Balancing research and development: Livestock and fish research and value chain insights from Tropentag workshop

On 19 September 2016, the CGIAR Livestock and Fish Research Program hosted a side workshop at the 2016 Tropentag conference. It brought together partners from across the Program to examine the approach it uses to accelerate agricultural research for development. This post reports on some of the discussions that took place. The session began with an introduction to the Program by Tom Randolph. Then, participants formed groups and interrogated scientists from across the Program. The session ended with a plenary synthesis on what these experiences mean for future research of this type. Continue reading →

WorldFish breeding program produces 15th generation of improved GIFT tilapia

At WorldFish, the long-running selective breeding program for the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strain is fundamental to it efforts to improve livelihoods and food security in Asia, the Pacific and Africa by improving aquaculture and fisheries. In 2016, WorldFish continued this vital GIFT breeding work, funded by the European Union, highlighted by the development of the 15^th generation of GIFT and the first-ever distribution of GIFT fry to Myanmar.
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Setting up a Near Infrared Spectroscopy platform for feed analysis in Ethiopia

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the Agriculture Quality Research Laboratory of the Ethiopian Institute for Agriculture Research (EIAR) recently jointly conducted a training workshop on stationary and mobile Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) use and application in Addis Ababa. Continue reading →

Improved forages can boost milk production in East Africa

New varieties of high-quality, drought-resistant forage grasses could boost milk production by 40 percent and generate millions of dollars in economic benefits for struggling East African dairy farmers, according to a new analysis by experts at CIAT. Continue reading →

Advancing the gender agenda in small ruminant value chains in Ethiopia

A recent gender capacity assessment study by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) revealed that low or lack of gender capacities among research and development practitioners is one of the bottlenecks in the development of gendered livestock value chains in Ethiopia. Continue reading →

Community gender profiles help target small ruminant value chain interventions in Ethiopia

This brief on community gender profiles across livestock production systems in Ethiopia found that differences in gender roles in livestock production are not only observed across regions, but also across farming systems. Men undertake a few tasks, while women engage in multiple activities, illustrating the complexity of their roles. Women are primarily responsible for dairy-related and small ruminant management activities across sites, particularly in the drier areas. Perceptions of gender in terms access to and control over resources were also found to vary from location to location, even among individuals of the same sex. Continue reading →

MoreMilkiT producer groups review shows steady progress towards sustainability in Tanzania

The MoreMilkiT project recently reviewed the sustainability of 30 dairy producer groups working with the project in Morogoro and Tanga to gauge their level of sustainability and existing gaps. Continue reading →

Gender integration in livestock and fish research

Between 2012 and 2016, the Livestock and Fish program’s Gender Initiative supported an integrated approach to gender in its technical research.

Today in Cali, Colombia, the CGIAR Gender and Agriculture Research Network Annual Meeting launches a book about these experiences, showing that attention to gender equality and an understanding of gender dynamics leads to better science, more effective interventions and more inclusive development. Continue reading →

Livestock and Fish Genetics flagship synthesises key lessons for next phase

A synthesis workshop on animal genetics led to the writing of six ‘research briefs’ summarising key lessons learnt from the past five years in the CGIAR research program (CRP) on Livestock and Fish. Continue reading →

Feeding innovation – lessons from India and Tanzania

Watch three animated videos explaining key messages from the milkIT (enhancing dairy-based livelihoods in India and Tanzania through feed innovation) project. Continue reading →