ILRI Blog Posts and News Updates

ILRI Blog Posts and News Updates https://www.ilri.org/ en Mon, 18 May 2026 07:31:29 +0300 Fri, 24 Apr 26 15:00:00 +0300 CapDev program builds skills to better position livestock development in African national priorities https://www.ilri.org/news/capdev-program-builds-skills-better-position-livestock-development-african-national-priorities Across sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture, including livestock keeping, supports a large share of livelihoods and remains the backbone of rural economies. Beyond providing meat, milk, and income, livestock systems support cultural identity, social stability, and the sustainable use of the continent’s vast rangelands. But these livestock systems are increasingly under pressure from climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and growing demand for food. At the same time, the livestock sector is often viewed as a major greenhouse gas emitter, while its potential contribution to climate adaptation, land restoration, and economic resilience remains under-recognized in policy and financial circles. A 2025 a continental policy and capacity stocktaking exercise by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) revealed significant gaps in the ability of Africa’s institutions and professionals to integrate climate-smart practices, biodiversity conservation, greenhouse gas monitoring, and climate finance into livestock development planning.&nbsp;To address this gap, the LiveSys project has developed a capacity development (CapDev) training program to equip African Union member states with skills to advance climate-resilient livestock development. It will do this by strengthening understanding and use of climate risk assessment, policy design, and evidence-based decision-making tools. The first module of the training was delivered in February 2026 at ILRI Campus Nairobi with a one-day field visit to Kapiti Research Station and Wildlife Conservancy by GIZ, ILRI, the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) — lead parters of LiveSys — the Kenya State Department for Livestock Development, and the African Group of Negotiators Expert Support&nbsp;(AGNES). The module covered the intersections between livestock systems, climate change and gender. It was attended by more than 38 policymakers, government officials, farmer organizations, and civil society actors from Kenya, Zambia and Nigeria.&nbsp; &nbsp; <img data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="311b7712-2caa-43cc-a89a-5fb154777109" height="915" src="https://www.ilri.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/2_IMG_1138_Benard%20Kimoro%20delivering%20a%20session%20on%20Measurement%2C%20Reporting%20and%20Verification-MRV%20in%20the%20Livestock%20Sector_0.png" width="1627"> Benard Kimoro, head of the Climate Change and Livestock Sustainability section, at the State Department for Livestock Development-Kenya, delivering a session on Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) in the Livestock Sector. Photo credit: GIZ Building practical skills for transformation <blockquote>“Improving livestock systems requires stronger institutions, better policies, and professionals who can connect climate, agriculture, finance, and social inclusion,” said Laura Cramer, ILRI Scientists.&nbsp; </blockquote> The CapDev program will address this need through a six-module course covering climate change and livestock systems, sustainable rangeland management, biodiversity conservation, the Rio Conventions, policy engagement, and the development of bankable projects. The curriculum examines the risks, constraints, practices and incorporate gender considerations that are needed for long-term sustainability of livestock development in Africa.&nbsp; The first module explored the links between climate change, the sustainable development goals, and livestock systems, as well as the multifunctional role of livestock, climate-resilient practices, gender and social inclusion, and monitoring and evaluation. Through expert-led sessions, case studies, and field-based learning, participants connected theory to practice. At the ILRI Kapiti Conservancy, they saw first-hand how climate, gender, and socio-economic factors interact in real livestock systems. The visit demonstrated the role of livestock as a key entry point for climate adaptation, land restoration, and biodiversity conservation. Integrating climate, gender, and evidence into livestock policy Otiteh Mercey, assistant director at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Nigeria, noted the practical value of the training, especially in providing knowledge on climate and livestock systems, as well as gender and social inclusion.&nbsp; <blockquote>“Providing this knowledge can significantly improve lives in Nigeria by&nbsp;increasing household income by 10–12%, enhancing food security, and boosting the climate resilience of smallholder farmers,” said Otiteh Mercey. </blockquote> Other participants expressed greater confidence in integrating these dimensions into program development, and institutional planning. They praised the communication and advocacy aspects of the training saying it would help them ensure the broader benefits of livestock systems are incorporated in development discussions in their countries. <blockquote>“I plan to apply these skills within my department to implement projects and potentially establish a new sub-unit focused on livestock and climate change,” noted Nkole Mampa, forage development and rangeland manager from the State Department of Livestock Development in Zambia.&nbsp; </blockquote> Hillary Chege, a livestock economist from the State Department of Livestock Development in Kenya said he would “include the climate concept in concept papers, project documents and in training at the county level.” Unlocking finance for livestock development The LiveSys CapDev program also explores ways of strengthening the design of credible, evidence-based investment proposals to attract funding for climate-resilient production, rangeland restoration, and sustainable value chains. It supports this through training in project design, monitoring, and evidence-based planning that will be integrated into climate considerations for institutional and national livestock structures. Looking ahead February training is the start of a broader learning journey for livestock sector stakeholders in Africa. LiveSys will deliver five additional training modules through 2026––2027, covering: 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;biodiversity/rangeland conservation in livestock landscapes; 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rio 3 and climate governance; 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;evidence-based policy development; 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;advocacy and communication; and 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;climate finance for the livestock sector. Participants who complete the full program will join a LiveSys alumni network—a peer learning community supported by ILRI, AU-IBAR, and GIZ technical advisors. The network will support continued learning, collaboration, and access to funding opportunities. Crucially, the program includes follow-up. LiveSys advisors will conduct remote coaching sessions with participants' home institutions to support the integration of training insights into policies, investment plans, and program designs. Course materials will also be made available in African countries free of charge. A model for long-term transformation LiveSys is a five-year initiative (2024–2028) funded by BMZ and implemented by GIZ in partnership with ILRI, AU-IBAR, CIAT, AGNES and other partners. It is designed to strengthen the capacity of key actors, including government officials from African Union member states, regional economic communities, livestock producer organizations, and national focal points for the Rio Conventions, to develop policies and financing mechanisms for climate-resilient, biodiversity-friendly, and gender-responsive livestock systems. This initiative reflects a broader understanding that transforming livestock systems requires more than technology. Lasting change requires capable institutions, informed policies, and professionals who can navigate climate science, agricultural practice, finance mechanisms, and social inclusion. By investing in the people shaping Africa's agricultural future, the CapDev program will unlock the livestock sector's potential as a climate solution while securing livelihoods for millions of rural families. The experience from the first module shows that combining practical learning, peer exchange, and real-world experience can build both the knowledge and the confidence needed to drive lasting change. &nbsp; Polycarp Onyango d827dc45-1493-404c-adfe-4c5c1e959716 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 RSS Feed Women working in Uganda’s pig sector: how challenging prejudices can unlock opportunities – research https://www.ilri.org/news/women-working-ugandas-pig-sector-how-challenging-prejudices-can-unlock-opportunities-research In some communities in Uganda, women aren’t supposed to work with pigs. This stems from restrictive social and gender norms, some of which are rooted in culture and religious beliefs. Until recently, eating pork was associated with drunkards because the meat was typically served alongside home-brewed alcohol in local bars. That’s changing, as “pork joints” become popular everyday eating places. What’s more, pigs are unfairly thought of as dirty and therefore some people think the people who work with them must be dirty too. Women, in particular, according to prevailing social norms, are meant to keep themselves clean. The pig sector is growing rapidly in east Africa on the back of rising demand. Uganda is <a href="https://www.ilri.org/news/ilri-celebrates-12-years-supporting-transformation-ugandas-livestock-sector">one of three top pork producers</a> in Africa, after Nigeria and Malawi. The country also has the <a href="https://www.cgiar.org/news-events/news/cgiars-sapling-initiative-targets-ugandas-pig-and-cattle-sectors-to-expand-benefits-for-farmers">highest per capita consumption</a> of pork in the region, estimated at 3.4 kilograms per person per year. This has led to job opportunities in pig farming, trading, butcheries, food stalls, artificial insemination, and feed and veterinary supply shops. Across Africa, social and gender norms determine whether a woman can work, what kind of work she can do, where she can work, with which animals, and how much she gets paid. This is the case in Uganda. In some parts of central Uganda, while the management – and cleanliness – of piggeries have improved, resulting in better perceptions about pig hygiene, lingering prejudices have meant women working in the pig industry have little bargaining power and lower incomes, and may feel pressured to work covertly. All this results in missed opportunity for women to develop professional skills and support their families, and reduced food safety for everyone. In 2022/2023 we conducted a <a href="https://www.ilri.org/news/empowering-women-livestock-addressing-gender-barriers-ugandas-pig-sector">study</a> in two districts to understand how local gender norms affected women in the pig farming sector. The findings revealed that women faced restrictions in conducting artificial insemination, castrating animals, taking sows to boars for mating, and transporting pigs on motorcycles. Additionally, certain activities – including slaughtering, trading livestock, producing feed, and owning large farms – were deemed inappropriate for women. We also found systemic barriers such as lower wages, lack of control over income, restricted physical mobility, and exclusion from influential networks blocked them from fully reaping the benefits of the sector. These findings led us to launch a range of interventions in the districts. Working with the international NGO <a href="https://rippleeffect.org/">Ripple Effect</a>, my team at the International Livestock Research Institute and I trialled a range of <a href="https://www.ilri.org/research/projects/gender-equality-and-social-inclusion">interventions</a> in Uganda’s Masaka and Mukono districts. The results, evaluated a year later in December 2025, showed that social norms can be both accommodated and transformed for the benefit of all. For example, radio shows and conversations challenged widely held sentiments and sought to normalise roles that were taboo for women – such as providing pig insemination services to other farmers and contributing to a growing pig sector. Our findings have lessons that are of value across many industries and in many places. <h2>Doing things differently</h2> We worked with pig farmers, business people, regulators and community members in five different communities to address the restrictive norms that prevented women from engaging in pig businesses. The work was carried out in Masaka district (south-west of Kampala) and Mukono district (east of the capital). The interventions we put in place <a href="https://www.ilri.org/news/addressing-gendered-constraints-womens-empowerment-and-restrictive-gender-norms-case-engaging">included</a>: <ul> <li>providing women farmers with weigh-bands to estimate live pig weights and make sure they weren’t being cheated</li> <li>offering training for women farmers to help them negotiate better prices and animal services</li> <li>providing branded lab coats and badges to certified professionals to help combat the lack of respect for women in technical roles like artificial insemination</li> <li>providing aprons, head wraps and boots to women working in slaughterhouses and butcher shops, so they would not be seen wearing dirty clothes.</li> </ul> These interventions provided solutions to accommodate existing norms without directly challenging them. We also trialled some interventions aimed at transforming gender norms. We organised broadcasts on local radio talk shows, featuring a panel discussion between gender officers from Ripple Effect, community leaders and local men who explained why they supported their wives and daughters to work in the pig industry. For instance, in one broadcast, one local leader shared his family’s story: <blockquote>My wife rears pigs in large numbers, and I help her look for markets. When I travel, I bring her feeds for them. A home without money is unhappy. Piggery projects are family enterprises … When a woman earns an income, her husband is relieved financially; an empowered woman is a responsible woman. </blockquote> We also held large community meetings, and used recordings from these shows to spark dialogue about these issues. <h2>The changes</h2> Over a year we observed changes. Women butchers, farmers and artificial insemination agents felt more confident and accepted, and their services were sought after, especially by other women. They were able to negotiate higher prices for their pigs. They invested their savings in their piggeries; some were able to use the profits to buy their own land and build houses. There has been movement towards policy changes, too. Traditionally, pigs have had to be killed in official slaughterhouses – male-dominated spaces. Women did not feel welcome there, and men felt women would not be able to cope with the practical act of slaughter. After our work in the sector, including inspection officials, authorities are now allowing some women to slaughter their pigs at home. <h2>Lessons</h2> Norms are powerful. Any efforts to improve livelihoods, boost community health, or grow a particular industry will be shaped by these norms. Ignoring them is a recipe for failure, while understanding them – and, where appropriate, moving beyond them – can benefit a whole community. To transform restrictive norms, both men and women must be included in dialogues that encourage critical curiosity about their impacts. Religious, political and community leaders – people who often enforce these unwritten rules – must also be part of the conversations and solutions. Radio talk shows and social media can showcase women successfully performing traditionally masculine tasks and supportive men, to normalise new behaviours and reduce shaming. And something as simple as professional clothing can send a signal that women are competent – and clean. Gender norms can change, and these social changes can have practical and economic effects. Livestock development, as we have seen in Uganda’s pig industry, can be an entry point to promote gender equality. At the same time, removing barriers to women’s participation can boost families’ incomes, bolster rural industries and alleviate poverty. Challenge norms, empower women, and everyone benefits. Saleef Nyambok 407719b5-629a-41e4-85d4-4065ec670606 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 RSS Feed Honoring Eugene Robert Terry: A giant of African agricultural science (11 June 1937 – 7 April 2026) https://www.ilri.org/news/honoring-eugene-robert-terry-giant-african-agricultural-science-11-june-1937-7-april-2026 <img src="https://www.ilri.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/Eugene%20Terry_k_0.jpg" data-entity-uuid="418ea205-0aa2-403b-bded-e1a1f423eac1" data-entity-type="file" alt="Eugene Robert Terry" width="433" height="347" class="align-right">It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of our great colleague, <a href="https://www.ilri.org/people/eugene-terry">Eugene Terry</a>, who passed away in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, 7 April 2026.&nbsp; Eugene was a towering figure in African agricultural science and for many of us, a deeply trusted colleague and mentor. His wisdom, generosity of spirit, and unfailing commitment to Africa's farmers were felt by everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. At the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Eugene served as chair of the Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA)-ILRI Hub Advisory Panel.&nbsp; Born in Sierra Leone, Eugene earned a BSc in agriculture, an MSc in plant pathology from McGill University in Canada, and a PhD in plant pathology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. That education launched a career of remarkable breadth and impact. He served as plant pathologist and director of international programs and training at the <a href="https://www.iita.org/">International Institute of Tropical Agriculture</a> (IITA), as land and crops advisor at the World Bank, as founding director of the <a href="https://www.aatf-africa.org/">African Agricultural Technology Foundation</a> (AATF) in Nairobi, and as senior technical adviser at TransFarm Africa. Most notably, he served as the inaugural director general of WARDA — now<a href="https://www.africarice.org/"> AfricaRice</a> — from 1987 to 1996, guiding the institution through its formative years and establishing a legacy of scientific excellence and regional cooperation.&nbsp; Eugene gave generously of his time and expertise across the CGIAR family and beyond. He served on boards of the <a href="https://avrdc.org/">World Vegetable Center</a>, <a href="https://www.cifor-icraf.org/">World Agroforestry</a>, <a href="https://www.iwmi.org/">International Water Management Institute</a> (IWMI), and <a href="https://www.syngentagroup.com/syngenta-foundation">Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture</a>. He also chaired the Advisory Board of the <a href="https://wacci.ug.edu.gh/">West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement.</a> "What made Eugene so special to us at ILRI was his character. He brought warmth and intellectual curiosity to every conversation, a genuine belief that science could and should serve the most vulnerable, and an unfailing encouragement to the next generation of African scientists," said Appolinaire Djikeng, director general of ILRI. "In the BecA-ILRI Hub Advisory Panel he engaged deeply, asked hard questions, and always left us with a clearer sense of what mattered most." His legacy will endure in the generations of scientists, institutions, and farmers whose lives have been enriched by his work.&nbsp; We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing Eugene. He will be greatly missed. Paul Karaimu 532aaacc-99bd-40b7-8b80-7fd4c9773e1f Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 RSS Feed In Ethiopia, bundled forage innovations are closing the livestock feed gap https://www.ilri.org/news/ethiopia-bundled-forage-innovations-are-closing-livestock-feed-gap Since 2023, ILRI’s bundled forage interventions have benefited 50,000 farmers, advancing livestock productivity and building climate resilience across five regions in Ethiopia. For many years, Kebebush Admasu’s day began with the same anxious question: would she find enough to feed her dairy cow? The mother and farmer in the Hadiya Zone of Ethiopia's highlands knew that her family's well-being was tied to the well-being of the animal. But like millions of other smallholders in the country, she faced a relentless challenge – the scarcity of quality livestock feed. During the dry season, the search for fodder would consume hours of her day, her cow would grow weak, its milk production would drop and with it a source of nutrition for her children, and source of income.&nbsp; Smallholder mixed crop-livestock farms are central to the livelihoods of millions in Ethiopia. They offer powerful economic links between the land, animals, and the people who tend them; providing a buffer against climate shocks and income from sale of animal products. But lack of adequate and high-quality feed for animals reduces livestock productivity, limits the supply of milk and meat for a growing population, and traps families in a cycle of subsistence. The<a href="https://www.ilri.org/news/radio-and-mobile-voices-cultivate-climate-smart-farming-changes-ethiopia"> International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI),</a> through <a href="https://www.ilri.org/research/themes/livestock-climate-and-environment">Livestock Climate and Environment (LCE)&nbsp;</a>program and bilateral projects, is tackling this problem by introducing improved forages whose cultivation can be scaled easily. The aim is to increase feed access and build lasting resilience for farming communities like Kebebush’s.&nbsp; &nbsp; <img data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d914e68-b6e7-4ce9-94ed-83eeebf385ea" height="477" src="https://www.ilri.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kebebush.jpg" width="714"> Kebebush Admasu harvests a fresh bundle of green fodder from her forage plot in central Ethiopia. Photo credit: MoPIX&nbsp; For example, in 2025, across the Amhara, Oromia, Sidama, and Central Ethiopia regions, ILRI piloted a bundled innovation approach that involves developing and scaling climate-smart forage options such as high-yielding desho grass, oat-vetch mixture, elephant grass, tree lucerne, dual-purpose maize and improved legumes like alfalfa. At the same time practical feed utilization methods including feed troughs, choppers and silage makers are introduced to reduce waste.&nbsp; To ensure adoption, these efforts were complemented by capacity sharing using a revolving forage seed supply arrangement, training, media engagement (radio and mobile messages) and on-farm demonstrations. Capacity sharing was integrated in the roll-out of the bundled innovations. Farmers like Kebebush received the bundled innovations, along with on-farm demonstrations. This allowed them to see the benefits of using improved forages to increase milk production, reduce feed wastage through better feed utilization, and improve animal health with nutrition. Forage seed commercialization systems were developed to improve market access and sustainability. Led by LCE bilateral projects such as <a href="https://aiccra.cgiar.org/">AICCRA</a>, <a href="https://taat-africa.org/">TAAT II&nbsp;</a>and CGIAR <a href="https://www.cgiar.org/cgiar-research-portfolio-2025-2030/sustainable-farming">Sustainable Farming</a> and<a href="https://www.cgiar.org/cgiar-research-portfolio-2025-2030/scaling-impact"> Scaling for Impact</a> programs, the project piloted local forage seed multiplication systems in 98 hectares of dedicated land in 2024 and 2025. These activities are centered&nbsp;in the North Shewa Zone of Amhara, and Hadiya and Kembata zones of Central Ethiopia. These systems created a local supply chain and engaged private sector actors such as the Eden Field seed company. By integrating technical solutions with institutional and communication support, ILRI’s innovation has optimized resource use, mitigated adoption risks and addressed farmers' complex food and feed needs from multiple angles. This approach has enhanced adoption rates and community resilience, making a real difference in the lives of smallholder livestock keepers. As highlighted in the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-cnHK8phwc">Bundling of feed and forage innovations for adoption and impact&nbsp;</a>video, Kebebush now harvests nutritious feed from the oat-vetch, tree lucerne, and desho grass, providing her cow with a consistent, high-quality diet. "I now have a consistent milk supply," she shares proudly. Her children can drink milk regularly and she has surplus to sell at the local market, boosting her household income and food security.&nbsp; She is one of over&nbsp;31,900 smallholder livestock keepers&nbsp;who have been directly reached by the initiative across Ethiopia in 2025. Critically, the project has ensured that&nbsp;23–25% of the direct beneficiaries are women, recognizing their central role in livestock management and household nutrition. Women, who often bear the burden of feed collection, are now experiencing the labor-saving and income-generating benefits of access to improved fodder. &nbsp; <img data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97162a4b-9259-4aa4-b1f2-a0226b62fa55" height="664" src="https://www.ilri.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kebebush%20with%20her%20son%20.jpg" width="995"> Kebebush Admasu shares coffee with her family, a moment of joy after a long day. Photo credit: MoPIX&nbsp; A robust network of partnerships and a deliberate dissemination strategy has paved the pathway from innovation to widespread impact. Key partners in this work include Werabe and Debre Berhan agricultural research centers, Jimma and Wachemo universities, development organizations like SNV, and government bureaus of agriculture at regional and zonal levels. Local extension workers, development agents, and farmer cooperatives are a crucial link, translating research into practice on the ground. To scale the impact, a major multi-channel campaign using <a href="https://www.ilri.org/news/radio-and-mobile-voices-cultivate-climate-smart-farming-changes-ethiopia">community radio, mobile messaging</a>, and digital advisory tools has extended the reach of the project messages to over&nbsp;283,000 additional beneficiaries, spreading best practices on forage management and utilization far and wide. This mass communication campaign has been complemented by intensive in-person capacity-building for over 6,000 farmers, extension agents, and technical experts, who continue to support their communities.&nbsp; Kindu Mekonnen, senior scientist at ILRI, who has led the mixed farming system development efforts for over a decade, reflected on the outcomes, emphasizing the scientific basis for the approach. "Our research over many years has consistently shown that technology alone does not guarantee adoption," he explains. "The feed gap in Ethiopia is not merely a seed deficit problem; it requires an integrated effort to solve. By bundling improved forages with capacity building and digital advisory tools, we are addressing the multifaceted constraints farmers face, from lack of knowledge to poor access to quality feed and forage utilization technologies." Today, the result is a strengthened and more resilient farming system in Ethiopia. By closing the feed gap for tens of thousands of households, this bundled approach is nourishing families, empowering women, and building a more productive and climate-resilient future for Ethiopia's smallholders. Call to action&nbsp; By aligning resources and planning jointly, development partners, the private sector, and local decision-makers can build on these successes to widely scale validated feed and forage innovations. Setting clear and shared targets will drive the joint scaling effort that delivers tangible productivity gains and strengthens the resilience of livestock farmers across Ethiopia for 2026 and beyond. Learn more about the LCE program: <a href="https://www.ilri.org/research/themes/livestock-climate-and-environment">https://www.ilri.org/research/themes/livestock-climate-and-environment</a> Haimanot Seifu bace0f53-cfd9-44ff-8b12-ca99ac422bd1 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 RSS Feed Machine learning forecasts of child malnutrition integrated into Kenya’s drought early warning system for the first time https://www.ilri.org/news/machine-learning-forecasts-child-malnutrition-integrated-kenyas-drought-early-warning-system &nbsp;LYON, FRANCE – 7 APRIL 2026 A new&nbsp;machine learning tool for forecasting incidents of acute child malnutrition will support Kenya’s national drought early warning system for the first time, Community Jameel and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) announced today in Lyon, France, at the One Health Summit, a high-level international gathering convened by French President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp; The machine learning tool, which generates forecasts of child malnutrition that are translated into a dashboard, was originally developed by the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) in collaboration with researchers at Cornell University, with expansion and testing in Kenya supported by the&nbsp;<a href="https://jameelobservatory.org/">Jameel Observatory for Food Security Early Action</a>, an international partnership led by the University of Edinburgh with ILRI, Save the Children, the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab and Community Jameel. Co-developed with Kenya’s National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), the dashboard has been formally integrated into the authority’s drought early warning processes and is used during meetings of the Kenya Food Security Steering Group, which brings together government departments, United Nations agencies, donors and non-governmental organisations to coordinate food security analysis and response.&nbsp; It is the first forecasting method within Kenya’s early warning system designed to anticipate child-specific food security emergencies ahead of time.&nbsp; <h2 dir="ltr">A crisis hiding in plain sight</h2> Kenya is home to over 6 million children under the age of five and acute malnutrition remains a major concern, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas. Recent national food and nutrition analysis&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ipcinfo.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ipcinfo/docs/IPC_Kenya_Acute_Food%20_Insecurity_Acute_Malnutrition_Jul2025_Jan2026_Report.pdf">estimated</a> that over&nbsp;740,000 children in Kenya&nbsp;aged 6 to 59 months required treatment for acute malnutrition between April 2025 and March 2026.&nbsp; Yet many early warning systems have historically struggled to anticipate sudden spikes in malnutrition caused by droughts, conflicts or compound shocks, relying on outdated or one-time data that limits timely response.&nbsp; <h2 dir="ltr">Turning routine data into forward-looking forecasts&nbsp;</h2> Kenya’s drought monitoring and food security systems rely on data collected by the NDMA which collects regular anthropometric data on children under five, including monthly mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurements used to estimate global acute malnutrition (GAM) prevalence. While this routine high-frequency data provides a strong foundation for prediction, it has not historically been used to generate forecasts of malnutrition risk.&nbsp; The machine learning approach developed by Susana Constenla-Villoslada, a doctoral researcher at UC Berkeley, addresses this gap directly. Historical GAM rates are combined with data on weather patterns, conflict and food prices to train models that learn to recognise how risk accumulates over time. Because malnutrition changes gradually and the underlying drivers tend to persist, past GAM levels are strongly predictive of future ones; a property that enables reliable forecasts at one, three and six-month timeframes. Rather than predicting drought directly, the approach anticipates nutritional risk based on observed trends in child measurements, giving government and partners earlier sight of where wasting is likely to rise before conditions deteriorate.&nbsp; The research team’s&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2416161122">findings</a>, published in the&nbsp;Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences&nbsp;last year, demonstrate that this methodology substantially outperforms previous approaches - which struggled to predict malnutrition even in the present day - by training on high-frequency longitudinal data that captures how conditions evolve in near real-time.&nbsp; Deployment of the forecasting tool was supported by the University of Edinburgh and the Jameel Observatory’s community of practice, of which NDMA is a member. Bringing together scientists, humanitarian professionals, pastoralists and international organisations, the community of practice supported knowledge sharing and provided feedback, helping to adapt and refine the machine learning model for operational use within Kenya’s early warning systems.&nbsp; The forecasting model is updated on a monthly basis and technology transfer has enabled the NDMA to operate, update and maintain the tool independently, with outputs used to support analysis at both national and sub-national levels.&nbsp; Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute, and Professor at the University of Edinburgh, said:&nbsp;“The success of this forecasting tool demonstrates the power of a ‘community of practice’ and targeted investments to accelerate promising tools and solutions in tackling the intertwined challenges of food security and climate volatility.&nbsp; “At ILRI, we recognise that protecting child nutrition in the drylands requires precision and foresight. By bridging the gap between academic research and operational early warning systems, this collaboration ensures that evidence-based insights are in the hands of those who need them most to safeguard livelihoods and health.” George Richards, Director of Community Jameel, said:&nbsp;“Young children are especially vulnerable to disruptions in access to nutritious food, with malnourished children rapidly losing weight and facing severe acute malnutrition or severe wasting.&nbsp; “This is the problem being tackled head-on by UC Berkeley, the Jameel Observatory and the NDMA: harnessing machine learning to forecast when children in Kenya are at risk of acute malnutrition, informing how the government can respond effectively – and turning complex data into life-saving action.” <h2 dir="ltr">Scaling anticipatory approaches&nbsp;</h2> Work is now underway to explore how the forecasts could support the development of trigger mechanisms for anticipatory action, with piloting planned across three counties in Kenya: Isiolo, Tana River, and Marsabit.&nbsp; Deployment of the new machine learning tool and the dashboard are closely aligned with global efforts for anticipatory, data-driven actions in strengthening food security systems as set out at the 2025 Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, hosted by the Government of France in Paris.&nbsp; With record commitments from governments to accelerate progress on nutrition around the world, the N4G Summit’s International Advisory Group, on which Community Jameel served,&nbsp;<a href="https://nutritionforgrowth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/5-Data-researchAI-innovation-final.pdf">emphasised</a> the value of data in decision-making.&nbsp; Brieuc Pont, Secretary-General of the 2025 N4G Summit, said:&nbsp;“The 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris set a clear mandate: we must harness innovation and artificial intelligence to close the nutrition gap. This forecasting dashboard, supported by Jameel Observatory, is an embodiment of the 'paradigm shift' we are calling for.&nbsp; “As we work towards reaching the Summit’s targets such data-driven tools will be essential to ensuring that every euro invested in nutrition delivers the greatest possible impact for children in need.” The scale of the challenge globally underscores the urgency of this work. The 2024&nbsp;<a href="https://jameelobservatory.org/seasnut-report/">SEASNUT report</a> by the Jameel Observatory, in collaboration with UNICEF, estimated that 45 million children under five were wasted globally, with wasting associated with around 13% of deaths among children under five each year.&nbsp; Discover&nbsp; <ul> <li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2416161122">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>&nbsp;</li> </ul> Saleef Nyambok ee9962f9-dbcf-41ec-8520-cd4865118278 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 RSS Feed Closing the silage quality gap: A demand-driven study with smallholder dairy farmers in Kenya https://www.ilri.org/news/closing-silage-quality-gap-demand-driven-study-smallholder-dairy-farmers-kenya Silage&nbsp;is high-moisture green fodder (such as maize, sorghum, or Napier grass) that has been chopped, compacted, and fermented under anaerobic (air-free) conditions to preserve it for feeding livestock during the dry season or periods of feed scarcity. Silage offers farmers a practical and cost-effective way to stabilize milk production by preserving forage during periods of abundance. If done well, silage enables more consistent milk yields, improves household incomes, and strengthens food security.&nbsp; Despite its promise, however, many farmers are not realizing the full benefits of silage due to low-quality.&nbsp; To better understand why silage quality remains low, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Adaptation Pioneers and Feed and Forages teams, designed a demand-driven silage quality study in Nandi and Bomet counties between October and November 2025.&nbsp; Through a participatory approach, the research focused on pioneer farmers: those recognized as innovative and relatively successful under similar constraints as their peers. One surprising finding from the ILRI study is that even pioneer farmers, many of whom had attended silage training, were producing suboptimal silage. This finding revealed the need to move beyond assessing adoption and instead examine how effectively farmers are implementing silage technologies at the farm level. The study concentrated on smallholder dairy farmers in Nandi and Bomet counties in Kenya with at least two years of experience making silage. It sampled&nbsp;90 households, including both farmers currently producing silage and those who had abandoned the practice.&nbsp;In each county, the study involved&nbsp;45 farmers. Data collection combined farm visits, structured interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews with farmers, extension workers, dairy cooperatives, and private sector actors.&nbsp;ILRI researchers also collected silage samples to analyze forage types, storage methods, and silo temperatures, providing a robust empirical foundation for assessing silage quality. “The silage quality testing that was done by ILRI gave us as farmers an opportunity to ask ourselves what we needed to improve in the silage making process and the best forages to use, especially in our area where there are feed shortages during dry seasons,” says Calistus Kipsang, a farmer from Kembu in Bomet County.&nbsp; Why silage quality matters for smallholders “I started making silage because my grazing field is small. when I feed it to the cattle in the morning, they only need to graze for a short time to be satisfied,” says Felix Sum, a farmer from Chepterwai&nbsp;Ward in Nandi County. <img alt="Felix Sum, a farmer from Chepterwai&nbsp;Ward in Nandi County, training other farmers on silage during a farmer-to-farmer field day he hosted on his farm in May 2021. (Credit:&nbsp;Nathan Maiyo/ILRI)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44fa1b38-dbb0-430f-9623-73405b696d46" height="493" src="https://www.ilri.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_91.jpeg" width="370"> Felix Sum, a farmer from Chepterwai&nbsp;Ward in Nandi County, trains other farmers on silage during a farmer-to-farmer field day he hosted on his farm in May 2021. (Credit:&nbsp;Nathan Maiyo/ILRI) &nbsp; “As a dairy cooperative, we train farmers on feeds including silage making, because we want them to supply more milk to us when&nbsp;dairy productivity improves,” says Isaac Kirui, a veterinary officer at Siongiroi Dairy Cooperative in Bomet County. His perspective highlights the importance of evidence-based insights in strengthening both farmer livelihoods and cooperative performance. Poor-quality silage produced at the farm level undermines livestock productivity and discourages farmers from fully committing to the practice. Without visible success stories among neighbors or peers, silage can appear risky and unrewarding. This reality raises a critical question about what prevents smallholder farmers from producing high-quality silage and how these challenges can be addressed in ways that respond directly to farmers lived experiences. <img alt="Photo A2: Cornelius Kosgei, a farmer from Kurgung&nbsp;Ward in Nandi County,&nbsp;demonstrates&nbsp;how to make silage using silage bags during a farmer-to-farmer field day at his farm&nbsp;in&nbsp;May 2021. (Credit:&nbsp;Nathan Maiyo/ILRI)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d2a43ba-3334-4a6d-b8c9-ca44e9f9b6cf" height="304" src="https://www.ilri.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_92.jpeg" width="329"> Cornelius Kosgei, a farmer from Kurgung&nbsp;Ward in Nandi County,&nbsp;demonstrates&nbsp;how to make silage using silage bags during a farmer-to-farmer field day at his farm&nbsp;in&nbsp;May 2021. (Credit:&nbsp;Nathan Maiyo/ILRI) &nbsp; &nbsp; <img alt="Photo A7: John Koech and Kibitok, from Kobujoi&nbsp;Ward, Nandi County, demonstrating silage making during a farmer-to-farmer field day at their family farm in April 2024. (Credit:&nbsp;Emmaculate Kiptoo/ILRI)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bcdf9950-2e1f-4ea1-85c5-2ec28cbae6aa" height="362" src="https://www.ilri.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_93.jpeg" width="483"> John Koech and Kibitok, from Kobujoi&nbsp;Ward, Nandi County, demonstrating silage making during a farmer-to-farmer field day at their family farm in April 2024. (Credit:&nbsp;Emmaculate Kiptoo/ILRI) &nbsp; &nbsp; Looking beyond adoption The ILRI study showed that several constraints continue to hinder effective silage production. Labor shortages during harvesting and processing, limited access to suitable equipment, inadequate technical knowledge, and challenges with storage and preservation all affect the quality of silage produced. These factors determine whether farmers can harvest forage at the optimal stage, chop them to the right size, compact sufficiently, and store it under airtight conditions—key requirements for proper fermentation and nutrient retention. Compounding these challenges is a significant lack of empirical data on the actual quality of silage produced by smallholders. Without this evidence, interventions tend to focus on promoting adoption rather than addressing quality bottlenecks.&nbsp; Strengthening silage quality through farmer-led learning Feedback from the study shows that farmers acquire most silage knowledge informally&nbsp;from&nbsp;neighbors or&nbsp;through&nbsp;trial and error. While farmers recognize the importance of good compaction, airtight sealing, timely harvesting, and proper chopping, many struggle to apply these practices consistently. Despite these challenges, farmers and stakeholders widely recognize the benefits of silage.&nbsp; Esther Omayio, the&nbsp;livestock&nbsp;production&nbsp;officer, County Government of Nandi, explains. “In Nandi County, silage is particularly important in our dairy production. Our farmers make silage from maize, Napier grass, sorghum, and a few from oats, mixed with maize. If you compare farmers who are&nbsp;using silage and the others who are not, you will see that farmers who are&nbsp;making silage&nbsp;have good milk production in all the months of the year, even in the dry spells.”&nbsp; Next steps Laboratory analysis of the samples collected during the ILRI study is now underway to assess dry matter content, pH levels, lactic acid concentrations, and fiber composition.&nbsp;ILRI will share these results through farmer-friendly, anonymized reports, allowing households to compare performance without stigma. The researchers will disseminate the findings through farmer field days, pioneer farmer demonstrations, media engagement, and targeted capacity-building sessions to strengthen extension services and inform dairy development strategies.&nbsp; Acknowledgement This work was conducted by ILRI as part of the CGIAR Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods program.&nbsp; Link to&nbsp;resources <a href="http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/164417">Adoption of improved forage technologies and its effect on household income among dairy farmers in Bomet County, Kenya</a> <a href="https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/agj2.20954?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=researchgate.net">Forage conservation in sub-Saharan Africa: Review of experiences, challenges, and opportunities</a> <a href="https://www.ilri.org/adaptation-pioneers">Empowering producer-led innovation for climate resilient livestock</a> Saleef Nyambok 3955e62e-3d36-4405-ac92-de7ba6f5c188 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 RSS Feed Hidden in plain sight: Meeting the pastoralist pioneers redefining resilience https://www.ilri.org/news/hidden-plain-sight-meeting-pastoralist-pioneers-redefining-resilience <img src="https://www.ilri.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/shared%20image.jpg" data-entity-uuid="c369a690-18fe-4534-bc7d-d77dd4256a50" data-entity-type="file" alt="Pastoralist herding flock" width="2000" height="1126"> In the South Omo Zone and Afar Region of Ethiopia, pastoralist communities have shaped and reshaped their landscapes for generations. Long before climate change became a global concern, herders here were already adapting to rainfall variability, rangeland pressure, and shifting seasons. Yet despite this lived expertise, pastoralists are often treated as passive recipients of aid rather than as holders of solutions. Too frequently, development responses arrive packaged as external fixes, overlooking the knowledge already embedded within communities. But, what if the answers to building resilience&nbsp;are already here – right in front of us? This question lay at the heart of the Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF) National Stakeholder Engagement Workshop, held at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) campus in Addis Ababa in November 2025. The event brought together government officials, researchers, NGOs, and development partners to explore the Pioneer Positive Deviance (P-PD) approach, which challenges conventional problem-solving by focusing on what is already working. Learning from what already works The P-PD approach starts from a simple but powerful insight: within any community facing hardship, there are individuals or households achieving better outcomes than their peers, despite having access to the same limited resources. These “positive deviants” are not outliers because of external support, they are ‘pioneers’ who find local solutions while using the same limited resources as their neighbors.&nbsp;Whether it is a specific way of managing animal health or a unique strategy for securing forage to cover droughts, these innovations are the key to a more resilient future. For example, in Afar Regional State, Sabure Kebele, some households have implemented timely rotational grazing to protect the availability and quality of their pasture. This adaptation can now inform broader national strategies. By identifying, understanding, and amplifying their practices, P-PD offers a pathway to resilience that is locally owned and socially sustainable. In her opening remarks, Birgit Habermann, a scientist at ILRI, captured this shift in thinking succinctly. “The idea is that you learn from solutions on the ground, solutions that have already proved to work here, and you work with those,” she said. “And those solutions are not necessarily completely new innovations.” Her words resonated with participants who have seen well-intentioned interventions falter when they fail to align with pastoralist realities. The workshop built on field data collected in pastoral kebeles such as Sabure and Dudub in Afar Regional State, where project teams identified 39 potential positive deviant households. These households demonstrated practices that improved animal health, protected forage, or strengthened livelihoods, even during drought. One pastoralist from Sabure kebele described how small adjustments made a big difference. “By resting certain grazing areas early and moving animals at the right time, our pasture survived the dry season, and our animals stayed stronger than before,” he explained. From individual practices to collective learning The real power of the P-PD approach lies not only in identifying successful households, but in turning individual practices into collective learning. During the workshop, participants examined how positive deviant behaviors could inform broader strategies across three interconnected pillars: animal health, feed and forage systems, and social norms. In animal health, discussions emphasized moving away from dependency on sporadic external aid toward community-led wellness practices. For feed and forage, participants explored how local grazing management and forage harvesting and storage techniques could be scaled without undermining traditional systems. Social norms, focused on&nbsp;understanding the human side of how practices take hold – that is often overlooked, emerged as a critical factor in determining whether innovations spread or stall. Livestock extension officers attending the workshop reflected on how this approach could reshape their role. One extension officer noted, “For a long time, our job was to teach communities what to do. With P-PD, we learned that in addition to teaching the community of new practices, we can also facilitate learning among pastoralists themselves. This is because when advice comes from a fellow herder who has succeeded under the same conditions, it is trusted and adopted much faster.” A recurring message from the room was that while data and technical evidence matter, they are not enough on their own. Real transformation happens through social learning—through dialogue, observation, and trust. The workshop itself became a microcosm of this process, blending scientific analysis with lived experience. As one NGO representative at the workshop observed, “Pastoralists have shown over the years that they are innovators. Our responsibility therefore is to listen, document, and help remove barriers so their solutions can be scaled.” Scaling in, scaling out: The road to 2026 As the workshop ended, attention turned to what comes next. Feedback from participants is already being used to refine how the P-PD approach can be integrated into Ethiopia’s National Pastoral Extension System. A key milestone was the launch of&nbsp;<a href="https://hdl.handle.net/10568/177274">new P-PD practitioner guidelines</a>, designed to support real-world application and consistency across regions. Looking ahead to 2026, the strategy is to focus is on “scaling in” locally—deepening impact within communities—while also “scaling out” regionally through structured partnerships. Central to this vision is the establishment of a trainer of trainers program, ensuring that successful local practices can be shared, adapted, and sustained across pastoral areas. The opportunity is clear. By bridging research and reality, and by placing farmers and pastoralist expertise at the center, Ethiopia has a chance to turn local innovation into a national pathway for resilience. Acknowledgments&nbsp; This work was conducted under the CGIAR Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF) and Climate Action Science Programs, supported by contributions to the CGIAR Trust Fund. As a global research partnership, CGIAR is dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems to better respond to the climate crisis. This research is also linked to the ILRI-led European Union-funded project, Restoration of Livestock Services in Conflict and Drought Affected Areas of Ethiopia (<a href="https://www.ilri.org/research/projects/restoration-livestock-services-conflict-and-drought-affected-areas-ethiopia">RESTORE</a>). Further reading <a href="https://www.ilri.org/adaptation-pioneers">Reimagining research Empowering producer-led innovation for climate resilient livestock</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; Saleef Nyambok cf405500-bd38-4b5d-8bd8-806e93b6aaf6 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 RSS Feed Regional experts explore One Health solutions to reduce agricultural chemical use in Southeast Asian food systems https://www.ilri.org/news/regional-experts-explore-one-health-solutions-reduce-agricultural-chemical-use-southeast-asian Across Southeast Asia, farmers rely on pesticides, antibiotics, and fertilizers to protect crops and animals and maximize production. Agricultural intensification due to population growth and market demand has increased reliance on these agrochemicals across the region. While these inputs boost yields, inefficient use often leads to environmental damage and health risks. A significant portion of pesticides does not reach the intended target, instead accumulating in soil and water, while excess fertilizer leaches into groundwater or escapes into the atmosphere, leading to pollution and poorer soil health. Antibiotics play a critical role in disease treatment, but misuse can accelerate the development of antimicrobial resistance—a growing global threat—and the movement of resistant bacteria between animals, humans, and the environment. As part of mitigation measures, more than 40 experts from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia gathered in Hanoi on 12 March 2026 to explore practical ways to reduce agricultural chemical use while maintaining productive and resilient food systems. Participants included representatives from government agencies, universities, research institutes, private sector organizations and international partners.&nbsp; <img data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="178f5a0a-bcd6-4014-a031-38ee8c6a8971" height="1459" src="https://www.ilri.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/z7612081718067_fefc866505058a7cc352741f7019fc6b.jpg" width="2560"> More than 40 experts from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia met in Hanoi on 12 March 2026 to discuss practical solutions for reducing agricultural chemical use while supporting resilient food systems (photo credit: ILRI/Chi Nguyen). Promoting a collaborative approach The One Health approach, which links human, animal and environmental health, was a key theme at the event. Speakers highlighted the value of collaboration and knowledge exchange in identifying and integrating solutions that reduce chemical use while protecting food systems. Several innovations were showcased, including integrated pest management, biological pest control and organic fertilizers derived from crop residues as alternatives to synthetic chemicals <img data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e90624a-b939-4944-af8b-a8a625394846" height="1600" src="https://www.ilri.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG_9702_0.JPG" width="2112"> Tran Minh Tien, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences, delivers opening remarks at the regional forum in Hanoi on 12 March 2026 (photo credit: ILRI/Chi Nguyen). <blockquote> “There are many opportunities to reduce reliance on chemical inputs through improved farming practices, biological solutions and more sustainable soil and crop management approaches,” said Tran Minh Tien, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences. “In Viet Nam, increased use of organic fertilizers has contributed to a gradual reduction in chemical fertilizer and pesticide use in recent years.” </blockquote> Digital tools and precision agriculture technologies were also highlighted as promising solutions. These can help farmers apply inputs more accurately, reducing waste while maintaining productivity. In livestock systems, improving animal health, vaccination and biosecurity can significantly reduce the need for antibiotics. In aquaculture, alternatives such as probiotics, vaccines and better farm management practices are helping prevent disease outbreaks without relying heavily on antimicrobials. Participants noted that these approaches are most effective when combined with farmer training and advisory services. Challenges and opportunities&nbsp; Despite progress, several challenges remain. Weak monitoring and enforcement systems, easy access to chemical inputs and limited awareness among farmers continue to drive overuse. In many cases, chemical inputs are still seen as the fastest and most reliable solution, especially when farmers face disease risks or market pressure. <img data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a48acd65-bfce-4d00-8566-0f301a1bff59" height="1467" src="https://www.ilri.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/z7612792236743_0c079f983dcdfbb56887f81aba7a274a.jpg" width="2560"> Regional experts discuss solutions to reduce agricultural chemical use in Southeast Asian food systems during a panel discussion in Hanoi on 12 March 2026 (photo credit: ILRI/Chi Nguyen). Participants also noted gaps in extension services and limited incentives for farmers to adopt safer alternatives. Without technical support and market signals, shifting away from conventional practices can be difficult. At the same time, the forum highlighted strong opportunities for regional cooperation. By strengthening partnerships among governments, scientists, farmers and the private sector, countries in the Mekong region can accelerate the transition toward more sustainable agricultural practices. The forum was jointly organized by the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) and the International Livestock Research Institute (<a href="https://www.ilri.org/">ILRI</a>) under the <a href="https://www.cgiar.org/news-events/news/asean-cgiar-program-advances-food-and-nutrition-security-in-asean">ASEAN–CGIAR Innovate for Food and Nutrition Security regional program</a>.&nbsp; Chi Nguyen f1e31f5e-20f4-492c-ac06-2a6608dfd922 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 RSS Feed Asia-Pacific countries gather in Hanoi to tackle the future of livestock as food demand, climate pressures and disease risks grow https://www.ilri.org/news/asia-pacific-countries-gather-hanoi-tackle-future-livestock-food-demand-climate-pressures-and Hanoi, 24 March 2026 – The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam (MAE), the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and&nbsp;the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD)&nbsp;are co-organizing the regional conference “Sustainable Livestock Transformation in Food Systems in Asia and the Pacific” in Hanoi from 24–26 March 2026. More than 150 participants—including policymakers, managers, scientists, and researchers from various countries, as well as representatives from embassies, international organizations, research institutes, financial institutions, and the private sector—are attending the conference. Delegates will discuss solutions to promote sustainable livestock development in the context of rising demand for safe and nutritious animal-source foods, alongside the need to expand production and improve farmers’ livelihoods, while the livestock sector faces increasing pressure from climate change, disease outbreaks, environmental degradation, and growing consumer expectations for safe and sustainable food. The meeting comes at a critical moment for the region. Asia and the Pacific are home to nearly 60 percent of the global population and around 44 percent of the world’s livestock. As populations grow, cities expand and incomes rise, demand for meat, milk and other animal-source foods is increasing. At the same time, livestock systems in the region are both contributing to and affected by climate change, environmental degradation, zoonotic threats and transboundary animal diseases, alongside growing expectations for safe and sustainably produced food. <blockquote>Opening the conference, Vice Minister Phùng Đức Tiến of Vietnam’s MAE emphasized the importance of collective action.&nbsp;“Sustainable livestock transformation is not only a requirement for individual countries, but also a shared global responsibility to ensure food and nutrition security and sustainable development. Therefore, increasingly deep international cooperation among countries, international organizations, and key stakeholders is the foundation for promoting innovation, technology transfer, and capacity building for the livestock sector in the region.” </blockquote> In Asia, the livestock sector supports the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of smallholder farmers, pastoralist communities, and actors along the value chain, while contributing 18–30% of agricultural GDP in many countries. However, the sector is also facing increasing risks. The region accounts for a significant share of global livestock-related greenhouse gas emissions, while the spread of transboundary animal diseases and zoonotic diseases continues to pose challenges to both livestock production and public health. According to FAO, one in four people in Asia still faces moderate or severe food insecurity, and many households cannot afford diets that include sufficient animal-source foods rich in protein and micronutrients. In his message to the conference, Mr. Alue Dohong, Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, emphasized the need to transform livestock systems to contribute to healthier and more sustainable food systems. <blockquote>“Livestock systems play a key role in ensuring access to nutritious and affordable diets in Asia and the Pacific. Transforming the sector is essential to strengthening food security while safeguarding the environment and public health,” he said. </blockquote> Researchers say the solutions already exist. Climate-smart livestock practices, One Health, better feed management, and stronger food safety standards can significantly reduce environmental impacts while improving productivity. However, scaling these solutions remains a major challenge, often due to fragmented policies, limited coordination between countries and gaps between scientific research, investment and implementation. Siboniso Moyo, Deputy Director General of ILRI, said the conference aims to bridge those gaps. <blockquote>"Science and innovation are key to transforming livestock systems. Research on animal health, climate-smart livestock and One Health can help countries improve productivity while managing disease risks and environmental pressures," she said.&nbsp; </blockquote> Participants will discuss key priority issues, including food security and nutrition, rural livelihoods, animal health and the One Health approach, as well as climate-smart livestock systems. The conference also provides a platform for countries and partners to share experiences, identify successful models, and strengthen regional collaboration. François Roger, Regional Director for Continental Southeast Asia at CIRAD, stressed the value of scientific cooperation to solve complex challenges. <blockquote>“For millions of farmers in the region, livestock is a cornerstone of livelihoods. Research partnerships help develop solutions suited to diverse farming systems, while ensuring that the transformation of the livestock sector contributes to inclusive and sustainable development,” he said. </blockquote> At the conclusion of the conference, participants are expected to develop recommendations for a regional roadmap toward sustainable livestock transformation, including priorities for research, policy, and investment. These recommendations are expected to guide future regional collaborative actions, while also contributing to global efforts to transform livestock systems within the broader transformation of food systems. -30- Contact: Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam Department of International Cooperation Email: <a href="mailto:mybinhbui@gmail.com">mybinhbui@gmail.com</a> International Livestock Research Institute Email: <a href="mailto:c.nguyen@cgiar.org">c.nguyen@cgiar.org</a> Food and Agriculture Organization FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Email: <a href="mailto:le.ly@fao.org">le.ly@fao.org</a> CIRAD Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hoailinh.vole@gmail.com">hoailinh.vole@gmail.com</a> Chi Nguyen 53403871-a866-4e2d-8d95-c5202dbc18f5 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 RSS Feed CGIAR in Tanzania support mothers of children living with disabilities on International Women’s Day https://www.ilri.org/news/cgiar-tanzania-support-mothers-children-living-disabilities-international-womens-day To mark the International Women’s Day (IWD), on 9 March 2026, <a href="https://www.cgiar.org/">CGIAR</a> women staff in Tanzania, led by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iita.org/">International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)</a>, stepped away from their offices and research work to visit the Antonia Verna Rehabilitation Center for children living with disabilities in Kawe Municipal, Dar es Salaam. This year’s IWD under the UN theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” was a call to action to dismantle barriers such as discriminatory laws, weak protection and harmful norms to ensure equal rights for all women and girls. The official campaign theme “Give to Gain” emphasized collaboration and reciprocity because when individuals, organizations and communities give through donations, mentoring, time or resources, everyone gains. The visit by the CGIAR to the rehabilitation center targeted the women caring for children with disabilities, whose contributions in Tanzania are often ignored or forgotten. <a href="https://thrivechildevidence.org/updates/system-level-analysis-of-early-detection-of-disabilities-among-children-strengths-and-constraints-in-the-context-of-tanzania/">Over one million children under 18 are estimated to be living with disability across Tanzania</a>, and a significant number of their primary caregivers, mostly women,<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1936657422001583"> report experiencing domestic violence linked to disability and social stigma within the family.</a> These mothers, aunts, and other guardians carry out demanding and largely unrecognized work of raising children with disability in a country where that work is almost entirely unsupported. <blockquote>“As women and mothers, we understand your exhaustion and the sacrifice you make every day to care for these children. We appreciate the support the center offers these women and these children,” said Mwantumu Omary, a researcher at IITA.a researcher at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). </blockquote> <img src="https://www.ilri.org/sites/default/files/inline-images/women.jpg" data-entity-uuid="c82745c3-0d58-447d-853b-24099b391f82" data-entity-type="file" alt="Group photo of CGIAR staff with Sr. Angela Jeremiah, Director of the Center during their visit. (Photo by ILRI/Gloriana Ndibalema)" width="516" height="344" class="align-left"> These women caregivers experience what advocates and researchers call “double discrimination and compounded inequalities”. Living in a society that still, in many spaces, measures a woman’s worth through productivity, marriage, and motherhood, they are&nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10699-020-09701-0">disadvantaged at the intersection of gender bias and disability stigma</a>. The children, meanwhile, are often treated as burdens, sources of shame, or targets of ridicule. Many women with children living with disabilities also face difficult tradeoffs. They often leave income-generating work to give full-time care to their children, which exposes them to economic risks with no safety net. Some are abandoned by spouses who reject children with disability, while others face judgment from their communities or religious circles. Over time, the combined weight of exhaustion and stigma can make it hard to sustain relationships or maintain a sense of connection, leading to social isolation. <blockquote>“We are grateful for your visit. It has renewed our strength and given us new hope despite our challenges,” said Eva Moses, one of the mothers at the Antonia Verna Rehabilitation Center. </blockquote> During the visit, the CGIAR women donated diapers as well as food items such as fortified flour, soybean, rice, and powdered milk to help address malnutrition among the children and a cash contribution towards health insurance. <blockquote>“CGIAR recognizes that supporting the youth, women, and people with disabilities plays an important role in achieving more equitable and sustainable food systems,” Anthony Whitbread, Tanzania country representative for the International Livestock Research Institute reflected. “Our work is about creating an environment that better supports business opportunities and the creation of decent and fulfilling jobs.” </blockquote> The occasion gave both groups of women the opportunity to recognize that, despite their different backgrounds, they share common challenges, and that a shared understanding is the foundation from which women can work together. Staff from IITA, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilri.org/">ILRI</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irri.org/">International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://worldfishcenter.org/">WorldFish,&nbsp;</a>participated in the visit. <a href="https://www.ilri.org/research/projects/gender-equality-and-social-inclusion">ILRI's gender program</a> recognizes that women in food and livestock systems cannot contribute fully when they remain economically excluded and socially marginalized. Caregiving mothers of children with disabilities are primary household decision-makers whose capacity to contribute is severely constrained by stigma and lack of support. Across CGIAR, reaching the women most excluded by intersecting inequalities is the test to whether the gender agenda is real across households in agrifood systems. Gloriana Ndibalema c3556f14-3f8c-448f-99cf-d7a5ec4db725 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 RSS Feed