A recent article in CNN reports that “dietary additives are showing great signs in reducing methane from cows.” Much has been made of the problem of livestock emissions of methane — a far more potent greenhouse gas than CO2 — but a solution might be just around the corner. Room here for both of us? … Continue reading
Author Archives: ILRI Communications
Africa / Biotechnology / Kenya
Kenyan scientists to support sub-Saharan African farmers
A group of veteran and upcoming women scientists in Kenya under AWARD (African Women in Agricultural Research and Department) programme have urged African leaders and US policy makers to put women at the centre of efforts to address hunger and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. During the recent visit by US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton … Continue reading
Asia / Climate Change / Dairying / Drought / India / Markets / South Asia
Drought-like conditions may lead to higher milk production in state
There is a possibility that drought-like conditions will help dairy sector in Gujarat to register higher production of milk, revealed a recent study conducted by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Read more … (Indian Express) Continue reading
Roche and Google.org start initiative for early discovery of new diseases
Roche and Google.org recently started a joint project to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a multidisciplinary surveillance, research and response system. This system will enhance the ability to predict and prevent emerging infectious diseases in East Africa. Roche has donated a Genome Sequencer FLX system as backbone of this project.“We are proud to work with … Continue reading
Money will not end Africa’s famine
There was a time in Africa when elders would “talk” to the drought and negotiate their way into receiving rainfall. With their unique understanding of causation, elders would either sacrifice a black sheep or ask a virgin girl to bathe in a lake in order to draw the attention of the rain gods. Would that … Continue reading
Farewell to Dr Norman Borlaug
With enormous sadness, the CIMMYT community and its many valued partners and supporters gather in spirit to mourn the passing of Dr. Norman Borlaug, father of the Green Revolution, 1970 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, former CIMMYT wheat scientist, and the man whose work saved millions from starvation. Borlaug led a group of foreign scientists who … Continue reading
Africa / Drought / Environment / Kenya
Lush land dries up, withering Kenya’s hopes
The sun somehow feels closer here, more intense, more personal. As Philip Lolua waits under a tree for a scoop of food, heat waves dance up from the desert floor, blurring the dead animal carcasses sprawled in front of him. A Devastating Drought Sweeps Across Kenya Children waited in Lokori for aid last month. Communities … Continue reading
Africa / Directorate / ILRI
The role of livestock for ACP countries: Challenges and opportunities ahead
On 1st July 2009, the 12th Brussels Briefing dealt with “The Role of Livestock for ACP countries: challenges and opportunities ahead”. The website has a report of the discussions, a reader, and more… ILRI Director General Carlos Seré was among the panelists: Continue reading
Africa / Climate Change / Drought / East Africa / Tanzania
Government to buy cattle in drought-hit districts (Tanzania)
The Government will buy cattle from herders who are struggling to keep the animals alive in drought-hit areas, according to a senior Livestock Development and Fisheries ministry official. Read more … (The Citizen) Continue reading
Deforestation ‘faster in Africa’
Africa’s forests are disappearing faster than those in other parts of the world because of a lack of land ownership, a report says. Less than 2% of Africa’s forests are under community control, compared to a third in Latin America and Asia, say the Rights and Resources Initiative. The deforestation rate in Africa is four … Continue reading
ILRI Clippings 