CIRDES

In 1994 the Centre for Research on Animal Try panosomiasis, which was established in 1972, was renamed the International Centre for Research and Development of Livestock in the subhumid zone (CIRDES).

CIRDES, which has a regional mandate, has its headquarters in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Its principal objective is to promote a partnership approach, in association with farmers and strengthened by research, to controlling parasitic diseases of domestic animals and to improving animal production whilst ensuring that the environment is better protected.

It has three main areas of activity: research and development; training, and information.

With regard to research and development, CIRDES is involved in the following areas:

· study into the extent and impact of animal diseases
· research on the means of controlling diseases and their vectors so that proven techniques, which are less costly and less harmful to the environment, can be put at the disposal of agro-pastoral communities and the private sector
· study of agro-pastoral farming systems
· research on improved animal breeding.

The CIRDES training programme is aimed at middle and senior levels as well as agro-pastoralists. With the integration of the former Tsetse Control School (ELAT) into CIRDES training has become an important part of the Centre's operations for the benefit of the countries in the region. Many types of training are on offer, both general and specialized, for intermediate or senior level. Support is given to national courses; and practical, intensive short training courses are available for learning specific techniques. Trainees can also be accepted on a longer term basis, usually for preparation of theses.

With regard to information, CIRDES already operates as a centre for collecting and disseminating information within the region. Many technical information sheets and over 200 publications have been produced by the Centre between 1975 and 1992, and a list is available upon request. A report of scientific activities is published annually.

CIRDES receives financial support from the EU and Switzerland. It maintains active collaboration with FAO and many other research institutions and universities.

CIRDES,
01 BP 454,
Bobo-Dioulasso 01,
BURKINA FASO