Blip

About this episode

A short video about the concept of Endonegous Livestock Development (ELD) in Cameroon.In Africa, knowledge and practices concerning livestock keeping were passed on from generation to generation. Then other ways of development came, that implied more dependency on resources from outside. Today farmers from North-West Cameroon value once more what they have known and lived with for centuries. This film shows how farmers and extension workers re-discovered the potential of 'development from within'.Livestock contribute to the livelihoods of at least 70% of the worlds' rural poor. Especially for women, livestock represent one of the most important and widely held assets, and one of the most rewarding income-generating activities available. However, long-term sustainable impact on poverty reduction through livestock development is still a major challenge. Many projects foster dependency rather than creativity. In this context Endogenous Livestock Development, an approach that puts livestock keepers' own strategies and culture at the centre of development efforts, is a welcome innovation. This film and accompanying book provide an introduction to the Endogenous Livestock Development (ELD) approach, and various related livestock development efforts in Africa. It is the outcome of a joint effort between farmers and extension workers in Cameroon, and consultants from various backgrounds and nationalities. Together they have explored the potential of endogenous development, and the implications of it for livestock development. In this approach the multi-faceted role of livestock is acknowledged, including the social and spiritual components. Livestock keepers' ways of learning and organising themselves are the starting point for development. This video was produced by Marieke Hendrix, Heifer International, Agromisa, CTA and ETC Compas, and may be used and copied freely for non-profit purposes provided the producers are credited. For more information, see: http://www.eldev.net

• Release Date

  Nov 6, 2008

• Runtime

  17:49