SUPERVISOR: Maria WURZINGER

PROJECT ASSIGNED TO: Bienvenue Lassina ZOMA

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa and has a population of 18 million habitants. In Burkina Faso, the cattle production sector contributes between 36% and 40 % to total agricultural added value and 26% to agricultural export value. Two types of cattle, Bos taurus and Bos indicus, are kept by farmers, agro-pastoralists and pastoralists. Cattle are a valuable source of food (meat and milk products), provide services (transport and traction), function as a savings and insurance, and play a central role in the culture of different ethnic groups. The production strategies are based on local cattle breeds and have been described as extensive systems, including mixed crop-livestock, agro-pastoral, and pastoral systems.

Members of the Lobi ethnic group, practicing sedentary mixed crop-livestock farming, have traditionally kept the Bos taurus named Lobi. Lobi cattle are known for their resistance to Animal African Trypanosomiasis (AAT). AAT is endemic and known as the most important parasitic disease-causing enormous losses to the cattle population. These qualities, in conjunction with its adaptability to high temperature, long drought conditions low inputs and ease to handling make the Lobi an especially valuable livestock asset. Furthermore, this breed is more valued for its socio-cultural and spiritual functions than its economic ones. However, this breed is unpopular, mainly due to its small size and low market value. Consequently, livestock keepers frequently crossbreed small Lobi taurine with larger Fulani zebu. This practice threatens the Lobi as a breed, which has, therefore, been classified as endangered. The Fulani zebu breed originates from the semi-arid north of Burkina Faso and is traditionally reared by Fulani pastoralists, who move with their herds to the southern region of the country in search for pasture land and water.

Given the farmers’ preference for breeds with high market value, the productivity of Lobi taurine needs to be improved if the breed is to be preserved. To achieve this, community-based breeding programs (CBBPs), an approach to involve livestock keepers in systematic breeding and management efforts, could be a viable option for preserving the breed and improving its productivity. Community-based breeding programs (CBBPs) have been reported as a successful strategy to conserve and improve local breeds in low input systems. Therefore, the objectives of this study are: (1) characterize the current production system at the farm level, (2) investigate the values, beliefs, and norms of farmers that shape the implementation of the breeding programs, (3) explore the attitudes of the different farmer groups towards different breeding tools.

The research will be conducted in the south-western region of Burkina Faso, which is located in the mountainous South-Sudanian ecological zone. Mean annual rainfall ranges from 900 to 1200 mm, and mean monthly temperatures range from 21 to 32°C. Different ethnic groups compose the population of about 850.000 people: Lobi, Dagara, Birifo, Djan, and Pogouli who are considered “local”, and Mossi, Fulani and Bobo who are considered immigrants. The population is growing with a rate of about 4.5%, including net immigration of about 2%. Cattle and crop production are the primary economic activities in the area. The research team will collect data in the administrative units of Bouroum-Bouroum, Kampti, and Loropeni in the Poni province. Typically for the region, crop and cattle production are growing through increases in farmed area and stocking density. At the same time, rainfall patterns have become erratic, and parasite and disease pressure constrain livestock production.

We will use a structured questionnaire for collecting quantitative data on household characteristics, socio-economic activities, livestock, and access to services such as input supply, credit and veterinary services. Furthermore, we will hold focus group discussions to triangulate and illustrate the survey results with qualitative data. Finally, we will evaluate farmers’ attitudes towards breeding strategies and tools using a set of attitudinal statements towards which farmers stated their agreement using a Likert scale.

The results of this study will support researchers and policy makers to gain a better understanding of farmers´ concepts and strategies in cattle breeding. Therefore, this study can support the development of tailor-made breeding strategies for local communities.

This doctoral study is conducted within the project “LoCaBreed – Local Cattle Breed: characterization and sustainable utilization”, funded by APPEAR-program of Austrian Development Cooperation.