A New Development Paradigm for Local Animal Breeds and the Role of Information and Communication Technologies

Abstract

Local breeds are endowed with numerous advantages in terms of adaptability to specific conditions and the sustainable utilization of resources. Nonetheless, their role is neglected when their multiple societal, economic, and environmental contributions are not properly acknowledged and interest is focused only on productivity issues. This paper explores the role of local breeds in local development as an efficient and effective strategy to ensure their long-term sustainability. The paper focuses on the reasons behind the underestimation of the values with which local breeds are endowed and discusses how economic development, policies, and market competition have rendered many of these breeds in danger of extinction. The chapter proposes an integrated development framework combining the notion of territorial development and social innovation and focusing on multifunctionality considerations and resilience and vulnerability aspects. Based on these, the potential role of ICT, new technologies, and innovations is assessed.