Introduction

               The poorest of the world’s poor people comprise hundreds of millions of families existing on less than $ 2 per day.1 Approximately 50 percent of these families own livestock and some parts of the world will remain reliant for at least some more human generation on adapted genetic livestock resources that can cope with low- input, high – stress production system to provide food, fibre and hides for home use and local sales; serve as a source of traction and fuel; meet cultural and religious needs and provide a reliable and readily convertible means of managing family resources. Low literacy rates and very real risks of hunger are common problems. Consequently, programmes and policies have to be adjusted to their needs.