Abstract :
Many smallholder breeding programs in developing countries failed because of neglecting
basic conditions, particularly the no involvement of farmers in a participatory manner
from design to the implementation phase of the programs. Inadequate centralized breeding
plans to improve local breeds and various plans prescribing crossbreeding with European
highly producing breeds, failed. Though some nucleus breeding programs were successful
and attained some sustainability if the farmers’ participation was considered, they still are
vulnerable once the funding provided ends.Anevolving approach, emerging from participatory
research experiences, involves community-based breeding programs for smallholder
farmers in low-input systems. These are being implemented in pilot research sites with
promising results and already rendering lessons learned that merit consideration in relation
with the sustainability of a program. The paper discusses important factors for the success
of these programs. Farmers’ participation along with main issues for program implementation
are highlighted in relation to site selection, the communication processes, recording
schemes, role of scientists, the institutionalisation of cooperation and the enabling environment.
Finally, ongoing case studies of successful community-based breeding programs
are mentioned. Shortcomings in farmers’ participation require attention and institutional
strengthening for effective application of participatory tools and knowledge exchange
between farmers and researchers. But participatory research alone is not the sole prescription
for success. No matter how participatory the plans will be, they will always depend
on technical support and institutional support for data collection, analysis and feedback.
This is hindered because of the short-term projection of funding for research projects. An
important issue relates to the out scaling of successful experiences at project level that
benefits only a limited number of farmers. The only avenue to guarantee sustainability is
that government priorities (local or national) emphasize community-based breeding as a
viable alternative for smallholder improvement on a long-term basis, and development
and appropriate policies provide the enabling environment for realization and adoption at
a large scale. Under these conditions research will have an advisory and facilitating role
whereas ownership of the program will go to the community-level
