This paper reviews the successful N'Dama cattle genetic improvement programme implemented in a low input production system at the International Trypanotolerance Centre (ITC) in 1994, in The Gambia. The first part of the paper presents the genetic improvement programme. The second part deals with the analysis of the genetic improvement programme. The success of the genetic improvement programme expressed through genetic progress and the benefits for the farmers is encouraging. Recommendations to strengthen the implementation process in the field are made.