On January 13, 2009, Tyson—one of the world’s largest processors of chicken, beef, and pork—and the fuel company Syntroleum broke ground in Geismar, Louisiana, on a “renewable” diesel plant. The fuel will be produced in part with Tyson factory farm byproducts, including animal fat and poultry litter. (“Litter” is the euphemistic term for poultry poop … Continue reading
Category Archives: Environment
Africa / Agriculture / Asia / Environment / Food Security / Latin America / NRM / WLE
New study says Green Revolution reduced hunger–and carbon emissions
‘The Green Revolution of the 1960s raised crop yields and cut hunger – and also saved decades worth of greenhouse gas emissions, a study concludes. ‘US researchers found cumulative global emissions since 1850 would have been one third as much again without the Green Revolution’s higher yields. ‘Although modern farming uses more energy and chemicals, … Continue reading
Agriculture / Animal Diseases / Climate Change / Disease Control / East Africa / Environment / Kenya
SEI Africa takes part in three million Euro EU project in eastern Africa
“The project will focus on building a disease risk mapping system for three water-related high-impact vector-borne diseases (malaria, Rift Valley fever and schistosomiasis) in Africa, accounting for environmental/climatic trends to predict future risk.” The newly established SEI Africa Centre has been successful in taking part in a bid led by Trinity College Dublin for a … Continue reading
Africa / Drought / East Africa / Environment / Kenya / Livestock Systems / Pastoralism
Maasai pastoralists adopt new habits to cope with climate change
As they recover from the worst drought in many years, Maasai pastoralists in Kenya’s south Rift Valley are adopting new habits to help them overcome future disasters. As the recent drought tested the coping ability of Maasai communities, the leaders of “group ranches” – large communal grazing areas, each with their own government-appointed chief – … Continue reading
East Africa to take part in 10-year research on boosting food security
East Africa has been earmarked for a global research programme that seeks to strike a balance between food production and environment conservation. Faced with the new threat of climate change, the Consultative Group on International and Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and the Earth System Science Partnership (ESSP) will spearhead the 10-year challenge programme on Climate Change, … Continue reading
Experts gather in Nairobi to plan campaign on climate threat to global hunger and poverty
Leading agriculture and climate scientists, policymakers, farmers, and development experts from around the world will gather in Nairobi on May 4 to focus on the threat of climate change to the global food supply. If not dealt with, climate change could imperil efforts to reduce poverty and hunger and threaten the stability of entire nations … Continue reading
Insurance, grasslands: What could they have in common?
Insurance is about protection against loss — and so, in many ways, is conservation. The similarities between these two industries mean both could gain from a closer relationship. The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) recently announced the trial of an innovative insurance scheme for traditional herders in northern Kenya. But it has been almost impossible … Continue reading
New program aims to mitigate climate threats to food security
A new multimillion dollar research program by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research aims to alleviate climate-related threats to the food security, livelihoods and environment of people living in the developing world. One of the key intellectual forces behind this initiative has been the International Research Institute for Climate and Society’s Jim Hansen. He’ll … 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
Review of evidence on drylands pastoral systems and climate change
In light of global concerns over the impacts of climate change and climate variability, this FAO document provides an overview of opportunities for adaptation and mitigation in dryland pastoral and agropastoral systems. It makes a case for a concerted global effort to promote mitigation practices that also have benefits for adaptation and livelihoods of pastoralists … Continue reading
ILRI Clippings 