Choosing indigenous breeds for development

Implementation

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends selecting indigenous populations on the basis of regional importance and genetic uniqueness, for a 10-year programme, followed by selection of an additional cohort of indigenous breeds for development.

Counter-claim

Focusing on indigenous breeds for development is simply not a crucial strategy in today’s fast-evolving agricultural landscape. Modern, high-yielding breeds surpass indigenous ones in productivity, efficiency, and profitability. Clinging to tradition only hampers progress and fails to meet global demands. Investing resources in indigenous breeds is a nostalgic distraction, not a pathway to real growth. If we truly want development, it’s time to embrace science and global advancements rather than outdated local preferences.