Seven years ago, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) developed a decision-making tool known as the Feed Assessment Tool (FEAST) which was funded through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Fodder Adoption Project. Continue reading
Author Archives: Ekta Patel
A few engineering breakthroughs that could (literally) transform Africa’s dairy systems and food security
This article has been written by Steve Kemp In the next 30 years, the world population is expected to reach 10 billion. A big question is if we can feed this many people sustainably. A short answer, if one involving much uncertainty, is, Yes, we can. It is commonly understood that agricultural scientists will continue … Continue reading
Scientists test an experimental vaccine against malignant catarrhal fever at ILRI’s Kapiti Research Station
Scientists from ILRI, UK, US, Australia and Tanzania have been working together since 2016 to test an experimental vaccine for malignant catarrhal fever (MCF). They tested an attenuated vaccine strain of MCF (AlHV-1 C500) at ILRI’s Kapiti Research Station. Continue reading
Buffelgrass: a drought-tolerant bunchgrass
Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) is a bunchgrass that grows in clumps, it can transform deserts into grasslands. It is one of the most popular forage species and is extensively grown across arid and semi-arid parts of the world as it uses less water to produce more feed allowing sustainable agricultural production. Originating in Africa, … Continue reading
ILRI and India’s National Institute of Animal Biotechnology to identify potential areas of research collaborations in livestock genetics and animal health
ILRI and India’s National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) have formalized a partnership to work together in livestock genetics and animal health research programs for human and livestock development in India. Continue reading
Five years of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health: celebrating achievements and renewing commitments
As the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) approached its five-year milestone, the principals of the founding partner organizations met at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) to discuss the progress made so far and plan for the centre’s future. CTLGH’s vision is to ‘support more resilient, sustainable and profitable tropical … Continue reading
Boosting Uganda’s action plans on livestock development – BMZ-funded project to tackle animal health challenges
In early June this year, policymakers, researchers, government and private sector representatives from Kenya, Germany and Uganda met in Kampala to launch the BuildUganda project. Funded by the German government, BuildUganda is a research for development collaboration to prevent and tackle animal diseases and zoonoses in Uganda. Its focus on ‘healthy animals for healthy food and healthy people’ reflects the importance of livestock in the lives and livelihoods of Uganda’s population. Continue reading
Epidemiology and control of peste des petits ruminants in East and West Africa
To launch research activities in support of controlling peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in West Africa, a workshop held last month in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, outlined a roadmap for the implementation of the project at national and regional levels covering the livestock movement corridors between Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal. There are approximately 160 million … Continue reading
Minimizing the risks of Rift Valley fever in Uganda – BuildUganda project to build national surveillance and response capacities
In early June this year, the BuildUganda research for development project was launched at a workshop with stakeholders. One of the four components of the project is focused on controlling Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Uganda. This component specifically aims to minimize the impacts of RVF by improving capacities for surveillance and response at national and community levels, leading to better risk prediction, evidence-based disease control policies, and improved awareness about the disease. Continue reading
Sam Thevasagayam of the Gates Foundation receives the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ 2019 International Award
Sri Lankan-born global animal health professional Sam Thevasagayam today received a top award from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the 175-year-old regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the United Kingdom responsible for upholding the educational, ethical and clinical standards of the veterinary profession. Continue reading