The relevance of formal and informal institutions in local chicken genetic resource conservation: a case of Igunga District, Tanzania

Abstract

Understanding the relevance of institutions for local chicken (LC) genetic resource conservation forms the basis for the management of Animal Genetic Resource (AnGR). A qualitative study was conducted to assess the relevance of formal and informal institutions on LC genetic resource conservation in rural and peri-urban areas in Tanzania using Igunga district as a case study due to its substantial number of crossbred LC with exotic breeds. Primary data were collected through in-depth interviews with fourteen key informants, ten focus group discussions (FGDs) with farmers as well as documentary review of the existing formal institutions. Atlas.ti (version 7.5.7) computer software was used in the content analysis of data solicited from the key informants and FGDs. Findings show that, formal institutions have low relevance because they are inclined to LC and/or AnGR production rather than its conservation. On the other hand, existing informal institutions such as norms, beliefs, traditional healing and sacrifice have a moderate relevance because they may serve as incentives for the conservation of LC genetic resources. The study therefore suggests that, the government should formulate or improve the existing formal institutions for effective management of AnGR.