A critical review of sustainable conservation options for animal genetic resources in indigenous production systems in the African region

Abstract

The African continent is made up of a land mass of 30.1 million km2 covering a wide variety of geo-ecological zones. This and other anthropological activities have given rise to a variety of cultures and production systems after centuries of evolution under human and natural selection pressures. Currently the continent harbours about 101 regional transboundary breeds and 2055 local breeds even though the actual figures may be higher. The size and genetic composition of these breeds can only be static under static conditions that are merely hypothetical. Animal genetic resources are subjected to change due to multiple factors such as environmental changes, socio-economic or policy drivers including market trends of livestock products. Current trends indicate a reduction in livestock breeds and species in Africa and thus the most appropriate intervention is conservation. Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources can be achieved by any of the methods including in situ conservation, ex situ in vivo conservation and cryoconservation. However the species and breed of interest, conservation objectives and goals, available financial, human and technical infrastructure are key factors one considers in selecting a conservation method. Considering the current state of characterisation and capacities for conservation it is clear that in situ conservation involving indigenous systems have great potential for African countries such as Ghana. However there are challenges associated with over dependence on dynamic production systems in the continent. Therefore it is important to consider other conservation methods to avoid a big gap between the developed and the developing world in implementing the third strategic priority area of the Global Plan of Action on animal genetic resources. This review evaluates the conservation methods in African context and discusses the interventions needed and innovations available to get the best out of indigenous knowledge and production systems for in situ conservation in Sub Saharan Africa for multiple stakeholders in African countries.

Keywords: Africa; germplasm; in situ conservation; ex situ conservation; cryoconservation