Community-based sheep breeding programs generated substantial genetic gains and socioeconomic benefits

Area of Science:

• Animal genetics and breeding
• Agricultural economics
• Livestock development

Background:

• Centralized breeding schemes in developing countries have limitations.
• Community-based breeding programs (CBBPs) offer an alternative approach.
• CBBPs empower local communities in livestock improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test an innovative methodological framework for designing, implementing, and sustaining CBBPs for small ruminants.
• To evaluate the genetic gains and socioeconomic impact of CBBPs in Ethiopia.
• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of community-driven breeding initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A 10-year performance data analysis (2009-2018) from three Ethiopian sites (Bonga, Horro, Menz).
• Utilized the Average Information Restricted Maximum Likelihood (AI-REML) method for genetic trend analysis.
• Assessed socioeconomic impacts through participatory approaches and farm-level data.

Main Results:

• Significant genetic gains in 6-month weight were observed across all breeds, with notable increases in Bonga (0.21 kg/year), Horro (0.18 kg/year), and Menz (0.11 kg/year).
• Positive and significant genetic trends in prolificacy (litter size) were recorded in Horro and Bonga flocks (P < 0.01).
• CBBPs led to a 20% increase in farmer income and tripled farm-level meat consumption.

Conclusions:

• Community-based breeding programs are technically feasible and effective for small ruminants.
• CBBPs deliver measurable genetic improvements in key performance traits.
• These programs significantly enhance the livelihoods of participating farmers.