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"In 2013, demand for meat production stood at 3.2 million tonnes, and for milk at 5.0 million tonnes. These demands are not being met efficiently, and the region remains dependent on imports. As a solution, the exploitation of animal biodiversity through the use of animal genetic resources can be considered as a sustainable means of increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening the food and nutritional security of populations in the sub-region". These are the main conclusions of the study entitled "Identification of proposals for the development of a regional regulatory framework for the circulation and use of animal genetic material in the ECOWAS region", carried out by CORAF / WECARD.

From April 5 to 6, 2016, stakeholders including national coordinators and/or ECOWAS focal points for animal genetic resources, producer organizations and the private sector met in Dakar, Senegal to validate the technical and legal proposals of the study in order to develop a regional regulatory framework for the circulation of animal genetic material in the ECOWAS region.

CORAF / WECARD, the sub-regional Focal Point for the sustainable management of Animal Genetic Resources in West Africa, has been mandated by ECOWAS to carry out this study through its regional program, the WAPP, in view of the urgent need to regulate the circulation and use of materials of animal origin.

"This animal genetic material can be of intra-regional origin or imported from other parts of the world. In both cases, the circulation and use of animal material must be governed by legislation to optimize zootechnical performance and protect the health and lives of people and animals," said Dr Alioune FALL, Chairman of the CORAF / WECARD Board of Directors.

Indeed, recent trends in livestock production systems in West African countries are characterized by the genetic dilution of local breeds, with the introduction of exotic animals or their semen, with the aim of significantly increasing the level of animal production to satisfy demand. In addition, animal biodiversity is threatened by the effects of climate change, wars and social conflicts, and the persistence of animal diseases. Intensive livestock production systems are characterized by increased use of improved animal genetic material (animal seeds, embryos, high-performance animals).

The use of high-performance animal germplasm is therefore a prerequisite for a rapid and sustainable increase in livestock production in West Africa. This animal genetic material can be of intra-regional origin, or imported from other parts of the world. In both cases, the circulation and use of animal material must be governed by legislation to optimize zootechnical performance and protect the health and lives of people and animals.

the West African Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAPP) coordinated by CORAF/WECARD aims to generate and disseminate proven technologies in priority agro-sylvo-pastoral sectors, including livestock (cattle-meat and milk).