New research initiative to boost the health and productivity of farmed animals in Africa
Africa / Animal Diseases / Dairying / Data / Ethiopia / Niger / Tanzania

New research initiative to boost the health and productivity of farmed animals in Africa

The Supporting Evidence Based Interventions initiative (SEBI) has received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The scheme aims to boost the livelihoods of livestock farmers by delivering evidence-based technologies that offer sustainable solutions to the challenges they face. Continue reading

On the heels of the 2011 eradication of cattle plague (rinderpest) is a new ‘frieze-dried’ vaccine that could eradicate goat plague—The Economist reports from ILRI
Advocacy / Africa / AHH / Animal Diseases / Animal Health / Asia / Disease Control / Goats / ILRI / Kenya / News clipping / PPR / Pro-Poor Livestock / Sheep / Vaccines

On the heels of the 2011 eradication of cattle plague (rinderpest) is a new ‘frieze-dried’ vaccine that could eradicate goat plague—The Economist reports from ILRI

On the heels of the 2011 eradication of cattle plague (rinderpest) is a new ‘frieze-dried’ vaccine that could eradicate goat plague—The Economist reports from ILRI Continue reading

Index-based livestock insurance offers protection against lack of rainfall in Ethiopia’s southern Borena zone
Drought / Drylands / East Africa / Ethiopia / Food Security / ILRI / Insurance / LIVESTOCKCRP / News clipping / Pastoralism / Pro-Poor Livestock / Rangelands / Resilience / SLS / Vulnerability

Index-based livestock insurance offers protection against lack of rainfall in Ethiopia’s southern Borena zone

Initially intended only as insurance against the death of livestock, the insurance scheme has evolved into a product to help pastoralists keep their animals alive, according to Masresha Taye, who coordinates the programme in Ethiopia for the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). Continue reading

Innovative cassava peels processing factories launched in Nigeria
Crop residues / Feeds / FFD / HUMIDTROPICS / Livestock / LIVESTOCKCRP / Nigeria / Research / RTB

Innovative cassava peels processing factories launched in Nigeria

New factories that will transform cassava peels into high-quality feed for livestock have been launched in Nigeria. A prototype cassava peel processing plant was launched in in Ojakpata community of Kogi State in March 2017. A month later (April 2017) a similar factory was launched in Benue State. Continue reading

A better backyard chicken for Africa could help save the continent’s diminishing wildlife populations
ACGG / Africa / Animal Breeding / Animal Health / Animal Production / Asia / Breeds / Chickens / Disease Control / Ethiopia / Food Security / ILRI / India / News clipping / Nutrition / Pro-Poor Livestock / Vaccines / Wildlife / Women

A better backyard chicken for Africa could help save the continent’s diminishing wildlife populations

The idea that the humble chicken could become a savior of wildlife will seem improbable to many environmentalists. But as the human population grows at a rate that rapidly outpaces the ability of natural habitats to feed it, a better backyard chicken could be a real hope for people and wildlife alike. Continue reading

Recent drought-induced livestock losses in East Africa mask deeper problem of animal feed scarcities
Animal Feeding / Brazil / Cattle / Dairying / East Africa / Feeds / Fodder / Forages / Kenya / LIVESTOCKCRP / LIVESTOCKFISH / Opinion piece / Pro-Poor Livestock / Seeds / Southern Africa / Thailand / Zambia

Recent drought-induced livestock losses in East Africa mask deeper problem of animal feed scarcities

The following excerpts are taken from an opinion piece on Brachiaria grass for livestock feed published by An Notenbaert, tropical forages coordinator for Africa at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), and published by Business Daily (Kenya) and the CIAT Blog. Continue reading

Delivering smart climate change adaptation and mitigation options for East African agriculture
CCAFS / CGIAR / Climate Change / East Africa / Event report / ILRI / Insurance / Kenya / Mazingira / Pastoralism / Policy / SLS / Women

Delivering smart climate change adaptation and mitigation options for East African agriculture

On 30 May 2017, the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) held a science seminar at ILRI’s campus in Nairobi on delivering climate change options for the region. Participants shared knowledge and discussed best practices—and persistent gaps—in climate change adaptation and mitigation options for East Africa’s millions of small-scale food producers. Continue reading

Livestock-based solutions for sustainable development in Africa
Animal Feeding / Animal Health / Animal Production / Animal Products / Directorate / Environment / Ethiopia / Event report / Food Security / ILRI / ILRIComms / News clipping / Nutrition / Policy / Poverty / Pro-Poor Livestock

Livestock-based solutions for sustainable development in Africa

In 2016, the United Nations issued a report highlighting the centrality of the livestock sector to the food sector and the promotion of sustainable development. Driven by population and economic growth, particularly in Africa, demand for livestock products is expected to increase by about 70% in the coming 30 years. No longer constrained by weak domestic demand on the continent, the sector in Africa today still faces many challenges which require long-term planning, coordination and investment. The development and implementation of roadmaps for livestock sector in Africa have the capacity to drive sustained economic growth, inclusive social and human development, and an efficient use of natural resources. Continue reading