Examples of research for development approaches to benefit the livestock sector in LMICs – ILRI’s approach
This report (PDF) by ILRI provides examples of how ILRI and its many partners are helping to meet specific SDGs. One of the examples is the effect of vaccinating farm animals in Tanzania and Kenya. Wide-scale vaccination of cattle against East Coast fever would remove one of the biggest obstacles facing smallholders and herders trying to increase their meat and milk productivity. The program found that the vaccination led to significant drop in cattle deaths, reduced household expenditure to keep animals healthy, the animals produced more milk, fetched higher market prices and displayed increase immunity. Another example is to improve milk production in Ethiopia. Most smallholder farmers have limited access to knowledge and technologies, but also higher-performing crossbreed cattle, veterinary services or quality animal feed. ILRI identified low-cost technologies, undertook research and provided support. Smallholders began producing milk using improved technologies and management practices. As a result, dairy productivity and market orientation increased. The report concludes that targeted investment in sustainable livestock research for development can provide much more food to nourish the world’s rapidly growing population. It can enhance the efficiency of livestock and related value chains, produce large employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people, and drive inclusive economic growth. Importantly, such investment—intellectual, political and financial—is essential to strengthening the resilience of developing-country peoples and conserving the natural resources upon which their wellbeing, and that of all people and the planet, depend.
A related news item on the report can be found here.