Defining impact pathways for the Nicaragua dual-purpose cattle value chain

From 5 – 9 August, 2013 a 5-day workshop was held in Managua, Nicaragua to define value chain impact pathways and develop an initial framework for the program’s implementation strategy in the country. The workshop incorporated participants from a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives of smallholder farmer associations, national and international extension partners, national … Continue reading →

Developing a cassava-based livestock feed system in Africa

The government of Nigeria has initiated a ‘cassava transformation plan ‘to create a new generation of cassava farmers, oriented towards commercial production to generate a surplus dedicated to specific value-added chains. The overarching aim is to turn the cassava sector in Nigeria into a major player in local and international flour, starch, sweeteners, ethanol, and … Continue reading →

Adapting and adopting improved animal feeding systems in Southeast Asia

Until recently, livestock husbandry in  Vietnam’s Central Highlands was not very productive. Animals were intermittently sold to free-up cash to put towards weddings or large purchases, and the rest of the time they were left free to graze on native pasture and crop residues. To help revitalize these livestock systems, researchers at CIAT have been … Continue reading →

CIAT team keen to implement dual-purpose cattle value chain in Nicaragua

The Livestock and Fish program director, Tom Randolph recently visited Nicaragua and Colombia. In Colombia he met colleagues in the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), a partner centre for the program, which leads forages research within the program’s feeds platform as well as the dual-purpose cattle value chain activities in Nicaragua. In Nicaragua, Randolph … Continue reading →

Dairy Development Forum established to further more inclusive dairy development in Tanzania

Last month, the Tanzania Dairy Board (TDB), Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Heifer Project International (HPI), SNV – The Netherlands Development Organisation, Land O’Lakes, Inc., and the Tanzania Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development (MLDF) organized a national dairy stakeholders’ meeting to present the Dairy Development Forum (DDF). The DDF … Continue reading →

Austria funds Livestock and Fish project to increase the productivity of dual-purpose cattle in Nicaragua

In December 2012, the Austrian Development Agency approved a three-year research project from ILRI, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), CIAT and the National Agricultural University of Nicaragua (UNA) on ‘increasing the productivity of dual-purpose cattle in Nicaragua — More milk and meat through better breeds.’ This is a particularly strategic … Continue reading →

Uganda pigs value chain project maps outcomes, selects sites

From 11-13 October 2012, the Smallholder Pig Value Chains Development (SPVCD) in Uganda project held a workshop that brought together 45 participants at Ridar Hotel in Seeta (Mukono). The objectives of the workshop were: to develop an Outcome Mapping strategy for the project and to initiate the site selection process. Present at the workshop were … Continue reading →

CGIAR Research Program on Livestock and Fish participates in CIAT’s 45 Anniversary Celebrations

The Livestock and Fish CGIAR Research Program director, Tom Randolph, yesterday, 8 October 2012, attended the day-long 45th anniversary celebration in Nairobi for the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). The celebration was hosted by Ruben Echeverria, CIAT director general and Robin Buruchara, CIAT regional director. The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) director general, Jimmy … Continue reading →

CGIAR Livestock and Fish Program sets out 2012 plans for Vietnam

Early last week, the CGIAR Livestock and Fish Program convened an internal meeting to take stock of plans for the proposed work on smallholder pig value chains in Vietnam. Participants came from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). This was a first opportunity for the various participants … Continue reading →

Improving forage-based feeding systems in the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam development triangle

In 2011, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) agreed to fund a project on improvements to forage-based feeding systems in the border provinces of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam – an area referred to as the the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) development triangle. The project is implemented by CIAT with support from ILRI. It focuses on improving … Continue reading →