Goat Community-Based Breeding Program in Mali: Follow-up on the progress in Ségou and exploring the CBBP potential in Sikasso

Abstract

▪ From the 18th to 26th of July, 2024, a collaborative research team from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and the Institute of Rural Economics (IER) conducted a first field mission to follow up on the progress of the Goat Community-Based Breeding Program that was implemented in Mali in 2023.

▪ This mission had two main focuses: 1. To monitor the ongoing goat Community-Based Breeding Program in Ségou region, and 2. To assess the potential of implementing a second CBBP in Sikasso region.

▪ Between the 20th and 21st of July, the team explored small ruminant production capabilities and the potential of implementing another CBBP in Sikasso, while activities in Ségou focused on data collection evaluation, feedback to communities, and training enumerators on using the DTREO platform. This included recording newborn lambs, monitoring weight and milk production, and updating disposal records on the 23rd and 24th of July.

▪ In September 2024, a second follow-up visit to Siguidolo Wère and Noukoula was organized by IER and included monitoring data collection, verifying DTREO database entries, and assessing herd conditions. Additionally, courtesy visits were made in the same occasion to local authorities, village chiefs, and community members to discuss progress and ensure administrative alignment with CBBP goals.

▪ This report summarizes the key findings and outcomes of these visits to the CBBP villages in Mali.