ILRI researchers push for climate-resilient livestock breeding in Africa

KENYA – African livestock producers stand at the cusp of a transformative era, as cutting-edge breeding technologies promise to boost the production of meat, milk, and eggs while enhancing climate resilience and sustainability. 

A recent study published in Nature Genetics highlights the immense potential of genomic advancements to revolutionise livestock production across the continent.

With strategic investments and collaboration, African livestock systems can harness these technologies to drive genetic gains, leading to more productive and climate-adaptive breeds. 

The African Animal Breeding Network (AABNet), a coalition of genetics experts, animal breeders, and professionals, is at the forefront of this movement. 

Through training, research, and advisory support, AABNet is enabling the development of resilient livestock capable of thriving in changing climate conditions.

“In the past, genetic improvement efforts primarily focused on maximising productivity, often neglecting environmental and climate considerations,” said Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, lead author of the study and Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute.

“Africa has a unique opportunity to adopt a balanced approach—one that integrates productivity with sustainability while supporting farmer livelihoods.”

The need for such an approach is urgent. Despite Africa housing 85% of the world’s livestock keepers, the region produces only 2.8% of global meat and milk outputs. 

This productivity gap, coupled with a rapidly urbanising population, signals an impending surge in demand for livestock products. In West Africa alone, meat, milk, and egg demand is projected to rise by 50% by 2050.

The study, led by the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), underscores the importance of AABNet in facilitating genetic evaluation across multiple African countries. 

By collecting, storing, and sharing livestock data, the network is fostering the development of hardier and more productive livestock breeds. 

Additionally, AABNet is driving professional development through educational partnerships, training programs, and entrepreneurship initiatives, accelerating the progress of livestock genetic advancements.

“This represents a timely opportunity, with AABNet’s support, to enhance agriculture and food systems at a critical juncture of population growth and climate change,” said Professor Mizeck Chagunda, Director of CTLGH.

The study emphasises the role of collaborative efforts in leveraging genomic technologies, digital tools, and information and communications technology to establish sustainable livestock improvement programs in Africa. 

By linking breeders across the continent and promoting knowledge-sharing, AABNet is seeking to lay the groundwork for a more productive and climate-resilient future in African livestock farming.

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