In 1985, there were 9.8 million (estimated) head of trypanotolerant cattle in the 19 West and central African countries of the study area. The trypanotolerant sheep and goat population was estimated at 12 and 20 million, respectively. The trypanotolerant cattle population consists of 4.9 million N'Dama, 2 million Savannah Shorthorn, 0.1 million Dwarf Shorthorn and 2.8 million zebu x Shorthorn crossbreds.
The trypanotolerant cattle population increased at an annual rate of 3.2% over the last eight years due mainly to a substantial increase of 4.5% in the number of N'Dama. The small ruminant population on the other hand, apparently remained static or increased very slightly. These figures should, however, be treated with caution, as national statistics on small ruminants are often unreliable.
A further and unexpected result of this study is the relatively slow rate of crossbreeding increase between zebu and Shorthorn cattle despite the fears expressed with regard to possible dilution of pure breeds. This, of course, varies with the countries concerned. However, efforts in protecting pure breeds should, in any way, be relaxed.
In recent years, the governments of the 19 countries covered have started to become aware of the value of their trypanotolerant livestock population. Consequently, national research policies have focused on the development of pure breeds and traditional livestock production systems, in open collaboration with regional and international organisations operating in the same field. These countries have also made significant efforts in the planning and coordination of their activities aimed at developing trypanotolerant livestock production.
Major progress has also been made in research activities on trypanotolerant cattle and trypanotolerance since the publication of the first two volumes of this study.
More concrete results were evidently obtained on knowledge of the productivity of trypanotolerant species than on the mechanisms of trypanotolerance. This was closely linked to the establishment by ILCA and ILRAD of "The African Trypanotolerant Livestock Network". However, achievements in the field of basic research, and more particularly, in other potential areas of research opened up by research results on the genetics of trypanotolerance should not be overlooked. They may have practical applications in animal selections in the not-too-distant future.
Finally, as regards the development of livestock production through the use of trypanotolerant breeds efforts have mainly focused on developing national strategies for livestock production development in almost all the countries covered. Furthermore, potential donor and executing agencies have very often been involved in the formulation of these strategies. This should facilitate the search for funding and regional coordination. FAO has registered significant results through its Programme for the Control of African Animal Trypanosomiasis and Developments of Infested Areas particularly in the fields of training, project formulation and coordination.
Obviously, a number of trypanotolerant livestock multiplication and development projects were discontinued during the study period. At the same time, some new projects were attracting funding. Efforts made during the past years have not all achieved their goals yet. One can, therefore, reasonably hope for harmonious and rapid development in the field of trypanotolerant livestock production in the next 10 years.
