Community-Based Livestock Breeding: Coordinated Action or Relational Process?

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Livestock Breeding
• Rural Development

Background:

• Community-based breeding programs (CBBPs) are promoted for systematic livestock improvement in smallholder systems.
• Key elements include organized animal identification, performance, and pedigree recording.
• Capacity building and participant ownership are crucial for program continuity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the evolution of CBBPs within specific institutional contexts.
• To identify the dynamics influencing CBBP implementation.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving reflective conversations with six CBBP coordinators.
• Case studies included goat, sheep, alpaca, and cattle breeding programs across Malawi, Uganda, Mexico, Ethiopia, Peru, and Burkina Faso.
• Analysis guided by multi-level perspective categories.

Main Results:

• Lack of funding and weak institutionalization were identified as primary constraints.
• Despite emphasis on participation, linear knowledge transfer models were prevalent.
• Programs were often initiated by researchers and implemented via intermediaries, with personal relationships fostering success.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight the tension between participation ideals and implementation realities in CBBPs.
• Different rural development conceptualizations (innovation systems vs. process-relational) offer contrasting implications for CBBP sustainability and evolution.
• CBBPs can serve as catalysts for ongoing collaboration and engagement.