Animal genetic resources in Western Africa to support the agroecological transformation towards sustainable peri-urban farming systems

Western Africa must navigate the challenge of ensuring food security, sustainable agriculture, and community well-being amidst urbanization and environmental deterioration. Peri-urban farming provides sustenance to urban areas, alleviates urban encroachment, and supports farmers’ livelihoods. In communities where farming is integral, adopting One Health approaches is crucial to address emerging public health issues. Agroecology emphasizes ecological principles, biodiversity, soil and environmental health, and climate change resilience. Utilizing local animal genetic resources is imperative for agricultural sustainability in the region, as indigenous breeds exhibit unique resilience traits. In this context, a survey was conducted to identify local genetic resources and traits of interest. The local breeds identified were the dual-purpose Goliath and Fulani ecotype chickens, the Ashanti Black Pig, the West African Dwarf and Sahelian goats, the Sahelian sheep and the Gobra cattle. Key traits of thesebreeds include resistance to diseases, adaptation to water and food scarcity, and tolerance to heat stress, humidity and aridity. Integrating peri-urban farming, agroecology, One Health, and preserving local genetic resources is imperative for sustainable agriculture and food security. This interconnected approach not only addresses currentchallenges but also sets the foundation for resilient and adaptive farming systems that can thrive in the dynamic urban and environmental landscape of the region. Funded by EU under the “URBANE – One Health approaches to support agroecological transformation of peri-urban farming” project (Grant No: 101059232).