Design of a community-based llama breeding program in Peru: A multi-stakeholder process

The Peruvian llama population counts about 1 millio n animals and the sale of meat and breeding animals is of economic importance for many smallholders. Nevertheless, there are a number of factors hindering a higher productivity, one of them are well established breeding programs. The llamas of the central highlands (Depa rtment of Junin and Pasco) are wellknown by llama producers as these animals are very tall and heavy and breeding stock is sold every year to other regions of Peru. Farmers raised their concern of losing potentially good genetics, when there is no concerted breeding manag ement in place. Therefore the aim of this study was the design of a community-based breeding program and a multi-stakeholder consultation process was started. This involved per sonal interviews with farmers, but also a series of workshops with farmers, representatives o f local government, an NGO and universities. These platforms were used to distribu te information on breeding programs, but also to discuss and agree on level of involvement, roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in a breeding program. In a first step , 70 farmers of 20 communities agreed to form a breeders association. At the same time a phe notypic characterisation of the llama population was performed. In addition, a preliminar y market analysis was carried out to get a better understanding of the complete value chain of llama meat. Alternative breeding strategies, such as central versus dispersed nucleu s, were presented and discussed with farmers. This participatory approach with the invol vement of different actors ensures commitment and ownership of all parties which is a pre-requisite for the long-term sustainability of a breeding program.