Background

A questionnaire for a Farm Animal Genetic Resources Survey was designed for preliminary evaluation in Zimbabwe. Other methodological aspects of sample design and survey implementation were also tested (Rowlands et al., 2003). A computer database system Breedsurv using Microsoft Access for data capture and data management was also developed by ILRI.

With the experiences gained from Zimbabwe recommendations were then made to the other SADC countries, namely, Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia for surveys to be implemented in each of them.

The surveys generally focused on six livestock species, cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, pigs and donkeys. Hence, six sets of questionnaires were designed for the survey, one set for each species. The questionnaires were designed to capture household information, information on production systems, breeding, mating, disposal/purchasing and breeding strategies, health, age structure and breed characteristics.

One species was chosen as the primary species for which all questions were asked of a homestead. Data just on age structure and breed characteristics were also requested on either one or two other species.