The annual migration of over a million wildebeest across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara is often described as one of the greatest spectacles on earth. However, this natural wonder poses a real threat to the livelihood of local farmers whose cattle are essential to their economic and social welfare. Four hundred thousand wildebeest calves born … Continue reading
Category Archives: Livestock
“Passing gas” could sink the planet!
The policy debates surrounding global warming tend to focus on fossil fuels and carbon emissions. Solutions to climate change, correspondingly, centre on developing renewable energies and increasing efficiency in the transport and building sectors. Far less attention is garnered by the warming consequences of rearing and consuming livestock. In fact, the methane released when ruminants … Continue reading
Africa / Drought / East Africa / ILRI / Insurance / Kenya / Livelihoods / Livestock / Markets
Der Ziegen-Schutzbrief
Kleinbauern in Afrika können ihr Vieh neuerdings gegen Dürren versichern Der Marsabit-Distrikt in Kenia ist nicht unbedingt eine Touristengegend. Es gibt zwar um den verloschenen Vulkan gleichen Namens herum einen Nationalpark mit Löwen, Leoparden, Zebras und Elefanten. Aber das Tiefland am Ufer des Turkana-Sees und an der Grenze zu Äthiopien ist eintönig und flach, steinig … Continue reading
End of the road nears for pastoralists’ way of life
The government of Kenya and the donor community should act fast to preserve the way of life of nomadic people. The economic worth of nomadic people has long been underplayed, though the role they play in preserving fragile ecosystems is vital. That is the conclusion of a new book published by the Institute for Environment … Continue reading
Smallholder farmers hold the key to global food security
While a lot of money is being pumped into agriculture in a bid to boost production and alleviate hunger in the world, these efforts are unlikely to succeed without focusing on mixed smallholder farmers, a new study has warned. The study, which puts countries like Kenya––long criticised for neglecting the smallholders––on the spot, says smallholders … Continue reading
Animal Diseases / Disease Control / ECF / ILRI / Livestock / Vaccines
Fresh bid to tame leading livestock killer
Local and international scientists have started the search for an effective and cheaper vaccine to control the spread of East Coast Fever. “This is an important project for us,” Philip Toye, a vaccine developer from International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) said. “The information we expect to generate will greatly increase our understanding of the current … Continue reading
Updated OIE technical disease cards and summaries online
Collaboration among scientists from OIE Reference Laboratories around the world and other relevant experts has led to an updated compilation of 33 technical disease cards, including 32 OIE-listed priority diseases such as foot and mouth disease, highly pathogenic avian influenza, rift valley fever and bluetongue. To make the information contained in some of the cards … Continue reading
Food security under threat
A new science paper, published on Thursday, has warned that plans to fund programmes to boost small-scale agriculture in developing countries with billions of dollars are unlikely to succeed. This is due to increasing populations, changing environments and “intellectual commitment” to ubiquitous small-scale and mixed farmers who raise both crops and animals. “In most regions of … Continue reading
Scientists take on global livestock threat to reduce poverty and increase food security
UKP 13 million of new research is being launched today to tackle the significant and growing threat posed by livestock diseases to global food security and livelihoods in developing countries. More than 900 million people in the developing world live below the poverty line in rural areas. Just one animal can meet a whole family’s … Continue reading
Animal Diseases / Disease Control / Epidemiology / Europe / Livestock / UK
Governance of livestock diseases–interactions between epidemiology, politics, economics and law
Infectious disease of livestock remains an important problem, seriously damaging rural economies, producing social disruption and impairing public trust and confidence in government. It can result in animal suffering, and potentially affect the health of humans and wildlife. Livestock disease has generally been seen as a scientific, public health or epidemiological problem, and it has … Continue reading
ILRI Clippings 