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This article by Northrift News highlights an innovative livestock insurance project for dairy farmers in Kenya. East African dairy farmers who have opted for crossbred or exotic animals face the challenge of how easily the animals die due to hunger, disease or other factors, compared to hardy indigenous animals. The crossbreeds and exotics are often a liability, »

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) argues that genetic resources have a critical role to play in feeding the world in light of climate change, as shown in this infographic. A recent book (PDF) of FAO, “Coping with climate change: the roles of genetic resources for food and agriculture”, highlights the potential use of genetic resources as a basis for adaptation and of an ecosystem approach to meet the challenges of climate change. The report covers plant, animal, forest, aquatic, invertebrate and micro-organism genetic resources. »

This study (PDF) by the Livestock and Manure Management Component, part of CCAC, studied manure management policies and practice in 34 developing countries (in Asia, Africa and Latin America). Furthermore, an in-depth assessment of manure management practices in Bangladesh, Viet Nam, Ethiopia, Malawi, Argentina and Costa Rica was conducted. The focus of the report is on the global challenge of reducing climate emissions from livestock while improving food security and livelihoods. »

In 2013, an international packaging company and a local retailer enterprise set up a project in Sri Lanka called “develoPPP initiative” (development partnerships with the private sector). The project aims at an increased quality and quantity of milk production and medium-term coverage of the regional demand, with a special focus on involving women and creating »

This case study highlights how SNV helped create an enabling ecosystem for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through access to finance and business development services. SNV, with support from Hivos and other partners, established the Zimbabwe Agricultural Development Trust (ZADT) in the pursuit of their common objective of providing sustainable financial support to value chain actors. »

This article in the Kenya’s Standard Digital newspaper, highlights the important role that mixed livestock and crop farms will play in feeding the world in coming years. The article cites research by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) that showed that ‘farmers and policymakers need to turn their attention to mixed farming systems’. The article highlights »