The small-scale rabbit production model: Intermediate factors

The rabbit "industry" largely consists of limited-resource farmers who maintain small-scale operations to produce more meat. The Small-Scale Rabbit Production Model (SSRPM) consists of the three-tiered spheres of internal, intermediate, and external factors used as a planning tool to impact limited-resource farmer beneficiaries, predominately from lesser developed countries. The project planner/manager considers the fine detail and dynamics between and within factors. The SSRPM is flexible and can be customised to local conditions. This further develops and expands SSRPM intermediate factors that involve project development dimension (feasibility, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation).

A rabbit development programme is based on a well-defined goal and supporting objectives. Project feasibility determines whether or not the rabbit project should be started. If the decision is made to initiate the project, then a project design or blueprint needs to be developed. Afterwards, the project is ready to be implemented, which oftentimes begins with the selection of farmers for rabbit training. Once farmers engage in production, they will need to be carefully monitored to ensure that the programme objectives are being met. Lastly, once formally terminated (i.e., funding support is ceased), the project should be evaluated, which results in a report that reflects the lessons learned.

Adoption of the SSRPM can serve as a guide to the project planner and (or) manager to help ensure ultimate programme success.