Capacity strengthening for implementing breeding strategies for llamas in Bolivia and Peru

Bolivia and Peru possesses about 3 million llamas that support the livelihoods of nearly 155 000 resource-poor rural families. Conservation and utilization aspects of this species have been neglected with consequences that impact on the already infringed livelihoods of farmers: lack of policies, genetic erosion and increasing inbreeding cases, and lack of breeding strategies, which exacerbate low productivity. The aim of this project is to strengthen and develop further the capacities of human resources at various levels to ensure sustainable management practices of llamas. The project will provide training for students and professionals on community-based breeding strategies, supported by molecular genetic techniques and participatory research. It will also train farmers on pragmatic animal breeding approaches. In each country two study sites will be selected to start community-based and participatory breeding programs according to the communities’ needs, institutional arrangements and commitments, targeting strategies to improve meat production. Data recording, agreed by the community to be conducted, will be implemented and data based to support the plan. Sustainability issues will be discussed from the start of the plan in all sites. A final regional workshop will be organized including a roundtable discussion to exchange lessons learned and discuss and outline policies for conservation and sustainable use of llamas. Altogether, this will foster regional cooperation and learning. The expected outcomes of the project will meet most of the strategic priorities of the Global Plan for Action on Animal Genetic Resources for the case of llama populations in Bolivia and Peru.