These proceedings are an account of the Conference on African Small Ruminant Research and Development which was held in conjunction with the planning meeting for the Small Ruminant Collaborative Research Network. Both events took place at the Mankon Research Station of the Institute of Animal Research, near Bamenda, Cameroon, from 18-25 January 1989.
The Conference and the planning meeting were sponsored by the International Livestock Centre for Africa, the International Foundation for Science and the Government of Cameroon. The principal objectives of the gathering were to bring together small ruminant scientists and researchers from different countries in Africa and the rest of the world in order to exchange information on their research experiences with small ruminants; to identify constraints to increased productivity; to suggest strategies for research and development; and to improve small ruminant production. A total of 41 papers was read covering the broad areas of Production Systems and Economics; Feeds and Feeding Systems; Reproduction; Health; and Breeds and Breeding (Animal Genetic Resources). There were participants from 21 African and 5 non-African countries at the meeting.
At the planning meeting, following animated discussion, the Pan African Small Ruminant Research Network was formed. Its objectives were defined as:
i) improving general awareness of the importance of small ruminants as a basic resource for large numbers of smallholder farmers and agropastoralists throughout Africa;ii) identifying constraints to increased productivity and production efficiency;
iii) defining research priorities and research strategies arising from (ii);
iv) encouraging national, regional and international support and funding for research and development;
v) strengthening national research capabilities;
vi) coordinating research activities to avoid repetition and duplication and thus ensuring efficient resource utilization;
vii) disseminating information and especially research results to all participating groups;
viii) providing facilities for the transfer of technology to the target populations;
ix) advising national and regional organizations on latest research results and on their utilization.
To achieve these objectives, four major research themes were identified: Production Systems and Economics; Feeds and Feeding Systems; Reproductive Wastage and Health; and Breeds and Breeding Policy. Collaborative research areas were identified for each theme. Regional groupings were created for North and Sahelian Africa and for West, East, Central and southern Africa. In order to coordinate the activities of the Network, an interim Steering Committee, comprising two representatives from each region, was elected. The interim committee members are:
|
Prof. S.H.B. Lebbie |
Southern Africa |
|
Mr R. Sibanda |
Southern Africa |
|
Dr R. Shavulimo |
East Africa |
|
Prof. B. Chichaibelu |
East Africa |
|
Mr G. Sibomana |
Central Africa |
|
Dr R.M. Njwe |
Central Africa |
|
Dr Y.I. Pessinaba |
West Africa |
|
Prof. M.O. Akusu |
West Africa |
|
Prof. A. Lahlou-Kassi |
North Africa |
|
Prof. A. Yenikoye |
North Africa |
Dr R.T. Wilson of ILCA was unanimously elected as the Secretary/Coordinator of the Network.
We think that with the goodwill of our governments, donors and partners, this Network holds promise for future progress towards the development of more productive and sustainable small ruminant production systems for Africa.
S.H.B. Lebbie
Chairman of Steering Committee
