Initiatives on Farm Animal Genetic Resources Currently Implemented in Lesotho

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1 Initiatives on Farm Animal Genetic Resources Currently Implemented in Lesotho Presented at the inception workshop of the Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) project April, 2013 in Abidjan, Cote D Ivoire By Molapo Hlasoa Chief Animal Production Officer Department of Livestock Services Lesotho

2 General Country Background A landlocked mountainous country that is completely surrounded by RSA (30,335 square km) 1.9million inhabitants households benefit entirely on livestock production, either as farmers or employees. Temperate climate varying throughout the four seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter) Annual mean precipitation is between 700 and 800mm. Snow is common between May and September

3 Map of Lesotho

4 Snow in the Highlands of Lesotho

5 INTRODUCTION Livestock species kept by farmers in Lesotho include cattle, small stock (sheep and goats), pigs, equines and poultry. Range animals comprise cattle, sheep, goats, horses and donkeys distributed throughout the four agro-ecological zones (lowland, foothill, orange river valley and mountain).

6 INTRODUCTION Livestock has a high potential and can be used as a vehicle for; poverty alleviation, food security,employment creation, income generation and expansion of private sector. Livestock currently contributes 5-10% of GDP

7 1. Distribution of Short Cycle Livestock To increase ownership of short cycle livestock in the most vulnerable households in the communities for food security and income generation (dual purpose chickens and dairy goats) Hatching of chickens and establishment of dairy goats stud for multiplication and supply of day of chicks and breeding stock Pass-on the gift mechanism where the beneficiaries are expected to pass on the female progeny to the next beneficiaries Indigenous/village chickens are used as surrogate hens for hatching of eggs and brooding of chicks

8 Distribution of Short Cycle Livestock Cont. Opportunity to revive the village chickens which were almost entirely wiped out by the Newcastle Disease in the 1970s The indigenous chickens play an important economic and social role in rural households by providing a cheap protein source through eggs and meat Acceptance of the goat milk by adult population who previously viewed consumption of goat milk as delicacy for children only Milk goat augurs well for lactose intolerant individuals

9 Chickens

10 Dairy Goats

11 2. Local Merino Sheep and Angora Goat Breeding Sheep and goats are kept primarily for wool and mohair respectively Wooled merino sheep and angora goats were introduced in 1930 s, breeding stock has always come from South Africa The aim is to reduce dependence for procurement of breeding stock on South Africa Government of Lesotho has established two merino stud farms for production of quality breeding stock for sale to farmers. The farms are also designed to be demonstration farms providing training in various aspects of sheep management 33 individual breeders are also involved in production of quality animals for sale to fellow producers Introduction of artificial insemination using the fresh semen

12 Merino Sheep

13 Angora Buck

14 Angora Does

15 Woolshed

16 Sheep Shearing

17 Sheep Shearing

18 Wool Classing

19 3. Support to Basotho Pony Mare Camps The Basotho Pony were obtained through trade and barter in the early 1800 s and became distinctive and established itself as a breed by 1890 The horse has adapted successfully to the harsh climatic and topographical environment and is renown wild wide for its endurance and tripling ability In 1978, the Government of Lesotho established a National Stud as an open nucleus breeding station for elite animals. This gave birth to the concept of mare camps. The concept was developed as community participatory approach to enhance breed improvement at the local level

20 Support to Basotho Pony Mare Camps cont. The National Stud was liquidated in 2004 leaving only the mare camps to continue the breeding activities. Most of the elite animals were distributed among the camps Characterization of Basotho pony was done in 2003 under the auspices of SADC/FAO/UNDP Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources Project Organizing endurance and tripling races. This serve as impetus for improvement of the animals through genetic means and management

21 A lone ride traversing the mountains

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23 4. Commercial Aquaculture Production in the Highlands Trout Culture Cultured species Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Produced commercially in cage culture systems Two companies are involved in production. Current production (2012) is 400 metric tonnes Targeted production is 5,000 metric tonnes

24 Katse Fish Farms Operation at Ha Lejone

25 Highlands Trout Operation at Ha Katse

26 Instruments Governing the use Animal Resources Lesotho Constitution Agriculture Sector Strategy (2003) Food Security Policy and Action Plan 2005 Poverty Reduction Strategy Vision 2020 National Strategic Development Plan (2012) Livestock Policy Range Management and Grazing Control Regulations 1980Stock T heft Act 2003

27 Instrument Cont.. Livestock Marking, Registration and Information System (2004) Agricultural Sector Investment Policy National Range Resources Management Policy Land Policy Review Commission 2000 Mines and Minerals Act Range Management Policy 1985 National Environment Policy

28 Instruments Cont. Laws of Lerotholi 1905 National Environment Action Plan1989 The Environment Act 2008 Local Government Act 1997 Lesotho Water and Sanitation Policy 2007 Forestry Act 1998 Dairy Industry Policy Livestock Marketing Regulations National Abattoir and Feedlot Regulations Fisheries Sector Strategic Framework (2010)

29 The Key Stakeholders (including state actors, non-state actors and development partners) Ministry of Agriculture and Food security Ministry of Finance Ministry of Development Planning Ministry of Trade, Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing Ministry of Forestry and Land Declaration Ministry of Home Affairs Ministry of Local Government Ministry of Water and Meteorology

30 Stakeholders Cont.. Lesotho National Farmers Union Lesotho National Wool and Mohair Growers Association Basotho Poultry Farmers Association National Pig Production Association National Dairy Association Mare Camp Associations Horse Racing Association Ram Breeders Association Herders Association

31 Send-a-Cow Cont. Serumula Development Association Rural Self-help Development Association Lesotho Veterinary Association Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) World Bank

32 KHOTSO!!! KEA LEBOHA!!! THANK YOU!!! OBRIGADO!!! MERC!!!