AnGR Utilization

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/3676

General, In-situ, Ex-situ, Policies, Community based management

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 52

Conservation and utilization of beef cattle genetic resources in Japan
(Journal Article, 1996) Obata, T.; Satoh, M.; Takeda, H.
Facts and emotions in biotech: Towards efficient R&D capacity building targeting Africa’s livestock related development issues
(Conference Paper, 2006) Wollny, C.B.A.
Need for the development of regional capacities in biotechnology to improve livestock production in West Africa
(Conference Paper, 2006) Thévenon, S.; Gouro, A.; Bélemsaga, D.M.A.; Adakal, H.
Livestock breeding is an essential activity in West Africa. However, its productivity is usually low and it cannot provide enough food to meet the needs of a growing population. To improve livestock productivity, it is necessary to face numerous constraints that could be resolved by research and development activities based in part on biotechnology tools. Different researches using biotechnology tools are conducted in CIRDES on the genetic characterisation of local breeds, parasites and vectors to improve animal health and production. However, all these researches cannot be performed in full at CIRDES or in any other West African institute. Human resources and equipment are not sufficient to achieve the objectives of the research programmes. Building a biotechnology platform in West Africa, with the required equipment and the trained staff in the national agriculture research systems of the sub-region, could solve this problem.
Revving up the engine for Africa’s development: Providing a continental perspective to increase the impact of African agricultural research
(Conference Paper, 2006) Sileshi, Z.; Kaufmann, Ralph R. von
Bringing technological innovations to African smallholder farmers through intellectual property and technology transfer management: The AATF approach
(Conference Paper, 2006) Boadi, R.Y.; Bokanga, M.
Yields of the major staple crops (maize, sorghum, millet, cassava, cowpea and bananas/plantains) of smallholder farmers in Africa have remained stagnant or even declined in the past 40 years. Numerous biotic and abiotic stresses facing these crops in Africa have contributed to this scenario. Local research efforts to overcome these stresses are hampered by declining support for agricultural research, limited access to elite genetic material and other technologies protected by intellectual property rights and absence of commercial interest in these crops by private owners of agricultural technologies. This paper addresses the intellectual property issues (IP) and partnership arrangements associated with the access, development and deployment of agricultural technologies targeting smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa as addressed by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF). AATF is a new initiative addressing these challenges by negotiating access to proprietary technologies and facilitating their conversion into technological solutions deliverable to smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.
Implementing the Cartagena Protocol in West and Central Africa: Challenges and opportunities
(Conference Paper, 2006) Njamnshi, A.B.; Njakoi, H.
Although modern biotechnology holds great potential for agriculture, especially in developing countries, if it is not well regulated and managed, it can be of great disservice to the very people it is intended to serve. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is one of the international instruments that regulate modern biotechnology but some West and Central African countries face many challenges in its implementation. These challenges include, among other things, the lack of biosafety laws, the absence of access and benefit sharing regulations, the absence of clear biotechnology policies, poor government commitment to funding biotechnology research, poor or lack of laboratory equipment, poor public perception of biotechnology and poor access to information and communication technology. This paper discusses how these challenges hinder the proper implementation of the Protocol and proposes a way forward by examining the opportunities that are available for effective implementation of the Protocol in the sub-region.
National Biosafety Framework for Tanzania: Regulatory regime on genetically modified organisms
(Conference Paper, 2006) Mugurusi, K.; Mwinjaka, S.
The Office of the Vice President of Tanzania, in collaboration with national stakeholders and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has developed a National Biosafety Framework (NBF) for the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The process involved the establishment of a system of legal, technical and administrative mechanisms to address safety in the field of modern biotechnology in the country. In the process of developing the NBF, stakeholders’ workshops and surveys were conducted in 2003 to ensure public participation. Existing local infrastructure and resources were identified to establish the status of the extent to which Tanzania meets the requirements for safe application of modern biotechnology. There exists a widespread interest in the use of biotechnology among various stakeholder institutions in Tanzania. The majority of these institutions are engaged in second-generation biotechnologies (e.g. tissue culture and fermentation). A minority are dealing in third generation (modern) biotechnology (molecular diagnostics, genotyping and taxonomy). There is, however, no institution engaged in the application of recombinant DNA biotechnology. At national level biotechnology policy is currently absent. The Environmental Management Act 2004 was enacted in February 2005. The Act provides for the legal and institutional framework for sustainable management of the environment. The Act further provides for the regulation of development, handling and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and products thereof. It empowers the minister responsible for environment, in consultation with sector ministries to make regulations, issue guidelines and prescribe measures for the regulation of the development, handling, and use and the importation and exportation of GMOs and their products. It is on the basis of the Environmental Management Act 2004 that the proposed draft Environmental Management (Biosafety) Regulations will be established and made operational by the environment minister. This paper details the National Biosafety Framework in Tanzania and the administrative and decision making structure for GMOs. The Vice President’s Office is the National Biosafety Focal point whereby all applications concerning GMOs should be addressed. The ministries of agriculture and food security, health, water and livestock development are some of the key competent authorities in their mandate. This paper also elaborates on the application procedures for the export or importation of GMOs, inspection and enforcement, public education, awareness and participation, monitoring, challenges and way forward.
The potential benefits and challenges of agricultural animal biotechnology to pastoralists
(Conference Paper, 2006) Loquang, T.M.; Köhler-Rollefson, Ilse
The livelihoods of pastoralists revolve around their indigenous livestock. Combining high production with disease resistance using genetic engineering is a biotechnological intervention hailed by some as a promising avenue to mitigate food insecurity and poverty. Considerable human and financial resources have already been devoted to exploring this option. However, the challenges are enormous. It is unlikely that such livestock would survive in the harsh ecosystems where pastoralists live and that it would meet their diverse and breed specific social and economic requirements. Furthermore, the questions of intellectual property rights over genetically engineered livestock need to be resolved otherwise there is the danger of the genetic traits of indigenous livestock being pirated by industrial breeders. The loss of biodiversity and of pastoralist livelihoods might also be possible consequences. Instead of genetically engineered livestock, pastoralists need recognition of their livestock breeds and management skills, the right to their own breeding decisions and improved services to enhance their livelihood and support their breeds.
Demand-led research, biotechnology and the poor: Issues from the livestock sector
(Conference Paper, 2006) Heffernan, C.L.
Demand, is the often quoted link between biotechnology development and poverty alleviation. Nonetheless, there is often little evidence as to the exact influence of demand on the research processes. Therefore, the following paper explores the perceptions vs. the reality of demand-led processes using examples from the livestock sector. First, an aspect of the literature, i.e. community-based delivery systems was evaluated using the core issues raised in the wider literature on demand. Second, the perspectives of 190 stakeholders were catalogued and disaggregated. The example from the literature demonstrated that independent views were largely in the minority with the discourse dominated by actors from donor-funded projects and programmes. The exploration of researcher perspectives demonstrated that while the researchers themselves, generally did not account for farmer demands, neither did they themselves appear to be driving research agendas. Thus, on a wider paradigmatic level, the risk is that notions of demand will simply mask the traditional drivers of biotechnology research with little overall impact on the poor.
Capacity of Nigerian national institutions to conduct biotechnology research to improve livestock productivity
(Conference Paper, 2006) Omitogun, O.G.; Osoniyi, R.O.
Biotechnology development has been the subject of interest in Nigeria over the past decade. As part of the study by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) sponsored by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to investigate the development and/or prospects of biotechnology tools as applied to animal science research in Nigeria, a survey aimed at assessing biotechnology capacity of Nigeria for animal research was conducted between June and July 2004. The survey used a structured questionnaire, interviews and personal visits to some universities, polytechnics and national research institutions situated in strategic locations in Nigeria. Though a general deterioration of facilities in most universities was noted, there are quite a number of institutions identified to be capable of applying some biotechnology tools to improve animal production in Nigeria. There are well-trained Nigerian researchers in the country who when supplied with tools in biotechnology and financial support to carry out well-focused or coordinated research can help propel the country towards self-sufficiency in animal production. The role of ILRI and development investors like USAID in making significant intervention in the attainment of this goal is highlighted.
Technology-policy gap and impact on application of animal biotechnology in sub-Saharan African countries
(Conference Paper, 2006) Oluoch-Kosura,Willis; Odhiambo, M.O.
The livestock sector continues to play a major role in the economies of many sub-Saharan African countries. Predictions indicate that demand for livestock products will increase in the coming decades due to increasing human population and urbanisation. This calls for enhanced livestock production and productivity, which will require and will clearly involve increased intensification while also ensuring that the systems are resource efficient. Livestock diseases and the need for sustainable natural resource management are among the key challenges that need to be addressed. Although livestock research has over the years been directed at addressing these issues, little progress has been made in sub-Saharan Africa. Conversely, the application of biotechnology, for example in animal health, has significantly benefited developed countries more than African countries. This paper addresses the apparent gap between research and technology generation and adoption of the technologies on farms, especially by smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa. It is argued that science and technology policy if it exists, does not address the constraints faced by the farmers in a way that would facilitate adoption. The constraints include inadequate infrastructure, markets, capacity building, extension, credits, tenure system and institutions among other factors. Governments ought to address these issues at policy level as a way of accelerating widespread application of livestock biotechnologies particularly for increased productivity and profitability in the sub-sector. Moreover, concerted efforts from the national and international community in addressing issues of intellectual property rights, biosafety regulations and rules, fair trade, as well as effective and open communication between researchers, policymakers and technology users would be required.
Partnerships do improve smallholder livestock systems: Experience from Limpopo and North West provinces in South Africa
(Conference Paper, 2006) Motiang, M.D.; Matjuda, L.E.; Nengovhela, B.N.; Clark, R.
A profit thinking framework was used to select a multidisciplinary farmer support team (FST) to implement a focused participatory approach among livestock farmers in the Limpopo and North Western provinces of South Africa. Farmers were subsequently organised into teams, which meet once in 30 days to identify needs, set objectives, take actions with support from the FST and report every 90 days to measure progress. These meetings are also used to identify new opportunities for future actions. The results show that farmers recognise that profit maximisation should be the main focus of a beef enterprise with all other activities oriented towards this goal. Farmers were more eager to take actions that improved profit. Accessing new markets, learning pricing techniques and addressing issues such as transport costs, improved prices for beef. The FSTs obtained an indepth understanding of technical challenges in farmers’ operations and assisted farmers to implement appropriate solutions. The results showed that partnerships involving a dynamic mix of scientific knowledge and socio-economic conditions assist researchers and extension workers to considerably improve the performance of emerging beef farmers through participatory methods.
Management of crop and animal genetic diversity at community level
(Book, 2000) Almekinders, Conny J.M.; Köhler-Rollefson, Ilse
Management of crop and animal genetic diversity at community level
(Report, 2000) Almekinders, Conny J.M.; Köhler-Rollefson, Ilse
Issues and implications for livestock development policies in eastern and southern Africa
(Conference Paper, 2006) Stroebel, A.; Swanepoel, F.J.C.; Pell, A.N.; Groenewald, I.B.
Empirical studies and reviews from eastern (Kenya) and southern (South Africa) Africa have been used to construct a policy framework to guide livestock development in these two regions. Five overarching, integrated elements have been identified. These include food production and security, capacity strengthening for livestock research, livestock and the environment, health and genetics and marketing of livestock and livestock products. The framework that emerges is complex due to the dramatically increasing demand for livestock products and, as a result, the far-reaching changes in the structure of smallholder livestock production. This framework emphasises that many of the policy challenges remain pertinent and important. Significant progress has been made to address some of these challenges, but the fact remains that these macro-policy concerns need to be addressed. This translates into complex, multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral policy implications for governments, and increasingly, for the private sector.
The role of biotechnology in animal agriculture to address poverty in Africa: The need for appropriate policies
(Conference Paper, 2006) Nyange, N.E.; Kingamkono, R.R.
Livestock production currently accounts for about 30% of the gross value of agricultural production in Africa. Seventy per cent of the rural poor in Africa own livestock, including pastoralists living in arid and semi-arid zones. Of these, over 200 million rely on their livestock for income (sales of milk, meat and skins) and manure for growing crop. The livestock sector in Africa, characterised by low productivity, is struggling to keep up with the demand for food from animal sources by the expanding human population. Conventional methods of livestock improvement and agricultural research and development have in the past served the purpose of increasing livestock productivity. However, these options can no longer sustain production hence new intensive techniques including biotechnology are now required to augment productivity. Modern biotechnology has the potential to provide new opportunities for achieving enhanced livestock productivity in a way that alleviates poverty, improves food security and nutrition and promotes sustainable use of natural resources. While modern biotechnology is and will not be a panacea for solving all the problems of food insecurity and poverty, it could provide a critical component to the solution if it is guided by appropriate policies. This proposition forms the basis of this paper.
Indigenous livestock genotypes of Zimbabwe
(Book, 1999) Mhlanga, F.N.; Khombe, C.T.; Makuza, S.M.
Building the capacity of Africa for biosciences in agriculture
(Conference Paper, 2006) Shah, Tushaar; Terry, Eugene R.
The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) has placed agriculture and science at the forefront of Africa’s economic development, and has provided support for the establishment of Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) as one of its centres of excellence. The vision is for BecA to capture the immense potential of ‘new science’ to accelerate agricultural development on the continent and to enable African scientists and institutions to become significant technological innovators as well as users. The facilities at BecA’s hub offers state-of-the-art research laboratories for the biosciences, including genomics, proteomics, gene technology, immunology, bioinformatics and containment facilities for safe genetic manipulation of plants and micro-organisms (e.g. for vaccine development). The BecA hub also provides opportunities for capacity building and training, enhanced by the training partnerships which have been established with African universities, internationally renowned research groups, the CGIAR and a wide range of other appropriate institutions. Financial support for joint training programmes is being provided through agreements with a range of multilateral and bilateral donors. Opportunities exist for fellowships and scholarships to support thesis research for young African women scientists, and scientists from countries engaged in post-conflict reconstruction, visiting scientists, and doctoral and post-doctoral fellows. Support can be offered also for short-term-use of research facilities, short training courses, seminars, workshops and conferences.
Proceedings of the planning and priority setting workshop on Animal Genetic Resources in the SADC region, Gaborone, Botswana, 19 - 22 February 2001
(Conference Proceedings, 2001) Lebbie, S.H.B.; Kamau, L.
Some socio-economic factors affecting the conservation and utilisation of farm animal genetic resources in Malawi
(Book, 2000) Simpson, J.

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