country report (CR) on the state of SIERRA LEONE’S ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES

A Contribution to The STATE OF THE World’s Animal Genetic Resource PROCESS

FAO

AND

Livestock Production And Veterinary Division of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security

in Collaboration With Animal Science Department Njala University

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Livestock are important material assets and social resources for many of the rural and peri-urban communities in Sierra Leone. Like other developing countries, Livestock play integral roles in their livelihood.

The Veterinary/Livestock Services Division is one of the key sectors of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security. The Livestock Sub-Sector contributed 2.7 percent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The State of Sierra Leone’s Animal Genetic Resources, a contribution to the state of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources Process for Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations covers the result of the assessment in the four main areas: ¾ the Introductory part ¾ state of diversity ¾ state of capacity ¾ state of the art and identifies critical needs and priorities for action

Sierra Leone is endowed with a rich and diverse Animal Genetic Resource. Animals for several decades if not centuries, have sustained many generations and will continue to do so even for more generations to come. In Sierra Leone, animals occupy a unique social and cultural niche in the lives of many rural poor farmers. In addition to providing a rich source of animal proteins, they are a pathway out of poverty and have proven indispensable in accomplishing many social and cultural rites and ceremonies. The above importance accrued to animals clearly underscores their emphatic role, and therefore deserve special attention in the current drive to achieve Food Security in 2007.

The Animal Genetic Resource is a valuable bank for our lucrative animal wealth, which we inherited from our ancestors. It is therefore our collective responsibilities to conserve these valuable resources and pass it on, in the safest and sound possible ways, to the next generation. We are cognizance of the fact that over the years, scientific developments, climatic changes and human activities have adversely influenced our Animal Genetic Resource. Until urgent measures are put in place, valuable animal genetic materials will be lost forever or transformed to irreversible forms that may not serve our purpose.

Initiatives towards conservation of Animal Genetic Resource had been minimal and the capacity to undertake effective Animal Genetic Resource is not adequate. However, it is the top priority of Government to steer this project. All stakeholders will be consulted and fully committed to participate in this national issue.

CONCLUSION:

It is interesting to know that the Livestock Industry in Sierra Leone was not doing well even before the war and the effect of the conflict brought the Industry to a collapse.

Analysis of the Livestock Services Division within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, expected to host the AnGR- Process was neglected. However, efforts are being made to resuscitate this very important Industry, which require good will, substantial investment and policy adjustments to help the Division grow, establish,. develop, ,promote use and conserve AnGR Programmes.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The preparation of the Country report on the state of sierra leone’s animal genetic resources, a contribution to the state of the World’s animal genetic resources (SoW- AnGR) could not have been successful without the full support and encouragement of many individuals and institutions, both locally and internationally.

The Livestock Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security is grateful to all those who in diverse ways contributed to the successful completion of this research programme. The members of the National Consultative Committee and the National Data Collectors and contributors are commended for their active participation and technical support in the preparation of Country Report on SoW-AnGR.

Special thanks go the National Consultative Committee members from the Animal Science Department, Njala University for their technical support without which the preparation of this report would have been very difficult if not impossible.

I also commend the efforts, financial, moral, material, and technical support of the Director of the Livestock Services Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, Youyi Building, Freetown

My special thanks go to the late ( May his soul rest in perfect peace) Dr. Alimamy M. Kargbo, the then Ag. Director –General, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Marine Resources, 2001. Special thanks go to the SoW-AnGR Process National Coordinator for his quality leadership and the staff of the Secretariat for giving in extra time for the preparation of the Country Report.

My best regards to the facilitators of the FAO-1 Training of Trainers Workshop ( Miss Beate Scherf-Animal Production Officer- AnGR, FAO Rome, Dr. Siboniso Moyo – Head of Station, Matopos Agricultural Research Station, FAO Zimbabwe, Dr. Jaron Juga- Director Cattle Breeding, Finish Animal Breeding Association Finland, Louise Setshwaelo – CTA RAF -97-032, FAO, South Africa, Mr. Anthony (Computer Expert) – FAO Holland) for National Coordinators, for the Countries of Anglophone Africa on the State of World’s Animal Genetics Resources held at ILRI - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, July 2001 for the knowledge acquired during the training. We recognize the much needed political support provided by the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security Dr, Sahr Sama Mondeh and Hon. Deputy Ministers 1 & 2 - Francis K. Ngegbe and John K. Sesay.

Amadu Tejan Jalloh (Dr.) National Coordinator and Technical Secretary for SoW-AnGR Process Sierra Leone. WEST AFRICA.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION a. Location and Size 1 b. Climate 1 c. Topography 1 d. Population distribution 2 e. Economic Conditions 2

1.1 FARMING SYSTEMS 3 a. Shifting cultivation 3 b. Fallow System 4

1.2 CROPS 4

1.2.1 CEREALS 4 a. Rice 4 i. Upland rice Production 4 ii. Lowland Rice Production 4 iii. Inland Valley Swamps 4 iv. Mangrove Swamps 5 v. Boli –lands 5 vi. Riverrine grassland 5

1.2.2 Maize, Sorghum and Millets 6

1.2.3 Roots and Tubers 6 a. Cassava 6 b. Sweet Potatoes 6

1.2.4 Groundnuts 7

1.2.5 Tree Crops 7 a. Oil Palm 7 b. Cocoa and Coffee 7

1.2.6 Other Crops 7 a. Coconuts 7 b. Fruits and Vegetables 8

1.3 LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

1.3.1 Introduction 8 a. Large Ruminants 8 i. Cattle 8 b. Small Ruminants 10 i. Goats 10

ii. Sheep 11 c. Pigs 12 d. Poultry 13 e. Other Livestock 14

1.4 Food Security 15

1.5 Conservation activities/Programmes 16

1.6. Problems in Conservation and utilization as per the current situation in Sierra leone 16 i. Policy, legislative and institutional measures 16 ii. Capacity building 17 iii. Public (communities)participation 17 iv. Research and Training 17

PART II

2.0 CHANGING DEMANDS ON NATIONAL LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION 18

2.1 PRODUCTION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE NATIONAL POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMMS RELATED TO AnGR 18 a. Past Policies for AnGR 18 b. The disease situation 20

2.2 FUTURE DEMANDS AND TRENDS 21

2.3 ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES IN THE CONSERVATION, USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF AnGR 22

2.4 FUTURE NATIONAL POLICY, STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR THE CONSERVATION, USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF AnGR 23

PART III

3.0 STATE OF NATIONAL CAPACITIES AND ASSESSING FUTURE CAPACITY BUILDING REQUIREMENTS 25

3.1 Structure and Staff of the Lives Sub-sector, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security 25

3.2 Institutional facilities 25

3.3 Infrastructural collaboration 27

3.4 Infrastructures 27

3.5 Information and Communication 28

3.6 Human Resources 28

3.7 Legislations 28

3.8 Research 28

PART IV.

4.0 NATIONAL PROIORITIES FOR THE CONSERVATION AND UTILIZATION OF AnGR 29

4.1 Access to Genetic Resources 29 a. Plans 29 b. Strategies 29

4.2 Government Support Services 30

4.3 Possible strategies in the conservation and utilization of the AnGR 30

4.4 Capacity Building for Animal Genetic Resources in Sierra Leone 30

5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENHANCED INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF FARM ANIMAL BIODIVERSITY (FAB) 31

ANNEX 1 32 ANNEX 2 33 ANNEX 3 34 APPENDIX 1 35 APPENDIX 2 35 APPENDIX 3 36 APPENDIX 4 36 APPENDIX 5 37 APPENDIX 6 37 APPENDIX 7 38 APPENDIX 8 39

Bibliography 40

LIST OF THE NATIONAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE (NCC) ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES – SoW-AnGR PROCESS.

1. Mr. Francis A.R. Sankoh Director, Livestock and Veterinary Services Division, MAF/FS, Chairman.

2. Dr. Amadu T. Jalloh District Veterinary Officer, Koinadugu District. National Coordinator and Technical Secretary and Head Consultant on SoW-AnGR Process.

3. Mr. Sorie M. Kamara Principal Animal Production Officer, Livestock Division, MAF/FS -Assistant Technical Secretary.

4. Dr. Saidu Kanu Head, Department of Animal Science, Njala University College - Member.

5. Dr. Abdul R. Sesay Lecturer, Department of Animal Science, Njala University - Member.

6. Dr. Abdul G. Jalloh Principal Veterinary Officer Western Area, MAF/FS - Member.

7. Dr. Mohamed L. Barrie District Veterinary Officer Bombali District, MAF/FS - Member.

8. Mr. Mohamed B. Farah FAO – Representative Director / Adviser.

9. Dr. Alysious C. Lahai Assistant FAO – Representative Supervisor.

LIST OF INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS.

1. Miss Beate Scherf Animal Production Officer(AnGR) FAO,Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 0100 Rome, Italy .

2. Pal Hajas Global Programme for the Management of Animal Genetic Resources, FAO Animal Production and Health Division.

3. Paul Souvenir Zafindrajaona FAO Consultant of SoW-AnGR Process.

4. Andree Black Michaud Consultante en gro-Sociologie – Canada.

SoW-AnGR PROCESS SECRETARIAT STAFF – SIERRA LEONE.

1. Dr. Amadu T. Jalloh National Coordinator, and Technical Secretary/Head Consultant.

2. Mr. Sorie M. Kamara Assistant Secretary

3. Miss Jannet Kargbo Secretary - Typist

4. Miss Princess Turner Support Typist.

SUPERVISING AGENCY AND PERSONNEL.

AGENCY: FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS- SIERRA LEONE.

PERSONNEL: 1. Mr. Mohamed B. Farah FAO – Representative, Freetown.

2. Dr. Alysious C. Lahai Assistant FAO Representative (Prog.)

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

MAF&FS Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and food Security AnGR Animal Genetic Resources SoW-AnGR State of the World’s Animal Genetic Recourse NCC National Consultative committee FAO Food and Agricultural Organization NUC Njala University College IAR Institute of Agricultural Research NARCC National Agricultural Research Coordinating Council CBD Convention on Biological Diversity PEMSD Planning, Evaluation, Monitoring and Statistics division UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UNCED United Nations Conference on Environment and Development IVS Inland Valley Swamp WAD West African Dwarf RRR Rokupr Rice Research WARDA West African Rice Development Association. ICRISAT International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Aid Tropics NCDDR National Commission for Demobilization Disarmament and Reintegration. CVL Central Veterinary Laboratory EIA Environmental Impact Assessment NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations

PART I

1. INTRODUCTION a) Location and size Sierra Leone is situated along the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa. it lies between latitudes 6055' N and 100 N and between longitude 10014' W and 13017' W. The total land area is 72,325 km2. Sierra Leone has a land frontier with Guinea in the North west, north, North east and east and with Liberia in the South east. The western frontier is the coastline on the Atlantic Ocean which is some 560 Km in extent and the shelf (200 m depth) covers an area of 30,000 km2(Annex 1).

b) Climate The country is found at the western tip of the upper Guinea lowland forests and is typically tropical. There are essentially two seasons; wet (May – October) and dry (November – April) seasons, each lasting approximately 6 months. The annual rainfall varies form about 1,800 mm in the north east of the country to about 5000 mm in the Freetown peninsula. The average monthly temperatures are around 26ºc. The heavy rains and maritime influence lead to humidity values of up to 92% in the wet season. c) Topography The country may be divided into four major regions: i) Interior plateau and hills – contains the greatest variety of land forms in the country ranging from savanna covered plateau to rock scarp and broken hill country. The best known mountain ranges are the Loma Mountains and the Tingi hills; both have peaks exceeding 1,850 m which are the highest in West Africa barring the Cameroon highlands. The region is separated from the interior plains by a narrow escarpment which rises steeply from 80 to 305 m and which runs across the country from the north central to the south east. ii) Interior plains – rise gradually from the coastal swamps. The plains are wider in the north and have scattered hills, some of which are above 305 m altitude. Seasonally

1 flooded inland swamps, known as Bolilands, are found throughout the country but are most abundant in the North West. iii) Coastal swamps and beach bar – region varies in width from 8 to 40 km and lies just above sea level. The swamps are mainly colonized by mangrove. iv) The Freetown peninsula – comprises a series of mountain ranges with Picket Hill reaching 888 m. This range runs in approximate North West to south west direction. Sierra Leone’s rich biological diversity is reflective of the categories of existing ecosystems. The flora and fauna are impressive and consists of wild-life and domesticated species. The species richness and diversity has been recognized since colonial times. There are approximately 48 forest reserves and conservation areas in Sierra Leone. Major threats to biodiversity have also been recognized as being due largely to anthropogenic activities exacerbated by rapid population growth inappropriate land use patterns, lack of appropriate infrastructure, lack of harmonized legislative framework and above all, long periods of political instability.

d) Population distribution

The population size is 4.9 million (national census, 2005) with a growth rate of 2.4% per annum with higher population densities in the mining areas and urban cities. The infant mortality rate of 153 per 1000 is one of the highest in the world. Life expectancy at birth is 42 years and adult literacy level is 8% for females and 22% for male in 1990. The migration of young men to urban areas contributed to an ageing farming population.

e) Economic conditions The agricultural sector of Sierra Leone consists of the crop, livestock, forestry and fisheries sub-sector. In the crop sub-sector the farm holdings range from less than 0.5 ha to over 6.0 ha. Between 70 and 80 per cent of the population is engaged in farming with a majority of the farmers cultivating farms of between 0.1 and 0.4 ha in size, thus producing only for subsistence. Agriculture provides employment to the vast majority of the population; contributes the largest proportion of GDP as a single source and is an important source of foreign exchange. Because of the prevalent poor methods of farming

2 on the small fragmented holdings (in the crop sub-sector) and the undeveloped infrastructure aspects in the artisan fisheries (fisheries sub-sector) the returns to a majority of the farmers and fisher folk are low; barely sufficient enough to sustain them even at subsistence level. The main reasons for the relatively low productivity of the agricultural sector include the small size and fragmentation of the holdings, inadequate knowledge about the benefits of high yielding improved seeds; little or no use of fertilizer and pesticides; inadequate infrastructure, and lack of organized marketing and credit facilitates.

1.1 FARMING SYSTEMS

The farming systems practiced in Sierra Leone are predominantly the shifting cultivation and bush fallow types. These farming systems are practiced mostly by the rural people with different modifications depending on the availability of land and land ownership. A description of each farming system is detailed: a) Shifting cultivation In Sierra Leone, shifting cultivation takes the form of alternations between cropping seasons for a few years and a lengthy period when the soil is allowed to rest and regain its natural fertility. This system is characterized by spatial organization of cropping. Usually, the farmer, with a stationary home, the land is permanently cropped. Various modification of this system has been adopted to suit the convenience of the farmers. Under such dispensation, shifting cultivation could be practiced as mixed farming when farmers produce crops for the family and maintain few small ruminants (sheep and goats). This enables them diversify their farming risks and avert total crop failure during a poor harvesting season. Also, some farmers have resorted to the mixed cropping shifting cultivation system when the farmers simultaneously grow a number of crops on the same piece of land. Although yields are relatively low, a variety of crops can be harvested within the same cropping season.

3 b) Fallow system The fallow system is similar to the shifting cultivation but differs slightly in that it is characterized by clearly defined holdings with largely permanent farm holding divisions with quasi-stationary housing which are usually moved to new settlement areas. In Sierra Leone, families and defined societies generally have de facto or registered ownership of land in contrast with shifting cultivation. Under this system, there is much rigid control in land use and land is hardly sold due primarily to communal ownership.

1.2 CROPS

1.2.1Cereals a) Rice Rice (Oryza sativa) is the staple food and is grown over large areas by more than 96 per cent of farming households. Efforts by the national research system – Rokupr Rice Research Station (RRR) and the West African Rice Development Association (WARDA) have resulted in many new adapted varieties of rice. Two systems of rice production are practiced in Sierra Leone: i) Upland rice production This is the major system of crop production and occupies 65 per cent of the rice area and accounts for about 55 per cent of the total domestic production of about 240 tonnes annually. ii) Lowland rice production This is practiced on different agro-ecological areas: Inland Valley Swamps (IVS), Mangrove swamps, Bolilands and Riverrine grasslands. iii) Inland valley swamps These swamps occur throughout the country and account for 65,000 ha of a total 300,000 ha of IVS used for rice production. IVS produce about 22 per cent of all rice grown in the

4 country. Yields are higher than the upland rice and average 2,200 to 2,600 kg/ha in the first year of cropping. IVS are traditionally cultivated on a shifting basis. Soil is puddle as the swamps flood and rice is transplanted or broadcasted and weeded once. IVS have been subjected to many development efforts but these are not sustainable once funding is terminated. iv) Mangrove swamps Mangrove swamp cultivation occupies 6 per cent of all the area cultivated to rice and accounts for 14 per cent of national production. Mangrove swamps are found in tidal incursions where major rivers meander. Cultivation of these swamps is complex. The ecology is affected by factors such as wind and moon phases. During low stream flow in the dry season the salt water from the sea moves far up river and floods the rice fields, making them very saline. With increased river flow during the rains, usually early in July, the sea water is held back, the paddies are flushed of salt and rice can be transplanted into the cleared fields. Rice is harvested in November or December before salt incursions again become too severe. Yields of 3,000 kg/ha have been recorded. v) Bolilands Bolilands receive the bulk of water from rising ground water table during the rainy season and an appreciable amount from surface flow. These saucer-shaped depressions cover 30,000 ha and it is estimated that 60 per cent or about 18,000 ha, are cultivated to rice. About 3 per cent of national rice production is harvested from these areas. The soils of the bolilands are especially low in phosphate and production is less than 1,000 kg/ha. vi) Riverrine grassland The Wanje and Sewa rivers in the south of the country are the main area of this ecological zone. Flood depths of as much as 4 m are not uncommon and the areas are therefore only suitable for floating rice. Rice must be broadcasted and weeded before the floods arrives and cannot be harvested until after the water has receded in December. Yields as much as 1,800 kg/ha have been recorded but overall contribution to national production is small.

5 1.2.2 Maize, sorghum and millets Maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum vulgari) and millets (Eleusine coracana) are grown as rain-fed or dry season crops in rice production areas. Maize is often grown as a pure crop after rice in the inland valley swamps, but is also grown near houses and gardens. Sorghum and millet are grown in mixtures with other crops in the first and second years of cropping after bush fallow in upland areas. Yields of maize are estimated at 700 kg/ha on a national scale with total annual production being about 12,000 metric tones from 18,000 ha. Sorghum and millet yields are erratic and depend on acreage cultivated and agronomic practices undertaken.

1.2.3 Roots and tubers a) Cassava Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is grown throughout the country in uplands and in inland valley swamps during the dry season. On uplands cassava is allowed a long growing season which often exceeds one year but is limited to 7-8 months in swamps where it is usually planted on mounds.. At upland sites, it is incorporated with rice in the first year following bush fallow but is planted as a single crop as fertility declines. Improved cassava varieties yield 12 to 30 per cent more than traditional land races but uptake by farmers has been low. Most improved varieties have been developed by the national Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR). Pests and diseases continue to be major obstacle to cassava production in Sierra Leone. b) Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes (Impomea batatas) are often grown as a component of crop mixtures in the first year of upland areas. They are grown on mounds in upland soils during the rainy season and on the same mounds on lowlands, mostly swamps during the dry season. More than 70 per cent of the area planted to sweet potatoes is improved varieties. Pests and diseases also remain a major obstacle to sweet potatoes production.

6 1.2.4 Groundnuts Groundnuts (Arachis hypogea) are becoming very important as a cash crop in Sierra Leone. Local varieties predominate although some International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and National Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) varieties have been introduced. Fertilizers are not usually applied to the crop; hence farmers depend on the natural fertility of the soil. Leaf spot and rosette virus complex are the main diseases affecting ground nut production.

1.2.5 Tree crops a) Oil palm Oil palm ( Elais guineensis) is native to West Africa and is doing very well in Sierra Leone. Moderate to large oil palm plantation farms are now sprouting all over the country. Concentrated large farms can be found in the Port Loko and Kailahun districts. The crop is usually grown in forest areas where rainfall and sunshine is quite adequate. Commercially, the crop has gain a lot of international attention particularly for red palm oil loving Africans who live abroad and for many industries. b) Cocoa and coffee Cocao (Theobroma cacao) and coffee (Coffee spp) have the potential to be major income and export crops. They are grown mainly in the east of the country where well drained gravelly soils predominate with the right combination of temperature and rainfall. Cocao and coffee are major export crops of Sierra Leone and these crops have contributed immensely to the economy of Sierra Leone, especially during the late 70s and early 80s.

1.2.6 Other crops a) Coconuts Coconuts (Cocus nucifera) are grown on a small scale and the nuts are marketed prior to majority for consumption of coconut water and the jelly-like material contained in the nut. coconut production is concentrated in the Bonthe Islands of Sierra Leone, although a

7 considerable amount is scattered throughout the country. Kola nuts are also produced on a small scale and are consumed fresh as stimulants. They are strictly in high demand in the sub-region. b) Fruits and vegetables There is an unsatisfied demand for fruits and vegetables especially in urban areas. Sweet oranges, mangoes, pineapples are popular crops but grown on a much smaller scale. Green vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, spinach and carrots are also in high demand but grown on a smaller scale.

1.3 LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

1.3.3 Introduction Livestock production started since time immemorial and now regarded as the cultural heritage of the people. Animals occupy a unique socio-cultural niche in the lives of many Sierra Leoneans and have proven indispensable in accomplishing many religious and cultural ceremonies. A rapid production and needs assessment survey conducted by the National Commission for Demobilization Disarmament and Reintegration (NCDDR) between 1999 and 2000 indicated that over 93% of the estimated livestock population before the war were killed, eaten, destroyed or forced to flee by the fighting forces. Nonetheless, there are positive indicators for increased livestock production provided major obstacles (disease, nutrition and breeding) are adequately addressed. The following animals are mostly reared in the country and distribution is as shown in map (Appendix) a) Large Ruminants i) Cattle Ndama cattle are the dominant breed in Sierra Leone. They have developed a degree of tolerance to tsetse-borne trypanosomiasis. Ndama are small cattle, the matured male weighs about 350 kg and females around 250-275 kg at 5 to 6 years, respectively. Age at first calving is 36 to 48 months and calving interval is 12 to 16 months. Matured bulls

8 show the classical features of Bos taurus cattle. They have a strong and broad head with a well developed neck. The back is straight and relatively long. Females have a fine head but thinner than the male. Ndama is basically a beef breed but it is usually reared, under local conditions, as a dual purpose animal producing appreciable amount of milk (1 to 1.5 l per day) as well. It is also used as a draught animal because of its docility and willingness to work. Attempt was made to introduce the Sahiwal (Bos indicus) cattle to improve the performance of Ndama cattle. This effort was frustrated by disease outbreaks (Streptothricosis and Trypanosomaisis) problems being exacerbated by extreme climatic variations.

The majority of cattle owners in Sierra Leone belong to the pastoralist community of the ethnic group of the Fula tribesmen. However, not all cattle in Fula herds are the property of the head of the family. Many belong to other family members, including women who usually acquire them on marriage. A small number also belong to other ethnic groups. The latter people, having no experience with cattle but seeing their advantages as an investment medium confer them to Fula tribesmen for safekeeping. Thus, the sizes of the Fula’s herds, which often extend to 100 head, do not represent the wealth of a single family.

Because productivity is low under the existing farming system the volume of produce marketed is small. Discussions indicated that demand often exceeds supply and there are no problems with marketing, which were typically sold to passing buyers or in the local town.

9

b) Small ruminants i) Goats Goats reared in Sierra Leone are mainly the West African dwarf (WAD) type. The WAD is an achondroplastic dwarf that is about 45 to 50 cm in height at the shoulder and may be as small as 30 cm. Adult males weigh 20 to 25 kg and females may weigh 18 to 22 kg. The WAD is trypanotolerant and is characteristically a dwarf with a bulging forehead. It has a straight profile, narrow muzzle and often a prognathous lower jaw. There are horns in both sexes, which are lighter and sharper and pointing upwards and backwards in females. Males are normally heavily bearded and many carry a weak mane along the neck and the thoracic part of the back. Females occasionally have beards. The chest is broad and deep and the girth circumference greater than the height (60-70 cm). The legs are extremely short and the udder small and well shaped. The scrotum hangs loose and is often split between the testicles for part of its length. Colors are variable, dark brown with black points is the commonest but blacks, whites, reds, pied and mixed colors occur. The WAD is essentially meat producers.

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ii) Sheep The predominant sheep breed in Sierra Leone is the indigenous Djallonké breed. It is also called the forest sheep. This type is small but shows no traits associated with dwarfism. Shoulder heights are in the range of 40 to 60 cm and males and females weigh 25 to 30 kg and 20 to 25 kg, respectively. The sheep is also trypanotolerant and is widely distributed throughout West Africa from southern Senegal to Chad and South Cameroon, Gabon and the Congo. The Djallonké has a strong and broad head, a flat forehead and a profile that is slightly bulging in the male. The muzzle is wide and eyes are quite prominent. Horns are usually present in the males but conspicuous absent in the females. The neck is long and the chest is fairly deep. The chest circumference is 20 per cent greater than the withers height. The colour in Sierra Leone is predominantly white with black spots round the eyes and about the head. The Djallonké is a meat producer.

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More than 70% of all rural households own at least one goat or sheep. Flocks owned by villagers are usually of mixed species but with goats normally being the most numerous. Flock sizes average about three goats and two sheep. Traditional smallholder agricultural families whose main concern is ensuring the household has enough food to eat keep them. Their value to the household, as a small store of wealth which can be monetized in case of need, as well as their use for ceremonial and social purposes, is however, well appreciated. The animals are usually the responsibility of the women. During the day, even during the crop growing season, they are often released to forage for themselves; sometimes they are tethered or shepherded by children.

c) Pigs The indigenous pig is a small thick set (short and sturdy) with little hair covering on the skin. It moves around villages causing havoc and it can cover several miles each day in search of food. During this process of feeding it losses important substances and considerable amount of energy, which may account partly for the smallness in size of the animal but genetic limitations may also be responsible for its small size. Matured males and females may attain a weight of 50 to 60 kg and 45 to 50 kg, respectively. It is

12 however, adapted to the harsh environmental conditions and less available feed. Small- scale traditional production uses indigenous breeds of pig although these have now often been infused with rather degenerate specimens of exotic breeds. However, global interactions have resulted in many interbreeding between the local and exotic breeds giving rise to hybrids. The commercial sector utilizes exotic breeds, mainly large white, land race and Duroc. Pigs are widely distributed but pork is not consumed by 50 per cent of families that profess Islam and there are no data on the production.

d) Poultry The poultry industry in Sierra Leone is also categorized into traditional and commercial production. The traditional industry concentrates mainly on the production of local birds. These birds are well adapted to local conditions and are extensively reared by rural people. However, they are small in size and inferior to exotic birds in terms of meat and egg production. Production of eggs by local birds is estimated between 80 to 120 eggs and average weight is about 1600 g to 1800 g. Despite their adaptability to local conditions, local birds are very vulnerable to Newcastle disease, which has been identified as the major constraint to this lucrative industry. Local birds are well integrated into the socio-cultural lives of the people. Apart from providing a cheap source of

13 proteins (meat and eggs), they are implicated in accomplishing many religious (sacrifices) and cultural (marriages, naming, etc) ceremonies. They are also a pathway out of poverty for many rural poor people as these birds are sold to settle immediate and important financial problems such as paying school fees, medical bills and purchase of other important items. The commercial poultry sector is concentrated around the urban areas and comprises mainly of imported breeds from Europe (The Netherlands, France, Denmark and Belgium). The exotic breeds mostly reared in Sierra Leone are the white leghorn and Rhode Island Red which are intensively managed as either poultry meat or egg producing types.

e) Other livestock Ducks, pigeons, and guinea fowls are produced on a small scale basis. They are scattered throughout the country. Rabbit production is not wide spread in the country and only a few farmers do keep them. The local breed is mainly the wide rabbit and among the exotic breeds are the New Zealand White and California White. They produce tasty and high quality meat and are highly productive. Management is easy as the rabbits are

14 housed in hutches close to the house and are fed mainly from leftovers and vegetable residues.

1.4 Food security In 2002, his Excellency the President declared the ambitious goal of achieving food security in 2007. Livestock has a significant role to play in achieving food security and this goal will never be realized without the full participation and contribution of the livestock sector. Livestock provides all the essential first class proteins required for good health and optimum human performance. The key concerns affecting food security at the individual, household and community levels are structural and essentially long-term in nature. Their roots can be traced to low level of production; inadequate infrastructure facilities; acute shortage of skilled manpower; high population growth rate; low status of women; high dependence on the external sectors; high dependence on mining; small domestic market; and the civil conflict in the 1990s. Solid policies should be put in place to resuscitate the livestock industry in Sierra Leone. It should be a private driven business and not be dictated by

15 cumbersome government protocols. Livestock production activities should be backed with research to address difficult issues and keep abreast with current developments. Present trends show that animal products are mainly imported and quite expensive for the average Sierra Leonean. This situation is manifested by increase in consumption of energy rich carbohydrate sources of food at the expenses of protein, especially animal protein, which has led to the outbreak of many nutritional deficiency diseases (kwashiorkor and Maramus) among growing children and other deficiency symptoms in pregnant women.

1.5 Conservation activities/programs

With the exception of wildlife, there are no specific conservation programs/activities for any of the farm animal genetic resources in Sierra Leone. Actions and institutional arrangement for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in Sierra Leone are derived from concerns about the environment, forestry and wildlife.

1.6 Problems in conservation and utilization as per the current situation in Sierra Leone.

Issues affecting conservation and utilization of animal genetic resources in Sierra Leone are numerous and can be classified into the following:

i) Policy, legislative and institutional measures

- Lack of up-to-date policy and legislation addressing animal genetic resources;

- Lack of manpower, infrastructure and other support facilities for the enhancement of animal genetic resource programs;

- Lack of guidelines for animal genetic resources conservation;

- Lack of policy and legislation on a coordination mechanism for animal genetic resources utilization and conservation and;

16 - Absence of national and international technical and financial support for animal biodiversity programs.

ii) Capacity building

- Lack of adequately trained personnel staff especially scientist to undertake animal conservation programs;

- Lack of sufficient financial resources;

- Lack of adequate support facilities, such as libraries, laboratories and equipments

- Lack of capacity to overcome research problems.

iii) Public participation

- Lack of sufficient involvement of the civil society especially the youths in the management of animal genetic resources;

- Lack of adequate awareness raising and advocacy activities among the government agencies and NGOs for public participation in animal genetic resources management;

- Lack of specified policy and legislation requiring public participation in animal genetic activities; and,

- Lack of incentives to promote public participation in animal genetic resources conservation.

iv) Research and training

- Most of research emphasis were largely for the purposes of exploitation rather than for the conservation and sustainable use of animal genetic resources;

- Lack of information in indigenous knowledge and practices in the conservation and sustainable use of animal genetic resources;

17 PART II

2.0 CHANGING DEMANDS ON NATIONAL LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

The demand for livestock and livestock products is on the constant increase and supply does not keep in pace with demand. Domestic production is estimated at 5,000,000 kg of meat per annum. This is supplemented by annual imports of 1,500,000 kg of meat and 24,500,000 kg of milk giving an annual per capita consumption level of less than 2 kg of meat and 8 kg of milk. The Animal Health Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is defunct. There are no functional diagnostic laboratories and drugs are conspicuously absent in the country. In 2002 alone, a total of 9,520,502.57 kg poultry meat was imported into the country compared with 10,000 kg of domestic poultry meat that was produced. In the same year, 3,730,728.70 dozens of eggs were imported into the country while 314,995 dozens were locally produced by four poultry farms. A dozen of eggs cost about Le 4000, approximately U.S. $ 1.8 and a piece of dressed chicken is sold at Le12, 000.00, approximately U.S. $3.60. This is quite expensive for the average Sierra Leonean who receives less that U.S $100.00 per month. The consequence is that ordinary people go in for more energy food stuff such as cassava, rice, potatoes and yams at the expense of protein rich ones including meat, eggs and milk which are quite expensive creating a protein energy imbalance responsible for many nutritional deficiency syndromes (Marasmus, Kwashiorkor) especially among growing children.

2.1 PRODUCTION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE NATIONAL POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS RELATED TO AnGR a) Past Policies for AnGR Direct government interest in livestock, initially cattle and later extended to all domestic livestock, started at the turn of this century. It grew gradually with the need to provide meat for the colonial army, the Sierra Leone West African Frontier Force, and reached a peak during the Second World War when it became necessary to establish both a

18 Livestock Husbandry Station at Musaia and a Veterinary Department with headquarters at Teko between 1942 and 1948. Since that time the commitments of succeeding governments to livestock development led to the adoption of a policy which can be summarized as:

To develop the livestock industry in Sierra Leone to an extent that will provide adequate animal products at affordable prices for the human population. To achieve this objective, government endeavored to:

1. Establish and support livestock stations where animal husbandry practices applicable to Sierra Leone can be developed and disseminated. 2. Improve the genetic potential of all livestock through selection and/or cross-breeding with proven improved types imported for the purpose. 3. Establish and support effective veterinary services for the control of livestock diseases. 4. Encourage the private sector to undertake all forms of animal production including mixed farming. The highest point in formulation of a national policy for the control of livestock diseases was reached in 1944 when, immediately after establishing the Department of Veterinary Services, an ordinance for the control of Diseases of Animals was passed by the Legislative Council. Like all veterinary legislations for the control of diseases of animals, the ordinance contained the necessary provisions to serve as adequate guide to both the public, especially those responsible for livestock and the officials responsible for the administration of the ordinance. But as these provisions, such as the authority and protection of officials, the diseases to be notified, the penalties in case of infringement among others, depend on the prevailing political, environmental, social and economic situation it becomes necessary to revise a legislation at intervals to make it relevant and meaningful. After 50 years The Animals Disease Ordinance of 28th December 1944 is several years overdue for revision.

There is a Sierra Leone Veterinary Medical Association affiliated to the Commonwealth Veterinary Association. The latter continues to be interested in having a national veterinary legislation and is willing to assist in doing this. But owing to the size and

19 particularly the current composition of the profession being mostly Civil Service there has been no great urge for a regulatory mechanism outside the Civil Service. Indeed it is feared that any veterinary legislation (as distinct form Animal Diseases Ordinances) now will lack the independent professional input to protect the profession’s interest. But again, like meat inspection, any immediate difficulties impeding the production of a legislation for the regulation of veterinary practice in Sierra Leone should not affect the revision of the Animal Diseases Legislation of 1944 as proposed.

b) The disease situation The animals’ disease situation is less understood now than it was 10 years back. The Government support for veterinary services – financial, logistical, and man-power training and incentives – were at its best in the 1950s and 1960s. As a result, the headquarters laboratory at Teko and the substations laboratories were functioning well. All the Livestock Inspection Posts were adequately manned with active staff for the regular surveillance of animals diseases country wide and reporting these to headquarters through their supervising veterinary officers. Without this intensive surveillance and regular reporting from the field backed by laboratory confirmation in recent years, the livestock diseases situation can only be gauged from what is known in the past.

The most spectacular disease of economic importance is cattle plague or Rinderpest. Fortunately since the completion of the Pan African campaign against it in the seventies and early eighties its threat is more potential than real. Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia is the next spectacular disease. And through few reports about it are coming from the field because of lack of regular surveillance, it will be a mistake to be complacent about it. But even if rinderpest no longer offers a threat in Sierra Leone and contagious bovine pleuropnemonia is reduced to a very low incidence there are still a number of diseases that are less spectacular in their manifestation, but nonetheless devastating in their effect on livestock reproduction and production. These diseases include brucellosis, salmonellosis, anthrax, haemorrhagic septicaemia and clostridial infections as well as the ubiquitous parasites both external and internal.

20 Brucellosis was first definitely diagnosed in the fifties. And as serological survey in the late sixties showed a 10.4 percent infection rate in 2,626 animals tested with a higher hard infection rate giving the magnitude of the danger to the national head. In spite of this, there are no control measures adopted for this disease in Sierra Leone. The same is true for the other infections including salmonellosis that cause abortions. From this it is evident that rinderpest had a remote potential while pleuropneumonia is still a real threat as a major enzootic or even epizootic disease. African swine fever has never been diagnosed in Sierra Leone. The same is true of many other diseases like East Coast Fever, and Foot and Mouth Disease all of which including the newly emerging disease Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) have to be accepted as having a potential threat and so requiring an expansion of the notifiable disease list.

The disease identified in domestic animals to have a direct threat on human health as Zoonoses are Anthrax, Brucellosis, Salmonellosis and Cysticercosis from cattle and pigs. But due to lack of capacity, especially competent staff modern diagnostic facilities, the detection of these diseases in human is seldom made except in the cases where circumstances cause an epidemic. Such situations occur during anthrax outbreaks in herds of cattle when infected animals are butchered and the meat distributed to people in neighboring villages. This is why the collaboration between the human medical and veterinary staff or even the transfer of meat inspection and slaughter house administration from the medical to the veterinary profession cannot be meaningful until a capacity is built for detecting diseases and carrying out efficient meat inspection. This is an added force for the development and maintenance of a good national veterinary laboratory that can also provide public health services.

2.2 FUTURE DEMANDS AND TRENDS

Recent Trends in Livestock Production The present trend in livestock production is low and will definitely not meet the demands of the growing population in Sierra Leone. Currently, 60 to 70 per cent of livestock are

21 imported from neighboring Guinea. Imports far exceed exports, and this situation has been exacerbated by high livestock mortality due to the civil conflict. Animal Genetic Resource could be an adjunct to livestock production efforts. High quality genetic materials have been lost due to changing climatic conditions and unsupervised breeding. A good and well maintained animal genetic resource will enable the preservation of unique genetic material that will enhance the breeding and production of high quality materials. This will help increase livestock production that is affordable by the common Sierra Leonean.

2.3 ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES IN THE CONSERVATION, USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF AnGR

Animal genetic resource data is an useful information for the conservation, use and development of the country’s animal genetic resource. To achieve this, comprehensive genetic data of each animal species would be sequenced using molecular techniques. Results of such analysis would be stored in the Genebank from which genes of high quality traits may be selected to breed high quality animals. In the case of the Ndama cattle, for instance, molecular analysis would be carried out and tested to ascertain whether the trypanotolerant characteristic can be inherited. If this is the case, then this individual characteristic can be selected and combined with other good traits of superior animals to obtain a hybrid that is trypanotolerant and of good production qualities (meat and milk production). Moreover, local species will be well protected by legislation. Those threatened by extinction would further be placed under protective custody, preferably in zoos or other sanctuaries. Their reproductive capacity will be enhanced by improving their environment (provision of adequate source of food, better health facility and a balanced ecosystem) for their continued perpetuation. Traditional breed products continue to attract both local and international markets. The fact remains that their meat is tastier and well accepted by the local population and in addition, they are likely to be abundantly available, cheap and easy to maintain. Other livestock products such as skin, fat, horns and hooves hold a unique function in

22 traditional medicines and ceremonies. These products are not easily accessible in the international market but are readily available in the local markets. In Sierra Leone, women have always played a pivotal role in rearing and maintenance of animals. Rearing of animals is regarded as the traditional role of women where they derive their livelihood. Small ruminants such as goats, sheep, chicken, ducks, pigeons and cattle are, to a large extent, cared for by women. To enhance the success of AnGR, women would be encouraged to play an equivocal role in the development and maintenance of AnGR. They would be sensitized and assisted to develop their own local initiatives which will compliment other efforts in sustaining AnGR.

2.4 FUTURE NATIONAL POLICY, STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR THE CONSERVATION, USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF AnGR

There had been no effective national policy on the conservation and use of AnGR. Existing policies only address issues of pouching wild animals in selected protected areas such as Tiwai Island, Outamba Kilimi, which are national reserved parks meant specifically for tourist attractions, protection, and academic research work. It is envisaged that sound legislation would be put in place to effectively protect, especially endangered species, animals. In addition, a thorough educational campaign would be undertaken to sensitize people on the need to respect animal conservation efforts for the benefit of the entire nation. Sustainable management of AnGR will be ensured by government support, research efforts, funding, donations and income generating activities. All these efforts would be coordinated by a central established secretariat. Specific AnGR activities expected to be undertaken include: 1. Comprehensive data collection and analysis of the AnGR of the country 2. Formulating and strengthening of existing legislation for the conservation of important and endangered species. 3. Creating the enabling environment for identified species to thrive and multiply. 4. Undertake pertinent research that will compliment AnGR efforts for a sustained conservation of the local animal genetic resource.

23 AnGR Sierra Leone would be in contact with other accredited institutions to adopt conservation activities. Effective communication through the internet, press print, periodicals and other means of publication will be embarked upon to ensure adequate and timely dissemination of Sierra Leone’s AnGR. Moreover, modern computer system and softwares, laboratory equipment (DNA Amplifier, DNA Sequencer, DNA U.V Illuminators, etc) and other state-of –the –earth equipment will be required to actualize the activities of AnGR.

24 PART III

3. STATE OF NATIONAL CAPACITIES AND ASSESSING FUTURE CAPACITY BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Structure And Staff Of The Livestock Sub-Sector, Ministry Of Agriculture, Forestry And Food Security

The current structure of the Livestock Services Division is a reflection of the need to deliver veterinary and appropriate Animal Production Services to farmers and Government owned stock farms. The restructuring process that started in the early 1990s has been completed following the approval of the schemes of service by the Standing Committee on Training and Recruitment in the Establishment Secretary’s Office and the concurrence of the Re-Grading Committee. As a result, the Livestock services has six Veterinary officers (Doctors) and nine Animal Production officers, four Livestock officers and several Livestock Assistants (trained) together with support staff headed by the Director of Livestock Services (Chief Veterinary Officer) with the overall supervision of the Director General of the Ministry.

3.2 Institutional facilities The Livestock Services Division has the following Establishments (Stations) with the infrastructure completely destroyed during the civil conflict.

25 Institutional Infrastructure

Area Date No Station Location (hectares) Established Current state Teko All the houses were completely Veterinary Bombali unroofed with most of the walls 1 Livestock District 1000 1939 standing Station Mal-Mara All the houses were completely Livestock Tonkolili 540 1978 unroofed 2 Station District Musaia Infrastructure in advance stage Livestock Koinadugu 1000 1947/8 of disrepair; minor repairs 3 Station District undertaken Newton Infrastructure intact Livestock Western Area 204 1939 4 Station

There are key infrastructure of the Livestock division such as: Teko Veterinary Laboratory, the administrative building and staff quarters, the Livestock Training Centre at Teko, Pig and Poultry Processing Plant at the Kissy Dockyard, the Newton Pig and Poultry Production facilities currently under utilized, the Kabala Veterinary Clinic, structures and grazing and sleeping and holding paddocks at Musaia Livestock Station if rehabilitated, equipped and properly managed will serve as a part of the capacity to manage animal genetic resources – AnGR in Sierra Leone.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security owned Feed Mill in Makeni, which is currently not functional, but when rehabilitated, can promote pig and poultry production in that part of the country.

The abattoirs located at Kossoh Town in Freetown and Makeni in the Northern Region constructed through Technical Cooperation between the Government of Sierra Leone and Denmark in the early 1980s, have been effectively utilized.

26

Photos:See Appendix 1. Kossoh Town Abattoir, Freetown, Sierra Leone 2. Makeni (Panlap) Abattoir 3. Makeni Town Abattoir constructed by the Makeni New Town Council using World Bank support Funds 4. Newton Livestock Station (poultry production) facilities 5. The Veterinary Clinic, Kabala, Koinadugu District 6. Administrative Building at the Teko Livestock/Veterinary Station, Makeni 7. The Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) Teko, Makeni

Major institutions such as the Teko Central Veterinary Laboratory at Makeni, the Newton Livestock Station and the Musaia Livestock Station have enjoyed some rehabilitation. However, these institutions have not been equipped and therefore lack the required technology to support AnGR process. There is need to strengthen, promote and coordinate all levels of the infrastructures and governance in view of closeness to the local communities and natives who are custodians of many varieties of Animal Genetic Resources.

3.3 Institutional collaboration The Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security enjoys close collaboration with the Animal Science Department of Njala University. The Animal Science Department, like many other institutions, suffered tremendous damage during the war (1999 – 2001). However, full rehabilitation is underway.

3.4 Infrastructures National Capacity Technology and Equipment need to be rebuilt and strengthened to meet the current AnGR challenges and demands.

27 3.5 Information and Communication Very weak – Electronic fair in the cities, need to be strengthened, established and promoted at District levels to meet the AnGR Process and Challenges and demands.

3.6 Human Resources Weak, and lack the equipment and technology requirement. There is the need for Short Term and Long Term capacity building for the entire Livestock Services Division in general and for SoW-AnGR process – Sierra Leone.

3.7 Legislations Policy on Livestock production and Veterinary Ordinance needs re-introduction and strengthening. Above and beyond, legislation on AnGR needs introduction strengthening and support, to facilitate the growing demands, as special AnGR process has never been in existence.

3.8 Research Poor, lack the required support: Needs promotion and strengthening. Conservation and changes in AnGR – need to be established, promoted and strengthened.

28 PART IV 4. NATIONAL PRIORITIES FOR THE CONSERVATION AND UTILIZATION OF AnGR

4.1 Access to Genetic Resources a) Plans ƒ Analyze existing policy, legislative and administrative measures on Animal genetic resources and benefit sharing; ƒ Assess the strengths and weaknesses of institutions and individuals addressing issues surrounding Animal genetic resources and benefit sharing; ƒ Conduct nation-wide awareness raising programs on the value of Animal genetic resources, need for regulation, rights of individuals, institutions and communities harboring Animal genetic resources and indigenous knowledge; ƒ Develop capacity of key individuals and officials through training on Animal genetic resources and benefit sharing; ƒ Develop policy measures to regulate the exploitation of genetic resources through the introduction of permits and regulatory procedures; b) Strategies I. Identify and undertake studies on all aspects of AnGR in all the major ecosystem categories: II. Identify research priorities for the successful implementation of programs for conservation and sustainable us of AnGR. III. Carry out training needs assessment for professionals and extension staff in all the sectors responsible for AnGR conservation; and, IV. Strengthen the capacity of existing research institutions to train the required personnel and to conduct research on all aspects of AnGR conservation.

29 4.2 Government support services The capacity and efficiency of the veterinary services to livestock producers and the public in general were centred on: a. Effective field Presence b. Diagnose Support c. Logistics, Drugs and other Inputs d. Research Following the destruction caused by the rebels (AFRC/RUF) on veterinary facilities there is an urgent need to have these facilities including the veterinary laboratory replaced. Unless this is done veterinary research can no longer be conducted. But what is also important is that the Animals’ Diseases Act will be meaningful because the means to ensure the accurate detection of its infringement and its enforcement will be lacking.

4.3 Possible strategies in the conservation and utilization of AnGR 1. Review and enact policy and legislation that enhances AnGR strategies; 2. Enhance human and institutional capacity for AnGR conservation activities; 3. Incorporation of specific guidelines and regulations into those programmes involving urbanization, reconstruction and development and undertake EIA’s prior to any project implementation I. Support and promote the setting up of a mechanism and institutional framework for co-ordination among agencies on matters related to AnGR. II. Advocacy and support for adequate National and International Technical and financial support for programmes related to AnGR.

4.4 Capacity Building for Animal Genetic Resources in Sierra Leone A successful implementation and monitoring of the AnGR Strategy and Action Plan will hinge on the setting-up staffing and equipping a National Animal Genetic Resources Coordinating Unit/Secretariat. The current activities in Animal biodiversity are not well coordinated, and cross-sectoral interactions in the implementation of Animal biodiversity issues (Animal Genetic Resources) are non-existence in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security. A Secretariat/Unit responsible for Animal biodiversity will

30 serve to build the capacity of all relevant institutions by providing training, coordinating, mobilizing and utilizing existing expertise and resources and ensuring all the relevant institutions collaborate in the sustainable use and conservation of Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR).

PART V

5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENHANCED INTERNATIONAL CO- OPERATION IN THE FIELD OF FARM ANIMAL BIODIVERSITY

AnGR is a dynamic program which requires current research and activities that can keep in pace with changing environmental, cultural and political policies to ensure sustainability and continuity. Currently, there is no research initiative with regards to AnGR and co-operation in minimal. It is the desire of this country to now actively engage in AnGR research and collaboration both within and without. The country can provide animals, land and manpower for AnGR development; in this regard, establishment of a Molecular Biology laboratory and internet system to enhance international co-operation. This will also enable the capacity building of the AnGR program in Sierra Leone.

31

32

33 34 APPENDIX

1. TEKO ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING, MAKENI.

2. CENTRAL VETERINARY LABORATORY (CVL) TEKO AFTER THE WAR.

35 3. VETERINARY CLINIC KABALA.

4. POULTRY PRODUCTION FACILITIES – NEWTON.

36 5. KOSSOH TOWN ABATTOIR

6. MAKENI (PANLAP) ABATTOIR.

37 7. MAKENI TOWN ABATTOIR.

38

8.

LIVESTOCK DISTRIBUTION IN S/LEONE

Koinadugu Bombali Kambia

Paki Masabong Port Loko Tonkolili Kono Portrt Loko Western Area

Moyamba Kailahun Bo Kenema

Bonthe Bonthe Pujehun

0 Km 152 Km

39 9. BIBLIOGRAPHY

1 Review of the FAO/UNEP Programme on Animal Genetic Programme John Hodges and Christian Hostle

2 Technical Report on: The Veterinary Legislation for Sierra Leone Prof. Dr. John A. Kamara, October 1998

3 Domestic Livestock Resources and Development in Sierra Leone, September, 2001

4 Sierra Leone Agricultural Sector Review FAO/Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, Draft copy Reardon Olubayo, June 2003

5 Agricultural Issues and Options Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, Medium Term Strategic Plan, 2003 – 07

6 GOSL/Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security, Youyi Building, Brookfields, Freetown, Livestock Services Division Report on the “Workshop for stakeholders in the Livestock Sub-Sector” February, 2005

7 Effect on the 10 year civil war on the Livestock Sector of Sierra Leone O.A. Sodimu (Mr.), October, 2003

8 Genetic Improvement of Trypanotolerant Livestock Christian Hoste – Senior Technical Adviser, Project on Trypanotolerant Livestock in West Africa, FAO, Ouagaduglugu

9 A Study of the N’dama Cattle at the Musaia Animal Husbandry Station in Sierra Leone R.W. Touchberry

10 Data on Import vs Export of Livestock products and per capita consumption of Animal Products H.B.S. Kandeh (Mr.) The Statistician General Statistics Sierra Leone Tower Hill, Freetown June, 2005 11 Commonwealth Secretariat, 1992 Livestock Development in Sierra Leone

12 FAO, 1995 Sierra Leone Livestock Development Project Formulation Report Report No. 18/95/IFAD - SIL 16

13 Hunting Technical Services, 1979, Sierra Leone Livestock Development Study Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone Volume 1

14 Hunting Technical Services, 1979. Sierra Leone Livestock Development Study Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone Volume 2

15 Weaver R,F, 2001. Molecular Biology. McGraw-Hill Companies. Inc.

40