: CORAF, FARA (Forum on Agricultural Research in Africa), CEDEAO, CIRDES and ITC. Gabon: UA-BIRA (Bureau interAfricain des ressources animales de l’Union Africaine). Nigeria: IBAR, ILRI, ITC, ECOWAS and African Union. Senegal: ITC, CORAF and CIRDES. Togo: CIRDES and CEDEAO.

Priority subregional activities should include training in AnGR inventory, sensitizing and organization of stockbreeders, and the installation of the databases in each country which should be updated periodically. Options for strengthening inventory, follow-up and characterization of breeds at the national level include: - establishment of an RFP in West and Central Africa to facilitate networking among stakeholders, the coordination of action, and the exchange of information; - projects and further specialized training in breed inventory and characterization at university level; - full involvement of stockbreeders and producers in decision-making in the field of AnGR; and - establishment of a regional database for countries with common AnGR.

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