Global breeding programs

Participatory assesment of Challenges and Constraints in the implementation of Community-Based Local Goat Breeding Programs in developing countries : Insights from Burkina Faso

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Abstract

Community-based breeding programs (CBBP) have emerged as a promising alternative for livestock genetic improvement in developing countries where conventional breeding strategies often underperform. The success of CBBP relies heavily on strong farmer participation throughout all phases of implementation, alongside accurate animal identification, systematic performance recording, rigorous selection, and effective dissemination of elite breeding animals within communities. This study was conducted in two goat-keeping communities participating in CBBP in southwestern Burkina Faso with the objective to identify, together with farmers, the key bottlenecks affecting CBBP implementation. Focus group discussions involving men, women, and youth explored challenges related to animal identification, routine performance recording, selection practices, and the communal use of selected males for mating. Furthermore, individual survey involved 257 farmers to identify the specific constraints to the successful implementation of CBBP. Findings revealed that free-grazing systems, particularly during the dry season, limit access to animals and hinder both identification and consistent performance recording. Constraints affecting the use of selected males included social relationship among farmers, difficulties in detecting heat in females, and concerns about handling and moving breeding males between farms. Indeed, only 22% of the owners of selected males used them for mating, and 12% reported that selected males were used by other farmers within the community without any form of compensation (i.e., entirely free of charge). Furthermore, 16% and 29% of the surveyed farmers identified, respectively, the requirements imposed by owners of selected males and farmers' willingness as key constraints limiting the effective use of selected males. To address these challenges, farmers recommended strengthening communication among stakeholders (farmers, enumerators, and scientists) and establishing clear rules governing the management, exchange, and use of selected males. These insights highlight critical areas for improving the effectiveness and sustainability of goat CBBP in Burkina Faso.

Keywords: 2026

How to Cite:

Ouédraogo, D., Zongo, P., Yougbaré, B., Ouédarogo-Koné, S., Soudré, A., Mwai, O., Burger, P., Mészáros, G., Wurzinger, M. & Sölkner, J., (2026) “Participatory assesment of Challenges and Constraints in the implementation of Community-Based Local Goat Breeding Programs in developing countries : Insights from Burkina Faso”, World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production Digital Archive 2026(1): 2286481. doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/wcgalp.24023

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