Research Strategy

This case study describes certain aspects of the Farm Animal Genetic Resources Survey carried out in Swaziland, using just results collected in one region (Hobbo) for cattle. The design of the survey followed largely that developed in Zimbabwe. Before embarking on the breed survey in Swaziland, however, the various considerations, as outlined by Rowlands et al. (2003), that need to be taken into account in planning a survey were considered. Realising the amount of work to be involved in such a survey certain fundamental questions were addressed:

  • Is the survey approach the appropriate instrument to be used?

  • If so, does the whole country need to be surveyed or only certain regions?

  • For which livestock species are data required?

  • Which of the questions provided in the Zimbabwe questionnaire are required?

and so on.

  

Source: Thulile Sgwane