ILRI conference papers

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/913

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Transforming the traditional subsistence-based smallholder poultry production system to a commercial-oriented and sustainable production system in the Global South: Tropical Poultry Genetic Solutions (TPGS) experience
(Abstract, 2025-03-12) Dessie, Tadelle
Subsistence-driven, low-input, and low-output production systems predominantly characterize developing countries’ smallholder poultry production in the Global South. Farmers usually keep very few indigenous/local poultry species, usually less than 50, with limited supplementary feeds and poor health and biosecurity practices. Producers primarily focus on producing eggs and meat for home consumption or selling surplus products to generate marginal incomes. Farmers usually sell surplus products directly to local consumers or through local markets or vendors. Transitioning these systems towards market orientation and enhanced productivity demands context-specific and integrated approaches that address key challenges and improve the competitiveness of the value chain. As part of this effort, since 2014, ILRI has been implementing various interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. The critical intervention includes identifying, sourcing, testing, and evaluating the performance of tropically adapted improved breeds; value chain development, including developing context-specific business models for multiplication and delivery of farmer-preferred breeds and allied inputs; promoting informed consumption of poultry products; indigenous breed improvement; and promoting platforms and policies. ILRI has sourced, tested, and evaluated more than 21 different tropically adapted improved chicken breeds in 7 countries and has been running more than 4 breed improvement programs in different countries. Some of the tested chickens’ breeds showed significant productivity gains (200-300% in body weight and 160-200% in eggs) compared with existing household chickens. Farmers showed a higher preference for introduced breeds (more than 90%) over existing chickens. The approach adopted by ILRI led to a significant reduction in chicken morality and the creation of additional jobs along the value chain. Unlike traditional production practices, farmers could access any number of chicks for either eggs or meat production based on market demand. Preliminary assessments indicate that the integrated interventions led to the broader adoption of introduced farmer- preferred chicken breeds and significant economic and social gains from adopting these breeds.
Village chickens can strengthen community resilience in the face of insecurity and climate change in Burkina Faso
(Abstract, 2025-03-12) Dione, Michel M.; Ilboudo, Guy; Ouedraogo, Brice; Ima, S.A.; Kagambèga, A.; Ganser, C.; Boz, Z.; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.; Alders, R.
In countries like Burkina Faso where climate change and political insecurity are causing displacement of communities to safer areas, village chickens are commonly raised by rural households. Indigenous chickens are well-adapted to local conditions due to their heat tolerance, ability to scavenge when access to feed is limited, and the relative ease of transport to market or to relocate during instability. Chicken production is a potential avenue to strengthen community resilience. To assess the roles and production practices for chickens in the communities, we carried out focus group discussions with 98 men and 99 females in 10 villages and a household survey in 483 chicken keeping households across 23 villages in Boussouma commune, a typical rural setting in Burkina Faso. Results show that the chicken production system is mainly extensive scavenging. The mean size of flocks was 42 birds (min= 1 bird, max=155 birds). However, most farmers (81%) keep 5 to 50 birds with little or no supplementary feeding and rudimentary housing. Seventy-six percent of farmers said that the main reason for keeping chicken is for sale to generate household income; a few indicated they kept chicken for household consumption (9%), and even fewer for egg consumption (2%). There is a significant association between the purpose of chicken keeping and the farmer’s main income generating activity. Most revenue from chicken sales is spent on household health (29%), food (21%) and education (20%). While men spent more revenue from chicken production on agriculture and household equipment, women spent more on food for the household, education and medical expenses. Chicken ownership is not restricted by gender and sex; however, women are more involved in the day-to-day flock husbandry with limited decision-making on chicken sales. Most producers indicated that Newcastle disease (ND) is the main cause of chicken mortality, with 59% of farmers saying their birds had been affected by disease compatible with ND in the three months prior to the survey. Poor or absence of adequate chicken housing, poor feeding and limited access to veterinary services were cited as key challenges. Village chicken plays a major role in strengthening resilience for communities that face high poverty with fragile production systems due to recurrent drought, heat stress and insecurity. This is largely through low-input, flexible means of household income generation, yet this could be greatly enhanced. With locally adapted interventions that employ a One Health approach, production of village chicken has the potential to secure and greatly improve smallholder livelihoods and household food security, while preserving public health in Burkina Faso.
No strong heterosis effects for milk production and calving interval of crosses of local Ethiopian and international dairy breeds kept under on-farm conditions
(Conference Paper, 2024-07-26) Gebre, T.; Meseret, Selam; Mrode, Raphael A.; Gebreyohanes, Gebregziabher; Gábor, M.; Okeyo Mwai, Ally; Sölkner, Johann
The multiple burdens of zoonoses in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): why zoonoses are worse for the poor
(Abstract, 2024-09-04) Grace, Delia
Introduction: Poor people in LMICs have greater exposure to zoonoses through livestock keeping; living in agricultural communities; interactions with peri-domestic and wild animals; less access to clean water; and, greater vulnerability to climate shocks. Although their consumption of animal source products is low, the quality of these products is poor. In addition to human health burdens, zoonoses reduce livestock productivity and are important barriers to trade in livestock products, as well as causing more difficult to quantify harms such as spillover to wildlife populations. Methods & Results: Assessing the impacts of zoonoses helps prioritize management. I present a typology for zoonoses according to epidemiology and argue that although epidemic zoonoses are more dreaded, endemic zoonoses have more negative impact on the poor. Among the most important zoonoses in LMICs are leptospirosis, cysticercosis, brucellosis, tuberculosis, and rabies and zoonoses causing foodborne disease. The COVID-19 pandemic also showed how lack of resilience leads to greater vulnerability of poor people to emerging zoonoses of high economic impact. Conclusion: I argue investment and innovation is urgently needed to tackle zoonoses in developing countries where they currently impose massive burdens on human, animal and ecosystem health and summarize major advances in approaches to understanding and managing the zoonoses of poverty in the last decade.
Using climate information for priority setting and to target risk management and adaptation strategies in Africa
(Conference Paper, 2009) Steeg, Jeannette van de; Kinyangi, James; Notenbaert, An Maria Omer; Thornton, Philip K.; Herrero, Mario
Reservoirs of pathogenic Leptospira species in Uganda
(Abstract, 2022-11-16) Alinaitwe, Lordrick; Dürr, S.; Kankya, C.; Cook, Elizabeth A.J.; Mayer-Scholl, A.
Introduction: Leptospira are spirochete bacteria, including pathogenic species that cause leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease endemic in the tropics. In Uganda, Leptospira seroprevalence has been reported among outpatients at three hospitals, with human-animal interaction implicated as source of human Leptospira exposures. However, corresponding animal Leptospira infection has only been demonstrated in cattle, leaving the status in several potential reservoirs like other livestock species and environmental sources unknown. The current study aims at determining the occurrence, and risk factors for Leptospira infection among livestock species and environmental sources in Uganda. Method: From a nationwide cross-sectional survey in major livestock slaughter facilities, we performed a real-time PCR test on 2,063 livestock kidney samples from 844 cattle, 761 pigs, 341 goats,117 sheep; and on 93 small mammals. Small mammals (rodents and shrews) were trapped at slaughter facilities and communities within a 500metre radius from slaughter facilities. Age, sex, breed and origin of each sampled animal were noted. Leptospira prevalence was estimated and risk factors for infection among livestock species determined using univariate logistic regression model. Results: Leptospira infection was detected in 43 of 2,063 livestock samples tested (2.08%, 95% C.I = 1.52-2.80). Infection was highest in sheep (5.13% C.I = 2.25-10.80), 3.32% (95% C.I = 2.26-4.75) in cattle, 1.76% (95% C. I=0.77-3.70) in goats, and 0.39 (95% C.I = 0.10-1.13) in pigs. Pigs were significantly less infected compared to all other species (p‐value= 0.0008). Indigenous livestock breeds were more infected (p‐value =0.005) compared to their exotic and crossed counterpart. Additionally, older livestock species were significantly infected than the younger ones (p‐value = 0.052). None of the small mammals tested positive. Conclusion: Livestock in Uganda reserve pathogenic Leptospira species, with sheep and cattle especially of indigenous breed being more significant reservoirs. Small mammals may play a limited role in Leptospira maintenance and transmission in Uganda.
Updating the epidemiological status of peste des petits ruminants in Uganda through research for development
(Abstract, 2022-10-14) Lumu, P.; Nkamwesiga, Joseph; Mabirizi, Alex; Waiswa, J.; Akwongo, C.; Dietze, K.; Milanovic, M.; Roesel, Kristina; Kiara, Henry K.
Antimicrobial resistance in the poultry value chain in Uganda: A post COVID-19 lockdown farm mapping visit of production systems in Wakiso and Soroti, Uganda
(Abstract, 2022-10-14) Ndoboli, Dickson; Mbatidde, Irene; Ayebare, Dreck; Tenhagen, B.-A.; Dione, Michel M.; Roesel, Kristina; Moodley, Arshnee
The treasure of field data: Establishing a livestock biorepository in Uganda – prospects and challenges
(Abstract, 2022-10-14) Mugizi, Denis; Obilil, Innocent; Lumu, Paul; Tumusiime, Dan; Nkamwesiga, Joseph; Mabirizi, Alex; Roesel, Kristina
Human brucellosis exposure in confirmed cutaneous anthrax cases, Dien Bien, Vietnam with an update on human prevalence regionally
(Conference Paper, 2022-09-19) Blackburn, J.; Pham Quang Thai; Luong Mihn Tan; Zincke, D.; Nguyen Van Long; Nguyen Khanh Ly; Long Thanh Pham; Hung Nguyen-Viet; Hu Suk Lee; Tran Thi Mai Hung; Hadfield, T.L.; Hoang Thi Thu Ha
Anthrax and brucellosis are important zoonoses worldwide. Often, they are reported separately with separate control strategies in livestock; routine vaccination for both accompanied by culling for brucellosis. The status of both diseases is poorly understood in Vietnam. In Vietnam, anthrax has been identified as a priority zoonotic disease for control in a One Health Circular (#16, 2013). Vietnam has a likely substantial, but poorly understood, brucellosis risk. There were no data available for Vietnam in the 2006 global assessment. Brucellosis rates are unknown, but the disease has been confirmed for humans and livestock, including recent genotyping in southern provinces. Here, we implemented the fluorescence polarization assay (FPA) using the Sentry 200 handheld FPA reader (Ellie Labs) and the B1002 test kits (based on an O-polysaccharide for Brucella abortus, which also reacts with B. suis and B. melitensis). We performed tests on human and animal samples. Human serum samples (collected 2011-2016) were randomly selected from the NIHE serum bank and livestock samples were provided from NCVD and NIHE (2015 - 2018); additional swine samples were provided by ILRI. We are currently running active hospital surveillance across six provinces in northern Vietnam, with 1,018 samples collected to date and 312 tested. We confirmed 1.39% human exposure to brucellosis (5/359; 95% CI: 0.045% - 3.22%). Four of those exposures were detected in Dien Bien province and two of those were confirmed cutaneous anthrax cases. The two co-infections were detected in family members from a single household in 2011 with the remaining two cases independent of each other in 2015. The fifth case was reported from Ha Nam province in 2016. These results suggest brucellosis may be widespread underappreciated/underreported in Vietnam. Preliminary results from ongoing surveillance suggest similar prevalence rates. We tested 1107 animals. While human samples were limited to northern Vietnam, animal samples were widely distributed. Domestic swine from southern Vietnam were 9.4% (17/180) seropositive. A second group of swine samples from ILRI had 2.2% seroprevalence (11/500). The remaining samples represented domestic cattle/buffaloes; all sero-negative. Our results suggest brucellosis surveillance for Vietnam is warranted and future policy might list brucellosis as reportable.
Environmental footprint of livestock farming in sub-Saharan Africa – Local evidence
(Conference Paper, 2021-09-15) Leitner, Sonja; Ndung'u, Phyllis W.; Graham, Michael; Zhu, Y.; Pelster, David E.; Takahashi, T.; Du Toit, L.; Butterbach-Bahl, Klaus; Goopy, John P.; Chelanga, Philemon; Jensen, Nathaniel D.; Fava, Francesco P.; Arndt, Claudia; Merbold, Lutz
Consumer preferences for safe pork products in rural Kenya
(Abstract, 2021-09-15) Gichuyia, Cianjo M.; Mtimet, Nadhem; Akaichi, Faical; Onono, Joshua O.; Fèvre, Eric M.; Thomas, Lian F.
Food-safety is classified as a basic human right and is therefore controlled and regulated by governments. Some governments however, due to resource constraints and the diverse nature of the food in their countries, fail to enforce appropriate legislation. To remedy such situations, studies have suggested alternatives to government intervention which leverage market incentives to achieve greater efficiency in food safety management. These incentives are largely determined by consumers preference and their willingness to pay for safer food. Rural pork value chains in Kenya are mostly low input systems with several public health inadequacies which pose a threat to the health of consumers as well as other livelihood systems dependent on pork production. This is a common characteristic of livestock production in developing countries where smallholder production and informal marketing systems are quite dominant. This study analyses the preferences and willingness to pay for safe and high quality pork products by consumers in such a system. Results indicate that consumers in Kenya state a preference for safer pork products and a willingness to pay more for them. These highlight a potential opportunity to exploit market based incentives such as a ‘safe pork’ premium to encourage a certain degree of self-regulation of meat value chains. Additionally, investing in increasing consumer awareness about food safety issues should be considered in order to generate an effective market demand especially in rural areas with relatively lower literacy levels.
Drivers of Change for Grassland and Forage Systems: A Case Study of China
(Conference Paper, 2013) Zhang, Yingjun; Zhang, L.Z.; Wang, M.L.; Li, X.L.; Yang, Q.C.; Hanson, Jean; Jorge, M.A.B.
Grassland and forage systems have changed dramatically across the world. This paper describes some of the key drivers of change of grassland and forage systems using examples from China as a case study. The key drivers of change for grassland and forage systems include political, economic, social, technical and environmental factors and their impact on changes in grasslands ecosystems in China is discussed. There are interactions among the drivers and their impact is similar in many developing countries.
Entry Points to Improve Livestock Water Productivity in Selected Forage Based Livestock Systems
(Conference Paper, 2013) Haileslassie, Amare; Descheemaeker, Katrien K.; Blümmel, Michael; Craufurd, Peter Q.; Ergano, Kebebe
Agricultural production is challenged by increasing water scarcity and simultaneously growing demands for food and feed. Globally livestock feed sourcing is seen as one of the major causes for water depletion, and therefore increasing livestock water productivity (LWP) is necessary. Feed sources in Forage Based Livestock Production Systems [FLPS (grazing, mixed-irrigated and mixed-rainfed)] largely consist of pasture, crop residue, or immature cereal crops, and also plants cut for fodder and carried to the animals. In drylands (arid and semi-arid) eco-regions, FLPS are generally extensive and thus the scale of water depletion for feed production is a major concern. This paper synthesizes LWP-knowledge generated across different FLPS over time and systematically identifies entry points to enhance productive uses of fresh water resources. It draws on examples of grazing systems in Uganda (Nile basin), mixed-rainfed systems in Ethiopia (Nile basin), mixed-irrigated systems in Sudan (Nile basin), and mixed-irrigated systems in India (Indio-Gangana basin). Although these systems vary by their degree of intensification, scale of water related problems, and therefore in their values of LWP, a number of common entry points to increase LWP can be identified. Based on empirical evidence from these systems, we systematically clustered these entry points as: (1) improving the water productivity of feed; (2) improving livestock feed sourcing and feeding; (3) enhancing livestock feed use efficiencies; and (4) enabling institutions and market linkages to facilitate adoption of relevant technologies. The paper concludes by discussing a comprehensive framework for entry points to improve water productivity in FLPS.
Fungal Endophytes from the Aerial Tissues of Important Tropical Forage Grasses Brachiaria spp. in Kenya
(Conference Paper, 2015) Ghimire, Sita R.; Njuguna, Joyce; Kago, Leah; Ahonsi, Monday; Njarui, Donald M. G.
Most, if not all plants in natural ecosystems are symbiotic with mycorrhizal fungi and/or fungal endophytes. This association between plant and fungi is believed to be over 400 million years old when plants first colonized the land (Redecker et al., 2000). These fungal symbionts play important roles on plant ecology, fitness, and evolution; shaping plant communities; and the community structure and diversity of associated organisms. The importance of fungal endophytes in cool season grasses production and effects of endophyte on the livestock health (Examples fescue toxicosis and ryegrass staggers) have been extensively investigated (Smith et al., 2009; di Menna et al., 2012). However, current understanding of fungal endophyte community of warm season grasses (including Brachiaria spp.) and the impact of these endophytes on livestock production is very limited. Therefore, this study aims to analyse fungal endophytes community inhabiting in the aerial tissues of important tropical grasses Brachiaria species from Kenya, an East African country representing place of origin for most of the Brachiaria species.
Identification of Niches for Integration of Brachiaria Grasses in Smallholder Mixed Crop-Livestock Farming Systems in Kenya
(Conference Paper, 2015) Njarui, Donald M.G.; Gichangi, Elias M.; Gatheru, Mwangi; Njunie, Michael N.; Nyambati, Elkana; Ndungu, Keziah W.; Mureithi, Joseph G.; Ghimire, Sita R.
Inadequate quantity and quality of feed is the major constraint to livestock productivity in Kenya. Low rainfall, lack of adapted forages and poor management of sown forages are major factors that affect feed resources production. In most of the farming systems, forages are relegated to the less fertile and degraded soils resulting into poor growth. As a result the growth is poor resulting in deficient in minerals content, low crude protein (CP) and energy. The situation in exacerbated by climate variability and frequent drought. On the other hand, feed resources derived from crop residues, particularly cereals are of poor quality and not sufficient to meet animal production (Njarui and Mureithi, 2006).
Changing Grassland Scenario in Developing Countries - Economical and Social Perspective
(Conference Paper, 2015) Ebro, Abule
Grasslands are mainly used for livestock production in developing countries although they have been facing contradictory pressures, i.e., increased demand for natural resources and animal products to cope with rising human populations. On the other, there is a need to preserve the environment and ecosystem. This paper reviewed the causes of grassland changes, the economic and social perspective of changing grasslands with more emphasis on dry lands. Different indicators were used to assess the economic (livestock production, wildlife and tourism, crop production, ecosystem services) and social (traditional institutions, mobility, land tenure and grazing systems) perspectives of changing grassland. The major causes of grassland change/degradation are natural and human induced factors. Compared to the past, there is an increased market orientation of the communities and increased livelihood diversification. A decline in livestock productivity and mobility, emergence of different wealth classes, weakening of the traditional institutions and shifts from communal to individual landholdings are some of the changes observed. The negative economic and social perspectives regarding mobile livestock production are changing drastically. In the conclusion part, potential research activities are outlined.
What Are the Main Limits to Smallholder Livestock Production in the Tropics - According to Farmers?
(Conference Paper, 2021) Duncan, Alan J.
Livestock production is central to the livelihoods of a billion poor people. Transforming livestock production would have transformative effects on local economies in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Development efforts in the livestock sector have tended to be top-down without enough feedback loops to understand farmer realities and aspirations. This, despite the Farmer First movement that began in the 1990s. The Feed Assessment Tool (FEAST) was developed as a reaction to top down livestock feed development approaches. FEAST facilitates a structured conversation with farming communities about their livestock production system and how it connects with the overall farming system. FEAST involves both individual farmer interviews and focus group discussions (FGD's). The final element of each FGD is a conversation with farmers on problems and opportunities for their livestock enterprise. Farmers are asked to name the issues which most limit their livestock enterprise and to rank them using a pair-wise ranking approach. The purpose of this exercise is to make sure that any following development activities consider the issues that really matter to farmers whether they be feed issues or other issues. FEAST has been applied in over a dozen countries and the many published reports provide a global overview of the main issues facing poor livestock keepers who are seeking to enhance their livestock enterprise. In this paper I will provide a global overview of livestock constraints based on over 150 focus group discussions involving over one thousand farmers from various countries in SSA and South Asia.
Risk of Climate-Related Impacts on Global Rangelands - A Review and Modelling Study
(Conference Paper, 2021) Godde, Cécile M.; Boone, R.B.; Ash, A.; Waha, K.; Sloat, L.; Thornton, Philip K.; Mason-D'Croz, Daniel; Mayberry, D.; Herrero, Mario
Climate change threatens the ability of global rangelands to provide food, support livelihoods and deliver important ecosystems services. The extent and magnitude of potential impacts are however poorly understood. In this study, we review the risk of climate impacts along the rangeland systems food supply chain. We also present results from biophysical modelling simulations and spatial data analyses to identify where and to what extent rangelands may be at climatic risk. Although a quantification of the net impacts of climate change on rangeland production systems is beyond the reach of our current understanding, there is strong evidence that there will be impacts throughout the supply chain, from feed and animal production to processing, storage, transport, retailing and human consumption. Regarding grazing biomass production, this study finds that mean herbaceous biomass is projected to decrease across global rangelands between 2000 and 2050 under RCP 8.5 (-4.7%), while inter- (year-to-year) and intra- (month-to-month) annual variabilities are projected to increase (+21.3% and +8.2%, respectively). These averaged global estimates mask large spatial heterogeneities, with 74% of global rangeland area projected to experience a decline in mean biomass, 64% an increase in inter-annual variability and 54% an increase in intra-annual variability. The potentially most damaging vegetation trends for livestock production (i.e., simultaneous decreases in mean biomass and increases in inter-annual variability) are projected to occur in rangeland communities that are currently the most vulnerable (here, with the lowest livestock productivities and economic development levels and with the highest projected increases in human population densities). Large uncertainties remain as to climate futures and the exposure and responses of the interlinked human and natural systems to climatic changes over time. Consequently, adaptation choices will need to build on robust methods of designing, implementing and evaluating detailed development pathways, and account for a wide range of possible futures.
Feed Markets in the Late Dry Season across Agro-Ecological Zones in Burkina Faso
(Conference Paper, 2021) Ayantunde, Augustine A.; Doamba, E.; Hebie, M.; Sogoba, D.; Same, R.; Blummel, Michael
Limited access to adequate quantities of high-quality feed is a major constraint to livestock productivity in smallholder systems in the West African Sahel. As a result of the increase in the livestock population and the associated growth in the demand for feeds, feed markets have sprung up in many cities and towns in the region. However, there is little available information on price variations for different feed types across agro-ecological zones in Burkina Faso. Information on feed price and quality is essential to developing strategies to match feed supply with demand. Surveys on the price and quality of feeds at nine feed markets in peri-urban areas across the four agro-ecological zones in Burkina Faso were conducted in the late dry season (March–May) in 2019. In each location, at least 10 feed sellers were interviewed. Samples of major feeds on sale at the markets were collected for laboratory analysis. Cowpea hay had the highest price of 394±53 FCFA per kg DM in Ouagadougou while the feed with the lowest price was sorghum straw, which was 30±2 FCFA per kg DM in Ouahigouya. For nearly all feeds, the prices were highest in Ouagadougou, which is presumably a reflection of higher demand. There was no correlation between price and quality (nitrogen concentration and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) in the Ouagadougou market. However, there was a significant (P<0.05) positive relationship between price and nitrogen concentration in Dori, and between price and IVOMD in Bobo-Dioulasso and Ouahigouya markets. The results suggest that increasing demand for feed tends to drive up price particularly in the urban areas regardless of the quality. The findings in Dori, Bobo-Dioulasso and Ouahigouya indicate that there is opportunity to develop feed pricing based on quality.

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