In the face of reports about the ills livestock generate for the climate, environment and health, a new study published in the December issue of the journal Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability emphasizes that livestock production in developing and developed countries are very different animals. While rising consumption of meat, milk and eggs is one … Continue reading
Category Archives: ILRI
Livestock in developing and developed countries are very different animals, says ILRI scientist
Philip Thornton, Senior Scientist at the International Livestock Research Institute comments on the links between livestock and climate change: Continue reading
Africa / CGIAR / Climate Change / East Africa / Environment / Food Security / ILRI / Livestock / Research
Climate, food and developing country livestock farmers
Livestock researchers believe that rather than rid the world of livestock it’s preferable to find ways to farm animals more efficiently, profitably and sustainably, according to a new short film (see link below) prepared by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) on livestock and climate change. Watch video. . . (Climate, Food and Developing Country … 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
International centers and donors warily eye sweeping changes
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is facing what could be the biggest shakeup in its 38-year history as members meeting in Washington, D.C., on 7 and 8 December vote on far-reaching reforms. The delegates—representing donors, countries, international foundations, and development organizations—will likely vote to convert CGIAR from a voluntary association into a … Continue reading
Satellite insurance to pay farmers if land turns brown
Insurers will use satellite images of vegetation to assess Kenyan farmers’ claims for cattle deaths during drought. In a pilot project due to start in early 2010, the Kenya-based International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) will analyse freely-available satellite data to observe changes in vegetation in northern Kenya. The technology works by detecting changes in light … Continue reading
Africa / Animal Health / ILRI / Livestock / Research / Southern Africa
Livestock, just what the vet ordered
Harare — GLOBALLY, livestock farming is fast becoming agriculture’s most economically important sub-sector with demand for animal products projected to double over the next 20 years, especially in the developing countries, findings by the International Livestock Research Institute have indicated. It is against this backdrop that developing economies need to direct their focus on research … Continue reading
Africa / Animal Diseases / Animal Health / Cattle / East Africa / ECF / ILRI / Livestock / Tanzania / Vaccines
Group works to expand supply of cattle vaccine in Africa
Each year a million cows in Africa die from East Coast fever. The disease is spread by tick bites. Young cows are most at risk; they can die within days. Farmers and herders can lose up to half or more of their calves to East Coast fever. The disease is widespread in eleven countries. And … Continue reading
Business hubs for dairy farmers
Selling milk from dairy cows and goats can be an excellent business for small-scale farmers. Recently, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has established a project in three East African countries, which aims to double the income of one million rural people, through small-scale dairying. Dr Amos Omore from the International Livestock Research Institute explains … Continue reading
ILRI Clippings 