Study visit: livestock systems in humid and sub-humid zones of Africa

In some countries in Africa, significant activities have been developed in livestock systems. The important experiences and know-how gained are worthy of being shared with other countries having similar agro-ecological conditions. With this in mind, CTA organised a two-week study tour in Guinea, in collaboration with that country's Ministry for Fisheries and Livestock. Participants in the study tour were twenty directors of national livestock services and development projects from seven West and Central African States, as well as the coordinator of the Livestock Network of CORAF (the Conference of Directors of African Agricultural Research). They visited 19 sites, and developed an appreciation of the innovative approaches of Guinean colleagues to the sector, and, in particular, of their plans in mobilising stakeholders, institutional development and management of natural resources. Drawing on lessons learned and the exchanges of ideas that took place during their visit, the participants drew up a list of those activities that could well be extended to other countries in the region: setting up a rural credit programme focusing on animal production; developing a market information system; encouraging the organisation of breeders into groups (with a 'solidarity' contribution that helps gain access to credit); encouraging the participation of women in the sector, and carrying out studies on the environmental impact of livestock. Another experience of interest for all countries in the region was the establishment of management committees that bring together various parties for the maintenance and running of marketing systems for livestock products.two-week study tour in Guine