They may look innocent, but Australia’s cows and sheep are together one of the largest contributors to our country’s overall carbon emissions. Australian scientists and farmers are currently collaborating in the hope of implementing strategies that will make the livestock industry more sustainable. With the support of a $26.8 million dollar research grant from the … Continue reading
Author Archives: Peter Ballantyne (ILRI)
Beef CRC calls for Copenhagen cattle
As the world awaits the outcome of the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, the Australian beef industry is researching new ways to reduce methane emissions in cattle by 50 per cent by 2030. Read more … (Beef CRC, Australia) Continue reading
Sharing Indian experiences and knowledge on the availability and requirement of fodder, feed and grazing areas
The Rainfed Livestock Network (RLN) together with the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) organised a workshop entitled, “Fodder, feed and grazing issues of Livestock Keepers with specific reference to CPRs”, from 8-9th October 2009 at New Delhi. The focus of the workshop was on synthesizing lessons from the case studies/programmes undertaken by different organizations across … Continue reading
Animal Breeding / Asia / Buffalo / India / Livestock / South Asia
NDRI produce the world’s first and second cloned buffalo calves
In June 2009, scientists of National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal have developed the landmark technique i.e. “Handguided Cloning Technique” and have produced the world’s first and second cloned buffalo calves. This technique is simpler and is an advanced modification of the “Conventional Cloning Technique” which was used for the production of the cloned sheep “Dolly”. … Continue reading
Decisions or development? Days in the lives of Kenyan pastoralists
Communities in transition throughout Africa are at a critical crossroads. Rapid technological change, rising population, and growing urbanization, along with the impact of climate change on the continent, present a number of challenges to communities. And unfortunately the development groups, aid agencies, and local governments do not make this easy. Spend a week in a … Continue reading
Africa / Biodiversity / East Africa / Ethiopia / GIS / Knowledge and Information / Livestock / Pastoralism
Pastoralists use maps and satellite images to depict land use in Ethiopia
A team of researchers combine maps, satellite images and participatory mapping techniques to develop an accurate picture of land use among pastoralists in southern Ethiopia. Read more … (ICT Update) Continue reading
Africa / Biodiversity / GIS / Knowledge and Information / Livestock / Pastoralism / Southern Africa / Tanzania / Wildlife
GIS helps preserve livelihoods and conserve wildlife in Tanzania
Faced with difficult choices, a Maasai community in Tanzania was able to get an accurate picture of their land resources with the help of conservationists and GPS receivers. Read more … (ICT Update) Continue reading
Innovation systems help put technologies into farmer context
Speaking at the December 2009 CGIAR System-wide Livestock Programme meeting in Addis Ababa, Andre Van Rooyen (ICRISAT) explained the ‘innovation platform’ approach they use to engage with smallholder farmers in Southern Africa. “Our hypothesis is that farmers will only invest in improved technologies when they are part of an effective marketing system.” ‘Innovation platforms allow … Continue reading
Africa / Animal Diseases / Animal Health / East Africa / Knowledge and Information / Livestock / Uganda
Animal health: Building on local knowledge
Raising livestock in remote, environmentally harsh areas such as Karamoja in northern Uganda is difficult, not least because there are few animal health services. Recently, however, several NGOs have begun helping communities identify and treat livestock diseases. Pius Sawa speaks to some of those involved. Read (and listen) … (AGFAX) Continue reading
From pasture to plate: The beef journey
Currently, 90 per cent of meat eaten in East Africa comes from pastoralists, who move with their flocks and herds in search of grazing and water. Pius Sawa discovers just how the meat gets from those pastures to his plate. It’s an amazing journey. Read (and listen) … (AGFAX) Continue reading
ILRI Clippings 