At an experimental government farm in the western Amazon’s Rondonia state, researchers analyze grass seeds under microscopes, shake soil samples in test tubes, and measure the milk production of a new breed of cows. While high-profile police raids targeting illegal ranchers and loggers in the Amazon grab more headlines, these scientists may produce a more … Continue reading
Author Archives: ILRI Communications
New initiative to prevent ‘next global pandemic’: DFID targets hotspots for spread of animal-to-human diseases
On 11 December, the Department for International Development (DFID) brought together vets, virologists, academics and other experts in animal-to-human diseases in order to identify hotspots where the next global pandemic is most likely to come from and how best to prevent it emerging or spreading. Read more … (DFID) Continue reading
Rough draft: The effects of animal agriculture on climate change
With the polar ice caps melting and the polar bears facing extinction, the world is forced to evaluate the state of its environment. Climate change caused by global warming is an issue that demands attention and immediate care. Measures are being taken to reduce green house gases (i.e. recycling, driving hybrid cars, other energy sources) … Continue reading
Livestock lead to better health in developing nations, rising consumption poses challenge
In the face of reports about the ills livestock generate for the climate, environment and health, a new study published in the December issue of the journal Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability emphasizes that livestock production in developing and developed countries are very different animals. While rising consumption of meat, milk and eggs is one … Continue reading
Livestock in developing and developed countries are very different animals, says ILRI scientist
Philip Thornton, Senior Scientist at the International Livestock Research Institute comments on the links between livestock and climate change: Continue reading
Africa / CGIAR / Climate Change / East Africa / Environment / Food Security / ILRI / Livestock / Research
Climate, food and developing country livestock farmers
Livestock researchers believe that rather than rid the world of livestock it’s preferable to find ways to farm animals more efficiently, profitably and sustainably, according to a new short film (see link below) prepared by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) on livestock and climate change. Watch video. . . (Climate, Food and Developing Country … Continue reading
African Science, Technology and Innovation Endowment Fund to be launched
One of the main recommendations of the Science with Africa conference was to seek way of establishing a fund to promote science, technology and innovation. In order to meet this recommendation, the UNECA is launching the African Science, Technology and Innovation Endowment Fund (ASTIEF). The Fund is designed to stimulate research commercialization in public-private partnership … Continue reading
Farmers face growing climate change dilemma: Scientist
Farmers of the future will have to use cattle and sheep that belch less methane, crops that emit far less planet-warming nitrous oxide and become experts in reporting their greenhouse gas emissions to the government. Green Business Agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gases and globally that share will rise as demand for food … Continue reading
Innovation capacity and the elusive livestock revolution
In the October 2009 issue of LINK LOOK, Jeroen Dijkman looks at the track record of 10 years of ‘revolution’ in the livestock sector. Experience seems to suggest that only few countries have managed to use these sector dynamics effectively for poverty reduction and economic growth. Not surprisingly, those who have been able to respond … Continue reading
Climate-conscious ranching: Is free-range really better than feedlots?
The issue of the livestock-climate connection has catalyzed a debate not only about whether and to what extent we should consume animal protein like meat and dairy, but what kind of system of livestock production is more sustainable from a greenhouse gas perspective if and when we do choose to continue consuming it. For the … Continue reading
ILRI Clippings 