Long feared, it’s now finally happened. African swine fever (ASF), an infectious and highly lethal viral disease of pigs, has for the first time reared its head in China. Just two weeks ago, African swine fever was confirmed as the cause of death of pigs on a small farm in Shenyang City, in Liaoning Province, located in the northeast, bordering North Korea and the Yellow Sea. Continue reading
Category Archives: Countries
Aspen New Voices Fellows Andrew Mude and Jemimah Njuki tell of the moments their ag careers ‘took off’
For your viewing and listening pleasure, here are two short video ‘stories’ by two great agricultural-research-for-development storytellers. Continue reading
The Tanzanian livestock master plan: A conversation with Barry Shapiro
Using what’s called the Livestock Sector Investment Policy Toolkit (LSIPT), we develop a dynamic herd model and an economic sector model on top of that. And we use that to do an analysis of the current situation of the livestock sector and its potential for further development, modernization, transformation, and so on, over 15 years. Continue reading
In Tanzania, a better cow is the way to a better future
Farmers who participate in the breeding programs and collect routine data on their cows’ health, growth and productivity receive personalized coaching and advice from livestock outreach specialists via routine visits and SMS messages on their phones. Continue reading
When ‘Do no harm’ is harder than ‘doing good’
Agricultural researchers working to enhance traditional pasture conservation by Tanzania’s pastoral Maasai communities are systematically addressing gendered norms and roles to ensure that they don’t end up hurting more than helping these communities. Continue reading
Partnerships to increase pig production in Uganda
Driven by rising incomes, demand for animal-source foods in Africa and Asia is expected to increase up to 200% by 2030. Efficient crop and livestock production and natural resource use will drive employment, environmental, nutrition and income gains in a subsector likely to be dominated by smallholders. Continue reading
Science helps tailor livestock-related climate change mitigation strategies in Africa
The implementation of effective mitigation strategies relies on accurate GHG emission data. But what if the underlying assumptions upon which these GHG emission estimates are based are inaccurate? Continue reading
Improved technologies bolster food production efficiency and incomes in rural Zimbabwe
With growing food demand, the adoption of crop and livestock technologies and more efficient markets offer opportunities to enhance agricultural production, food security and resilience in rural Zimbabwe. Continue reading
Research spurs increases in milk production, productivity and sale in Ethiopia
With incomes rapidly rising in Ethiopia, increasing milk yields and the sale of dairy products hold huge potential for the rural population whose livelihoods largely depend on livestock farming. Continue reading
Minister headlines Arusha livestock fair
The minister’s speech extolled the benefits of a sustainable livestock sector and affirmed the government’s commitment to raising the profile of animal-sourced foods Continue reading