Successful strategic breeding plan for small ruminants in Middle East: Case of Awassi sheep and Shami goat of Jordan

Small ruminants, particularly sheep and goats, are integral to the agricultural and socio-economic landscapes of the Middle East. Strategic breeding plans have emerged as crucial tools to enhance productivity, resilience, and profitability of small ruminant systems in arid and semi-arid regions. This article outlines the successes achieved through these breeding strategies, focusing on genetic improvement, adaptation to harsh environments, and sustainability in Jordan. Case studies and empirical findings highlight progress in genetic resource management, breeding program implementation, and capacity building. Jordan’s small ruminant sector—dominated by Awassi sheep and Baladi (Local) and Shami (Damascus) goats—is vital to rural livelihoods, food security, and cultural heritage. The outcomes showed breed diversity, genetic structure, and improvement strategies, highlighting challenges and proposing a strategic roadmap encompassing conservation, genomic tools, community-based breeding programs (CBBPs), and institutional coordination. Jordan’s small ruminant sector offers immense genetic potential but requires formalization and integration of advanced breeding approaches. It is recommended that strategic plan combining breed conservation, genomic-enabled selection, CBBPs, smart and reproductive technologies, institutional frameworks, and capacity building to drive sustainable improvements in productivity, resilience, and livelihood of farmers.