ILRI Livestock, Climate and the Environment theme outputs (2025-)
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Item From humble beginnings to pioneers of resilient farming in Kipkewa Village – The rise of the Langat family farm(Blog Post, 2025-07-17) Onyango, Polycarp Otieno; Maiyo, NathanNicholas and Rahab are part of 50 pioneer adaptation farmers that ILRI is working with in two counties to promote farmer-led local solutions to climate change in dairy. The pioneer adaptation farmers share locally developed solutions through farmer-led networks and peer-to-peer learning.Item Adaptation through diverse crop and livestock systems—The story of Edwin and Doreen, the adaptation pioneer farmers from Sotik, Kenya(Blog Post, 2025-07-10) Onyango, Polycarp Otieno; Kiptoo, EmmaculateEdwin and Doreen are part of about 50 pioneer adaptation farmers that ILRI is working with in two counties to promote farmer-led local solutions to climate change in dairy. The specific aim is to increase milk yields for small holder farmers, ensure low age at first livestock calving, short calving intervals, and adaptation to climate change through improved feeding practices, diverse crop and livestock systems for multiple income streams. The pioneer adaptation farmers share locally developed solutions through farmer-led networks and peer-to-peer learning. Through this system, by the end of 2024, ILRI reached 15,000 households with knowledge about improved feeding practices and climate change adaptation.Item Kapiti Digital Twin project: SRUC-ILRI-Bodit(Presentation, 2025-05-20) Salavati, M.; Kemp, Stephen J.; Dhulipala, RamItem Can legumes improve the productivity and resilience of semi-arid Kenyan grasslands via influence on soil processes?(Abstract, 2025-03-14) Pearce, F.; Leitner, SonjaSemi-arid savanna grasslands in Kenya are vital for food production and rural livelihoods, with livestock grazing accounting for more than 90% of household incomes in arid and semi-arid areas. However grassland soils have become degraded in many areas due to vegetation loss and soil erosion, often caused by overgrazing. Soil degradation (depletion of organic matter and nutrient levels, disrupted soil biological process, and poor structure) reduces plant productivity and resilience to extreme weather conditions such as drought. Given that drought has been increasing in severity, duration and frequency over recent decades, this has severe implications for food security across sub Saharan Africa. Grassland restoration often focusses on re-seeding grasses with high grazing value, but poor soil conditions may hinder successful re-vegetation. Soil processes therefore need to be restored to ensure the long-term sustainability of grazing lands. Legumes, found alongside grasses in natural grasslands, may play a key role in soil processes, particularly nutrient cycling which is likely to be important for semi-arid grassland soils as they are often highly nitrogen limited. However, while there is a significant body of research on legume-soil interactions in temperate grasslands and the tropical grasslands of Asia and Latin America, there has been little research on how the highly weathered soils and semi-arid grasslands of sub Saharan Africa function and may respond to restoration interventions. In this mesocosm experiment, grasses were grown in native soil with and without legumes, under both droughted and well-watered conditions. This aimed to assess the impact of legumes on grassland productivity via their influence on soil processes, and whether this can mediate the effects of drought stress. Grass biomass was higher when grasses were grown alongside native legumes than in a grass-only mix although the impact varied between grass species. This was accompanied by higher root growth and nitrogen content of plant tissue. These trends were observed in both well-watered and droughted conditions. These findings suggest that legumes play an important role in the productivity and drought resilience of grasslands, likely by helping to mitigate nitrogen limitation. Further work is needed to test these findings on a wider range of grass and legume species and improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved.Item Climate information services enhance farmers’ resilience to climate change: Impacts on agricultural productivity(Journal Article, 2025-06) Tamru, Seneshaw; Hansen, James; Zebiak, Stephen; Tesfaye, Abonesh; Minten, Bart; Demissie, Teferi; Radeny, Maren A.O.; Tesfaye, Kindie; Solomon, DawitEthiopia is a climate “hotspot” where the variable and changing climate periodically threatens agricultural production, food security, and human well-being. Using two-rounds of Feed the Future program survey data that cover 3,799 farming households in five major regions in Ethiopia, and employing panel data estimation methods, we analyze the potential impact of weather and climate services (WCS) on agricultural productivity and farmers’ resilience in Ethiopia. We found that access to WCS increases the productivity of maize and wheat crops by 27 % and 17 %, respectively. These estimates are comparable to or higher than conventional yield-increasing production technologies such as fertilizer and improved seeds. Despite such a strong productivity effect, access to WCS is limited to only 18 % of the surveyed farmers. This study adds to the existing body of evidence on the significant positive impact of WCS, and affirms the importance of weather and climate information service products to enhance farmers’ resilience to climate risk. Further analyses are needed to estimate the value to Ethiopia’s smallholder farmers, especially those who are most vulnerable to climate-related hazards, of increasing investment in improving seasonal climate forecasts, mainstreaming weather and climate services in the agricultural extension system, including through National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS), and supporting farmer decision-making with climate-informed digital advisory tools and training.Item Assessing grassland soil degradation through key soil physical and chemical properties in smallholder farms of Western Kenya(Abstract, 2025-03-15) Sibilu, H.; Quinton, J.N.; Leitner, Sonja; Rufino, Mariana C.In humid Africa, grassland degradation is widespread, with overgrazing as a major factor, affecting soil health and structure, and vegetation composition. Understanding this degradation is vital for targeted restoration. We assessed grassland degradation and its effects on soil properties and plant diversity in western Kenya at two contrasting sites —Kuresoi and Nyando—classified as degraded or non-degraded based on grazing intensity and land-use history. We analysed soil carbon (SOC), nutrient concentrations (TN, available P) and aggregate stability. Field measurements included soil resistance and hydraulic conductivity, alongside vegetation inventory. The results show higher SOC and total nitrogen (TN) in non-degraded topsoil (SOC: 6.66 ± 2.21% in Kuresoi, 2.41 ± 0.51% in Nyando; TN: 0.56 ± 0.188% in Kuresoi, 0.149 ± 0.027% in Nyando) compared to degraded soils (SOC: 4.38 ± 1.37% in Kuresoi, 1.93 ± 1.22% in Nyando; TN: 0.351 ± 0.123% in Kuresoi, 0.172 ± 0.082% in Nyando); low and variable phosphorus content (Kuresoi: 3.17 ± 5.80 µg/g in degraded, 4.13 ± 8.52 µg/g in non-degraded; Nyando: 2.33 ± 2.76 µg/g in non-degraded and 3.96 ± 6.52 µg/g in degraded) across sites. We observed high aggregate stability, ranging from 61.3%–92.6%, across sites. Infiltration rates were higher in non-degraded Kuresoi (463 ± 913 mm/hr) than degraded (40.3 ± 45.6 mm/hr), with similar rates ((76.9 ± 82.1 mm/hr in non-degraded and 69.6 ±99.3 mm/hr in degraded) in Nyando. The soils were generally compacted (1.07–6.7 MPa in Kuresoi; 1.82–10.1 MPa in Nyando), with no significant differences between degraded and non-degraded soils. Species diversity indices, Shannon (H’= 2.69 ±0.39 in non-degraded Kuresoi, and 2.54 ±0.18 in degraded Kuresoi; H’ = 2.85 ± 0.32 in non-degraded Nyando, and 2.75 ± 0.21) and Simpson (D = 0.92 ± 0.03 in non-degraded Kuresoi, and 0.91 ±0.01; D = 0.93 ±0.01 in non-degraded Nyando and 0.92 ± 0.015), indicated high diversity across sites. The findings indicate that while overgrazing driven degradation affects key soil properties such as phosphorus, compaction, and infiltration rates, some soil characteristics like aggregate stability and species diversity remain resilient. Proper grazing management, coupled with soil organic matter amendments, could improve nutrient availability, restore soil structure, and strengthen grassland resilience.Item Index-based Livestock insurance to support pastoralists against droughts(Journal Article, 2025-11-01) Jensen, Nathaniel D.; Barrett, Christopher B.; Mude, Andrew G.; Banerjee, Rupsha R.; Noritomo, Yuma; Shikuku, Kelvin Mashisia; Takahashi, Kazushi; Teufel, NilsItem Report of DTA pre-inception workshop retreat(Report, 2025-03-20) Dhulipala, Ram; Muguku, K.; Yassin, L.; Ojanji, WanderaThe CGIAR Digital Transformation Accelerator (DTA) team convened its inception workshop in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on 18–20 March 2025. This event brought together the DTA core team, CGIAR center representatives and delegates from key CGIAR science programs, including the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Accelerator, Food Frontiers and Security, and Genebanks. Hosted at the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and AI71, the workshop aimed to build team cohesion, align stakeholder expectations, establish new operational modalities and define next steps for delivering DTA inception goals. Team-building activities and strategy sessions were used to contextualize DTA’s evolving product suite and position within CGIAR’s broader digital innovation agenda. Key thematic sessions focused on the four areas of work (AoW), unpacked through the objectives and key results (OKR) framework. These sessions highlighted the importance of improving data accessibility, embedding artificial intelligence in research and scaling digital decision-support systems. A dedicated fishbowl session helped clarify the structure and ambition of the artificial intelligence (AI) Hub, while a technical spotlight was given to a multilingual AI-powered agricultural large language model (AgriLLM) . Strategic site visits to the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), ATRC, Aspire and the Quantum Lab provided valuable exposure to cutting-edge innovations and opened new avenues for collaboration. A significant highlight was the introduction of a new UAE-based partner, including confirmation of major financial commitments: USD 7.5 million to the CGIAR Trust Fund and USD 20 million designated for DTA over 3 years, including USD 3.3 million earmarked for the AI Hub’s operationalization in Abu Dhabi. The workshop concluded with a clear roadmap and several key decisions: Revisiting and refining DTA’s theory of change; Onboarding additional CGIAR centers; and Establishing a program management community of practice (COP) to strengthen coordination and knowledge sharing. The workshop marked a critical milestone in setting a unified direction for CGIAR’s digital transformation, reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration and long-term impact.Item Developing Sustainable Crop-Livestock Systems in Mexico: Use and Trade of Maize Stover as Livestock Feed(Presentation, 2025-03-28) Fernandez-Rivera, SalvadorItem Managing climate risk in crop-livestock systems in Senegal and Tanzania(Presentation, 2025-03-28) Joseph, JacobItem Integrating Geospatial Insights for Livestock and Dual-Purpose Maize Suitability in Mexico(Presentation, 2025-03-28) Paliwal, Ambica; Tiwari, Amit; Sonder, KaiItem Sustainable smallholder crop-livestock systems: farm diversification and intensification as pathways to development(Presentation, 2025-03-28) Whitbread, Anthony M.; Mekonnen, Kindu; Gebreyes, MIllion; Hammond, James; Wijk, Mark T. van; Worou, Nadine; Emanuel, Jacob; Kumar, ShalanderItem Unlocking the Genetic Potential of Grain-Fodder Crops in Mixed Farming Systems: Targeting Sustainable Production, Resilience and Low Emissions Whilst Balancing Trade-offs(Presentation, 2025-03-28) Snapp, SieglindeItem What constitutes climate change adaptation in Kenyan livestock systems: a systematic review(Journal Article, 2025-06-02) Kihoro, Esther; Habermann, Birgit; Crane, Todd A.; Gichuki, Leah; Worku, TigistItem Africa rises to combat drought and desertification(News Item, 2025-06) CGTN AfricaItem Effects of N fertilization on soil chemistry dynamics in Ferralsols of the High Potential Maize Zone, Kenya(Abstract, 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.Item 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.Item Report on Crafting Impactful Stories for Increased Visibility(Report, 2025-06-18) Seifu, Haimanot; Makonnen, Brook T.; Tadesse, DesalegneItem Anticipatory action in the drylands: Exploring key challenges and opportunities for early warning in pastoralist areas of the Greater Horn of Africa(Report, 2025-05-30) Derbyshire, Samuel F.; Mohamed, Tahira Shariff; Hassan, Rahma; Banerjee, Rupsha R.; Roba, Guyo Malicha; Elmi, MohamedItem Sharing Our Impact: Let's Tell Our Story!(Presentation, 2025-06-10) Seifu, Haimanot