PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES IN ALBANIA
Ndoc Faslia, Stavri Afezolli
Abstract
Livestock is considered as a very important activity in Albania. Its production occupies about 50% of agriculture production structure. At the end of the last century the political system has changed in Albania like in the West Europe. These changes have had a direct reflection on the economy of the country, bringing it to a total transformation. This was an opportunity for the creation and development of new business in agricultural sector. Consequently the state farms were replaced by about 350.000 individual farms. About 290.000 farms are livestock farms. Livestock private businesses are exposed from the risk and competition, which makes their economic activity difficult. Productivity and quality of production remain the most important elements in livestock sector. In this context, protection and management of animal genetic resources (local races) have a very important role. In this paper we will try to treat the problems of the National Action Plan for protection and management of these local races, like an important document for sustainable development. Implementation of this plan is a complex process and involves public institutions, policy-makers, academic staff and the farmers themselves.
