In the developed world, genetic improvement is a key pillar contributing to increased livestock
productivity. Today, animal breeding is more than just a farming activity, it is a significant
economic sector that plays a vital role in the specialization of farmers. Strong collaboration
between stakeholders, including farmers and scientists, is essential to sustaining the breeding
sector. In contrast, genetic improvement remains a major weakness in livestock development
in many developing countries. Conventional breeding strategies often fail for various reasons,
including a lack of expertise.
Since 2020, the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education and Research for
Development (APPEAR) has supported the genetic improvement of local livestock breeds
through research and development projects, including LoCaBreed (2016–2020)
and LoCaBreed2.0 (2022–2025). These projects aim to better characterize local livestock
genetic resources and implement suitable breeding programs for their sustainable use (see
Ouédraogo, 2020).
Another objective of the APPEAR projects is capacity building, specifically, strengthening
institutional capacities in Burkina Faso through the training of Master’s and PhD students. In
this context, Work Package 5 (WP5) of LoCaBreed2.0 supports the development of an animal
breeding and genetics curriculum for Master’s programs. This summer course is aligned with
that objective. The overall objective of the course is to familiarize participants with the concept
of animal breeding and its application in various global contexts. It also aims to introduce the
current technologies used to optimize breeding programs and explore the diverse applications
of genomics in livestock.
Conditions of participation
This summer course is supported by the Austrian Partnership in High Education and Research
for Development (APPEAR) in the context of LoCaBreed2.0 / WP5 “animal breeding and
genetic curriculum development”. Participants will be asked to pay a lump sum of 23 € (15
000FCFA). Participants must however arrange their travel to Bobo and their accommodation
during the course period.
Application must be send by July 4, 23:59 Burkina Time to email address:
ouedombf@gmail.com. Application documents includes 2 pages CV and 1 page letter of
motivation explained your interest in the course. Only complete application will be assessed.
Note:
– The number of places is limited. Only selected candidates will be notified via email.
– Lectures will be in English, and basic skills are required.
– Participants will be awarded with certificate of attendance
– Coffee break and lunch will be provided for free during the training period.
Contact
For further information and details, please contact the organizers
Dr Albert Soudré
Norbert Zongo University
Email: asoudre@gmail.com
Phone: (00226)70256935
Dr Dominique Ouédraogo
University Center of Ziniaré / Joseph KI-ZERBO University
Email: ouedom@gmail.com
Phone: (00226)70054668
Hodabaakounda
vraie