Capitalizing on the livestock revolution; ILRI corporate report 2015–2016
This report (PDF) by ILRI provides best practice examples in the livestock sector of putting science into practice, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and developing the capacities of livestock. The report has five chapters of interlinked areas: livestock genetics and breeding; livestock feeds and forages; livestock and human health; policies, value chains and livelihoods; and sustainable livestock systems. These include better smallholder livestock production systems; improved human nutrition and health; more quality food; higher household incomes; climate-smart livestock; fewer human and livestock diseases; environmental protection; gender equity and inclusive growth; and enabling policies and institutions. One of the examples of putting science into practice is about a research in Botswana. It revealed the importance of reducing input prices to increasing technical efficiency rates and profit margins of smallholder livestock and crop–livestock farmers, with current levels below 60% of potential. Recommendations include helping livestock keepers gain greater access to croplands so their animals can feed on crop residues and to off-farm employment as a way of acquiring investment capital. The challenges, opportunities and trade-offs in livestock production worldwide are highly diverse. That sectorial diversity must be acknowledged and acted on with a matching diversity of development approaches. Only a varied menu of interventions will facilitate a healthy, sustainable and equitable transition of livestock systems across the world.