CGIAR Initiative on Livestock and Climate

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/114642

LCSR aims to directly enable 600,000 producers (at least 40% women) in nine countries to better prepare for and manage uncertain futures by improving security of access to resources and adopting management practices that enhance their climate-related adaptive capacities (livestock assets) while ensuring household equity and reducing GHGe intensities.

Part of the CGIAR Action Area on Resilient Agrifood Systems

Primary CGIAR impact area: Climate adaptation and mitigation

https://www.cgiar.org/initiative/34-livestock-climate-and-system-resilience/

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 1334

Effects of N fertilization on soil chemistry dynamics in Ferralsols of the High Potential Maize Zone, Kenya
(Poster, 2025-03-14) Oluoch, K.C.; Otinga, A.; Njoroge, R.; Mutua, S.; Ouma, T.; Agredazywczuk, P.; Barthel, M.; Six, Johan; Sonja, Leitner; Oduor, Collins; Harris, E.
Nitrogen-based inorganic fertilizers have been crucial in crop production globally. For a long time, SSA agriculture has been characterised by low fertilizer use and negative nutrient balances. However, recently fertilizer use has increased drastically. Unfortunately, increased use of synthetic N fertilizers alters soil properties directly and indirectly, and N losses to the ecosystem contribute to environmental degradation and climate change. Limited studies have focused on the effect of increased N application rates on agricultural soils in the tropical highlands. It is crucial to investigate and understand N flows in tropical soils to predict potential ecological impacts of increased synthetic N-fertilizer use while meeting the food demand in SSA.
Improving nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions accounting in Kenya: Insights and measurement results relating to fertilizer practices, environmental drivers, and N isotopic composition
(Abstract, 2025-05-08) Ouma, T.; Agredazywczuk, P.; Barthel, M.; Otinga, A.; Njoroge, R.; Leitner, Sonja; Yuhao Zhu; Oduor, Collins; Oluoch, K. C.; Obozinski, G.; Six, Johan; Harris, E.
The use of mineral fertilizers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity but also raises concerns about emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas. Despite their importance for agriculture, N₂O emissions remain poorly understood in SSA, limiting the development of accurate emissions inventories and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. In the N2O-SSA project, we quantified N₂O emissions from maize and potato cropping systems under nitrogen application rates of 50 kg N/ha and 100 kg N/ha, compared to control plots, using automated static chamber methods. Fertilizer treatments included urea and triple superphosphate (TSP), and control plots received no nitrogen. Preliminary results showed significant temporal and treatment-specific variability in N₂O emissions, with peaks following fertilizer applications and rainfall events, highlighting the interaction between nitrogen availability and soil moisture. Cumulative annual N₂O emissions were found to vary widely depending on nitrogen application rates and crop types, with fertilizer treatments driving the majority of emissions. Emission factors (EFs) were within ranges consistent with previous studies, highlighting differences between crops such as maize and potatoes. Control plots consistently showed negligible emissions, underlining the critical role of nitrogen inputs in driving N₂O fluxes. These findings underline the importance of crop-specific nitrogen dynamics in shaping N₂O emissions, and the need for tailored nitrogen management strategies to balance agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability. In the next phase of the project, we will analyze soil samples for N₂O isotopic composition, measuring δ¹⁵N-NH₄ and δ¹⁵N-NO₃, in addition to analyzing gas samples to provide further insights into the sources of N₂O emissions. This will inform more efficient nitrogen management practices for sustainable agricultural systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Boosting livestock productivity and sustainability in East Africa: The role of forage seed systems
(Blog Post, 2025-02-13) Burkart, Stefan; Mwendia, Solomon Waweru
Livestock farming plays a critical role in the economies of East African countries, with millions of people depending on cattle, goats and sheep for food, income and employment. However, despite the region's vast agricultural potential, livestock production faces a significant feed deficit - nearly 40% of the total ruminant feed demand is unmet annually. This challenge, compounded by climate change, is limiting the region's ability to maximize livestock productivity. Addressing this feed shortage is essential for improving food security, rural livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
Participatory rangeland management (PRM): from concept to continental scaling
(Conference Paper, 2025-06) Flintan, Fiona E.; Otieno, Ken; Sircely, Jason; Nganga, I.; Eba, Bedasa; Mukalo, I.; Faustin, Z.; Akilmali, A.; Ngurumwa, P.; Ouma, D.; Olesikilal, B.; Ebro, A.; Okoth, J.; Akiyaga, A.; Gudina, D.; Irwin, B.
Joint village land use planning across administrative boundaries protects shared grazing lands and water points in Tanzania. Lessons learned from fifteen years of development and policy influencing
(Conference Paper, 2025-06) Flintan, Fiona, E.; Kalenzi, D.; Akilimali, A.; Ngurumwa, P.; Faustin, Z.; Andalu, W.A.; Olesikilal, B.; Mkalawa, C.
Strategies for building resilient pastoral and agropastoral systems in Africa
(Conference Paper, 2025-06) Whitbread, Anthony M.; Ba, Baba; Banerjee, Rupsha R.; Dhulipala, Ram; Flintan, Fiona E.; Houessionon, Prosper; Joseph, E.; Olesikilal, Birikaa; Paliwal, Ambica; Sarr, A.; Shikuku, Kelvin Mashisia; Sircely, Jason; Worou, O.N.; Wane, Abdrahmane
From awareness to action: Social valuation of climate change mitigation options in Kenyan dairy farming
(Blog Post, 2025-02-20) Florez Herrera, Jesus Fernando; Burkart, Stefan
In Kenya, where small-scale dairy farming is a vital part of the economy, farmers face increasing challenges from rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and degraded pastures. These climate risks affect productivity, making it crucial for farmers to adopt strategies that mitigate these effects. A recent study conducted by the CGIAR Initiative Livestock & Climate (L&C) has provided a closer look at how Kenyan dairy farmers perceive and are prepared to adopt climate change mitigation strategies.
The underlying causes of deforestation during “peacetime”: Evidence from the implementation of the Peace Agreement in Colombia
(Journal Article, 2025-06-01) Triana-Ángel, Natalia; Pirela Ríos, Ana; Junca Paredes, John Jairo; Pazos Cardenas, Mateo; Burkart, Stefan
An economic evaluation of an intensive silvo-pastoral system in San Martín, Peru
(Journal Article, 2025-05-20) Junca Paredes, John Jairo; Durango Morales, Sandra Guisela; Burkart, Stefan
The cattle sector plays a critical role in Peru’s agricultural economy, yet it faces challenges related to low productivity and environmental degradation. Sustainable alternatives like silvo-pastoral systems (SPSs) offer promising solutions to enhance both economic returns and ecological outcomes in cattle farming. This study examines the economic viability of an intensive SPS (SPSi) compared to traditional monoculture grass systems in San Martín, Peru. The SPSi under study is in the evaluation phase, integrates grasses, legumes, shrubs, and trees, and has the potential to enhance cattle farming profitability while simultaneously offering environmental benefits such as improved soil health and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Through a discounted cash flow model over an eight-year period, key profitability indicators—Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit–Cost Ratio (BC), and payback period—were estimated for four dual-purpose cattle production scenarios: a traditional system and three SPSi scenarios (pessimistic, moderate, and optimistic). Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to assess risk, ensuring robust results. The results show that the NPV for the traditional system was a modest USD 61, while SPSi scenarios ranged from USD 9564 to USD 20,465. The IRR improved from 8.17% in the traditional system to between 26.63% and 30.33% in SPSi scenarios, with a shorter payback period of 4.5 to 5.8 years, compared to 7.98 years in the traditional system. Additionally, the SPSi demonstrated a 30% increase in milk production and a 50% to 250% rise in stocking rates per hectare. The study recommends, subject to pending validations through field trials, promoting SPSi adoption through improved access to credit, technical assistance, and policy frameworks that compensate farmers for ecosystem services. Policymakers should also implement monitoring mechanisms to mitigate unintended consequences, such as deforestation, ensuring that SPSi expansion aligns with sustainable land management practices. Overall, the SPSi presents a viable solution for achieving economic resilience and environmental sustainability in Peru’s cattle sector.
Advancing sustainable livestock practices through ecosystem services valuation
(Blog Post, 2025-03-14) Burkart, Stefan; Florez Herrera, Jesus Fernando
As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, the need for sustainable livestock practices has never been more urgent. In response to this, a multi-disciplinary team of international researchers from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) have developed an integral framework for evaluating ecosystem services in livestock farming, aiming to promote practices that balance environmental, economic, and social objectives.
Land, cows and bullets: A complex history of cattle ranching and armed conflict in Colombia
(Blog Post, 2025-02-18) Triana Ángel, Natalia; Pazos Cardenas, Mateo; Burkart, Stefan
Cattle ranching in Colombia has been at the heart of the country’s agricultural economy for centuries, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods and national development. However, the sector has also played a profound role in the country’s armed conflict, where the dynamics of land ownership, power and violence are deeply intertwined.
Women's tenure security on collective lands: A conceptual framework
(Journal Article, 2025-08) Meinzen-Dick, Ruth S.; Doss, Cheryl; Flintan, Fiona E.; Knight, Rachael; Larson, Anne M.; Monterroso, Iliana
Within discussions of land and resource rights, there is growing attention to women's rights, mostly in terms of household and individual rights to private property. This leaves unanswered questions about whether and how women's land rights can be secured under collective tenure, upon which billions of people worldwide depend. There is an important gap in conceptual tools, empirical understanding, and policy recommendations on this topic. To address this gap and lay the foundations for a sound body of empirical studies and appropriate policies, we develop a conceptual framework to improve understanding of women's land rights under collective tenure. We discuss what secure tenure for women on collective lands would entail, then what factors would affect women's tenure security. We give attention to particularities of rangelands, forests, and other types of collective lands as well as commonalities across types. A key theme that emerges is that for women to have secure tenure under collective tenure, the collective (group) itself must have tenure security and the women must have secure rights within this collective. The latter requires us to consider the governance structures, how men and women access and control land, and the extent to which women have voice and power within the collective. More consistent analyses of collective tenure systems using the conceptual framework presented in this paper can help to identify which action resources are important for groups to secure rights to collective lands, and for women to advocate for their rights within the group.
Bringing together measurements and data science for better nitrous oxide emission accounting in data-poor regions
(Abstract, 2025-03-14) Harris, E.; Barthel, M.; Leitner, Sonja; Ouma, T.; Agredazywczuk, P.; Otinga, A.; Njoroge, R.; Oduor, Collins; Oluoch, K. C.
"Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas emitted during soil nitrogen cycling. Excess nitrogen fertilization leads to increased N2O emissions, which is a waste of applied nitrogen. Optimized nitrogen fertilizer management (4R nutrient management: right product, right rate, right time, right method/place) can enhance nitrogen use efficiency and reduce N2O emissions without reducing crop yields, mitigating the climate impact of agriculture. This is particularly relevant in developing regions like sub-Saharan Africa where fertilizer use is expected to increase over coming decades. Effective fertilizer management offers multiple benefits: Boosting food security while safeguarding the environment and minimizing input costs for farmers. Quantifying N2O emissions at the field and farm level is challenging. Therefore, N2O is often not included in agroecosystem assessments, which may focus on variables such as the CO2 budget or soil carbon balance. Typical methods to quantify N2O fluxes – such as automated chamber measurements and eddy covariance – are expensive and require advanced knowledge and infrastructure. Moreover, N2O emissions are highly heterogeneous in space and time, thus many measurements are needed to quantify emissions. Novel measurements, models and machine learning can be used in combination with existing techniques to understand drivers, increase spatial coverage, and extrapolate to new locations. Measurement innovations focusing on low-cost sensing of N2O will provide much needed data in remote and developing regions. Low-cost sensing is particularly suited in direct soil gas measurements, where N2O concentrations and variability are much higher than in free air. Specialised algorithms are needed to estimate fluxes based on soil gas measurements. Machine learning and process modelling approaches can furthermore be used to understand drivers and create simple simulations of N2O emissions, to extrapolate in space and time based on existing (sparse) measurements. These approaches can also leverage proxies, such as isotopic composition, to estimate emissions. Measurement campaigns in data-poor regions should prioritise calibration, collection of ancillary data (such as soil moisture, temperature and nitrogen content), robust metadata reporting, and open data sharing, to maximise the impact of measurements and facilitate data-driven analyses. Development of these tools and approaches will allow N2O emissions to be estimated for different sites and scenarios, opening the way for simple emission accounting and the inclusion of N2O in agroecosystem assessments."
Harnessing livestock water and pasture monitoring and early warning systems for anticipatory action to strengthen resilience of pastoral communities in Ethiopia: A qualitative multi-stakeholder analysis
(Journal Article, 2025-05-11) Sintayehu, Alemayehu; Tegegne, Getachew; Dejene, Sintayehu Workeneh; Tesfaye, Lidya; Numery, Abdulhamid; Girvetz, Evan
Ethiopian pastoralist communities are facing a recurrent drought crisis that significantly affects the availability of water and pasture resources for communities dependent on livestock. The increasing intensity, duration and frequency of droughts in the pastoral community in Ethiopia have drawn the attention of multiple stakeholders and increased stakeholder debates on the role of early warning systems (EWSs) for anticipatory action to build climate resilience in the pastoral community. The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), in collaboration with various partners, has developed an interactive web-based digital EWS to provide near real-time information on water and pasture conditions in pastoral and agro-pastoral regions of Ethiopia. In this study, a stakeholder analysis was conducted to identify key stakeholders, understand stakeholder needs, and facilitate collaboration towards sustaining the EWS. The stakeholder analysis revealed the roles and information needs of key actors engaged in livestock water and pasture monitoring and early warning systems aimed at improving the pastoral communities’ resilience. The analysis showed a pressing need for access to real-time information on water and pasture availability and seasonal climate forecasts by local communities for effective and optimal resources management. Local and national governments need similar data for evidence-based decision-making in resource allocation and policy development. International and non-governmental organizations (INGOs) require the same information for efficient humanitarian responses and targeted development interventions. The private sector seeks insights into market dynamics to better align production strategies with community needs. An EWS serves as a vital tool for development partners, facilitating improved planning, coordination, and impact assessment. It also emphasizes the importance of proactive collaboration among stakeholders, including local communities, government bodies, INGOs, and academic and research institutions. Enhanced communication strategies, such as partnerships with local media, are essential for timely information dissemination. Ultimately, sustained collaboration and adaptive strategies are crucial for optimizing the impact of an EWS towards improving the livelihoods and resilience of pastoral communities amid climate variability.
Potential of different Urochloa grass hybrids to enhance soil organic carbon stocks in a Mollisol of Valle del Cauca, Colombia
(Poster, 2025-04-27) Rodriguez, Leonardo; Bastidas, Mike; Villegas, Daniel; Prado Murcia, Madyan Vanessa; Benito, Marta; Subbarao, Guntur; Costa Junior, Ciniro; Idupulapati, Rao; Arango, Jacobo
Increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) in grasslands is a promising strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock. Some Urochloa grasses with deep roots enhance SOC in acidic, low-fertility tropical soils (Fisher et al., 1994). At the Alliance Bioversity-CIAT, genetically diverse Urochloa grasses are used in breeding programs to develop hybrids with improved stress tolerance, forage quality, and reduced GHG emissions. However, deep-rooting traits linked to SOC accumulation (sequestration) have not yet been targeted. Since these improved grasses are important for sustainable livestock systems, it is necessary to explore their role in SOC storage.
What is needed to successfully implement Colombia’s first public policy for sustainable cattle farming?
(Blog Post, 2025-03-04) Burkart, Stefan; Sandoval, Danny
Cattle farming is a cornerstone of Colombia’s agricultural economy, but its environmental impact—especially in terms of deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions—has raised concerns. In response to these challenges, the Colombian government, through Resolution 000126 of 2022, launched the Public Policy Guidelines for Sustainable Cattle 2022-2050 (Lineamientos de Política para la Ganadería Bovina Sostenible, LPGBS), aiming to shift the sector toward more sustainable practices. However, the road to implementing this policy is far from smooth.
Evidence for Resilience Livestock: Guide to Livestock Data Analysis in the ERA Dataset
(Manual, 2024-12-15) Joshi, Namita; Steward, Peter Richard; Rosenstock, Todd Stuart
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of livestock-related data within the Evidence for Resilient Agriculture (ERA) dataset. It focuses on the exploration of data regarding animal feed nutritional composition, digestibility, and livestock outcomes. The guide outlines the methodology used for data collection, including search terms, screening criteria, and data extraction processes. It further delves into the structure and utility of the ERA data model, enabling users to explore livestock-specific studies and associated metadata. Key areas covered include the geographic distribution of livestock studies, practices involving feed addition and substitution, diet composition, and common outcomes such as weight gain and feed intake. The guide also demonstrates how to harmonize data units, link metadata with observations, and visualize livestock-related outcomes using Shiny applications and analytical workflows. The resource is dynamic and continually evolving, serving as a living data resource. It is designed to improve over time with updates to the data model and analytical workflows, ensuring relevance and usability for researchers. Users can access the following: • ERL GitHub Repository for source code and ongoing development. • Static HTML Guide for an in-depth exploration of the dataset. • Dynamic Markdown File that can be run interactively from the ERL project in RStudio. This guide serves as a foundational tool for researchers, providing step-by-step instructions to analyze livestock systems in the context of agricultural resilience and sustainability, while supporting modular exploration within the ERA framework.
Guía técnica para el establecimiento de viveros comunitarios
(Manual, 2024-09-02) Diaz Forero, Oscar Eduardo; Durango Morales, Sandra Guisela; Calderon, Victor Hugo
The scarcity of plant material in rural areas is hindering the implementation of silvopastoral systems, which are crucial for livestock adaptation to climate change. This deficiency threatens animal production and welfare in the face of droughts and floods and negatively impacts ecosystems. Restoring areas degraded by deforestation is a vital opportunity, reducing the effects of unsustainable practices on forests and strategic ecosystems. The establishment of community nurseries emerges as an effective solution. These nurseries propagate native and agroforestry species, promoting biodiversity and facilitating biological corridors. They improve production systems by migrating towards more sustainable practices, mitigating vulnerability to climate change, and promoting carbon sequestration by integrating trees into livestock farms. In addition, community nurseries foster associativity between communities, strengthening social cohesion and self-management, training participants, and cultivating community leaders to coordinate activities, promoting inclusive and sustainable rural development. This technical guide details the key steps for establishing and operating community nurseries in the cattle-growing areas of San Martín Province, Perú. It is part of the commitment of the Alliance Bioversity & CIAT within the PERU-Hub project, which is focused on Silvopastoral Systems and sustainable landscape management.
Manejo estratégico de Urochloa humidicola (Pasto Humidícola) para la optimización de sistemas ganaderos de la Orinoquía colombiana. Manual Técnico - Volumen 2
(Manual, 2025-05) Bastidas, Mike; Ospina, Luciano; Aguiar, André; Márquez, Manuel; Idupulapati, Rao; Montoya, Alejandro; Jiménez, Juliana; Jaramillo, Gabriel; Yedra, Anny; Rivas, Isabela; Arango, Jacobo
La región de la Orinoquía en Colombia, que se destaca por su producción ganadera, enfrenta desafíos significativos debido a prácticas de manejo inadecuadas y a la degradación del suelo. Este manual ofrece una guía integral para la gestión estratégica de Urochloa humidicola (pasto Humidícola o Tully – CIAT 679), con el objetivo de optimizar la productividad y sostenibilidad de los sistemas ganaderos en esta región. La gestión eficiente de U. humidicola, ejemplificada en el caso exitoso de la Hacienda San José en Vichada, abarca prácticas innovadoras y detalladas para la planificación y manejo de pasturas. Esto incluye la adecuación de infraestructura ganadera, como caminos, corrales y cercas eléctricas; y la implementación de sistemas rotacionales. Estas estrategias permiten maximizar la eficiencia operativa y asegurar la salud y el bienestar del ganado, garantizando un acceso constante a agua fresca a través de un acueducto ganadero bien diseñado. El manejo estratégico del pastoreo es fundamental para mantener la salud de las pasturas y la productividad del ganado. Este manual introduce un modelo de cálculo de capacidad de carga basado en la altura y la cobertura del pasto, permitiendo ajustar dinámicamente la carga animal para mantener una capacidad sostenible de aproximadamente 1 unidad gran ganado (UGG) por hectárea durante todo el año1. La técnica de rotación de potreros y el manejo diferido de pasturas durante las estaciones secas aseguran un uso óptimo del forraje disponible, mejorando tanto la calidad del pasto como la salud del suelo. Este manual proporciona una hoja de ruta detallada para transformar la ganadería en la Orinoquía (sobretodo en la altillanura), promoviendo prácticas que no solo aumentan la productividad y los ingresos de los ganaderos, sino que también aseguran la sostenibilidad a largo plazo de los recursos naturales. La experiencia de la Hacienda San José sirve como un modelo replicable y demuestra la viabilidad y los beneficios tangibles de estas prácticas en la región.
Comparative assessment of soil bulk density measurements using core metal ring and power probe methods in acidic soils of Colombian pasturelands
(Journal Article, 2025-05-06) Rodriguez, Leonardo; Bastidas, Mike; Da Silva, Mayesse; Arias, Juliana; Martin Lopez, Javier Mauricio; Matiz Rubio, Natalia; Loaiza, Sandra; Idupulapati, Rao; Arango, Jacobo; Costa Junior, Ciniro
Accurate and cost-effective soil bulk density (BD) measurements are crucial for robust climate mitigation and adaptation strategies by ensuring reliable estimation of key soil properties, such as soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the power probe method compared to the traditional core metal ring method (reference method) for measuring BD in acidic soils (Oxisols and Ultisols) in Colombia. Soil samples were collected from eight locations at soil depths of up to 1 meter, with fine fraction content ranging from 29% to 57% silt and 31% to 41% clay, covering two land uses: natural savanna (n=2) and planted pastures (n=6) (Urochloa humidicola cv. Tully). We found minimal differences between the use of metal ring and probe methods for BD measurements, indicating that both methods generate similar results. Out of 32 observations, only four showed significant differences at specific soil depths with varying silt or clay content. While the probe method showed higher variability, particularly in the 0–10 cm and 50–100 cm layers, which is likely due to soil compaction or stretching, it offers significant advantages in terms of cost reduction and improved work efficiency. While further validation is recommended for use in different soil types and conditions, particularly in clay-rich soils, integrating the use of power probe method in soil assessments can significantly enhance the efficiency of BD measurements. This is particularly relevant to support agricultural and SOC management initiatives while streamlining monitoring efforts for climate finance, where reliable, efficient, and cost-effective soil measurements are crucial.

Browse

Recent Submissions