With infectious diseases widely regarded as the major constraint to agricultural and animal development as well as human health and well-being in sub-Saharan Africa, scientists have realized the need for common strategy towards managing diseases in Africa. For the first time, experts in the three sectors; humans, animals and plants met in Kampala to plan … Continue reading
Author Archives: Peter Ballantyne (ILRI)
Livestock and global climate change
In May 2008, the British Society of Animal Science, INRA (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique), the European Association for Animal Production, ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas) and many other partners and sponsors, organised a conference on Livestock and Global Climate Change, held at Hammamet, Tunisia in May 2008. The … Continue reading
The effect of climate change on the occurrence and prevalence of livestock diseases in Great Britain
There is strong evidence to suggest that climate change has, and will continue to affect the occurrence, distribution and prevalence of livestock diseases in Great Britain (GB). This paper reviews how climate change could affect livestock diseases in GB. Factors influenced by climate change and that could affect livestock diseases include the molecular biology of … Continue reading
Asia / Biodiversity / NRM / South Asia / Wildlife / WLE
Conservation and governance
For many developing countries, natural resource management is still the single most important aspect of the lives, livelihoods, and survival of rural communities. Poor and marginalized people are usually directly dependent upon environmental services. Forests provide firewood, building materials, and a host of foods and medicines. Functional grasslands provide grazing for livestock. Streams and rivers … Continue reading
Environment / ILRI / Livestock
New report reveals the environmental and social impact of the ‘livestock revolution’
A new report by an international research team explores the impact of the global livestock industry on the environment, the economy and human health. “The livestock industry is massive and growing,” said Harold A. Mooney, co-editor of the two-volume report, Livestock in a Changing Landscape (Island Press). Mooney is a professor of biology and senior … Continue reading
Sustaining global surveillance and response to emerging zoonotic diseases
In Late 2009, the US National Academies launched a report calling for “a comprehensive, globally coordinated system to identify novel zoonotic disease threats as early as possible wherever they arise so appropriate measures can be taken to prevent significant numbers of human illnesses and deaths, and livestock losses.” The report argues that “zoonotic diseases are … Continue reading
How food and water are driving a 21st-century African land grab
An Observer investigation reveals how rich countries faced by a global food shortage now farm an area double the size of the UK to guarantee supplies for their citizens. Read more … (The Guardian) Continue reading
Guinea pigs to help ease DRC food crisis – scientists
Scientists are examining how to increase guinea pig production to boost food security in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where inhabitants keep the rodents as “micro-livestock”. The researchers were originally puzzled to find guinea pigs in the DRC at all. Read more … (afrol news) CIAT Blog Continue reading
Africa / Animal Health / East Africa / Livestock / Uganda
Uganda: Transfer of vets to NAADS irks association
THE Uganda Veterinary Association has criticised the Government’s decision to transfer agricultural extension staff at sub-counties to the National Agriculture Advisory Services programme. Read more … (New Vision) Continue reading
Animal husbandry in Africa: Climate change impacts and adaptations
A recent paper in the African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics uses a cross-sectional approach to analyze the impacts of climate change on animal husbandry and the way farmers adapt. The study is based on surveys of almost 5000 livestock farmers across ten countries in Africa. Using the Ricardian results and examining climate scenarios … Continue reading
ILRI Clippings 