CGIAR Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods science program

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/163086

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Improving the productivity and resilience of locally adapted ruminant livestock in Africa while reducing methane emissions: Reconnaissance
(Report, 2025-07-15) Sila, Winfred; Oyieng, Edwin P.; Crooijmans, R.; Mukalo, I.; Wandukusi, A.; Ojango, Julie M.K.
Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods Science Program
(Presentation, 2025-05-29) Marshall, Karen
CGIAR Science Program on Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods : Gender, youth and social inclusion area of work
(Presentation, 2025-05-29) Achandi, Esther L.
Uganda pig value chains—Theory of Change
(Presentation, 2025-05-29) Ouma, Emily A.
SAAF-Uganda Pork Market Systems: Participatory Market Systems Analysis
(Presentation, 2025-05-27) Rao, E.J.O.
Building a thriving forage seed sector in Vietnam
(Report, 2025-06-24) Dao Thu, Hang Thi; Peters, Michael; Tran, Thi Bich Ngoc; Burkart, Stefan; Atieno, Mary
Livestock production is a vital contributor to both the economy and food security of Vietnamese households. As Vietnam continues to intensify and transform its livestock sector, the persistent challenge of feed scarcity—both in quantity and quality—remains a major bottleneck to productivity, profitability, and climate resilience. Shortage of high-quality forages continue to constrain animal nutrition and overall livestock productivity, particularly during seasonal scarcity. Strengthening forage seed systems is therefore essential to support more resilient and efficient livestock systems, which can contribute to improved resource use and reduced environmental impacts. In this context, the Tropical Forages Program (TFP) of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, in partnership with the National Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) and key actors in the forage seed sector, held a national stakeholder meeting on June 24, 2025, in Hanoi. The meeting aimed to build a common understanding of the opportunities and challenges in Vietnam’s forage seed sector and to promote collaborative action toward a more dynamic forage seed system.
Market System Analysis of the Beef Cattle Market Systems in Son La Province, Northwestern Vietnam: Participatory Workshop
(Presentation, 2025-06-25) Thinh Nguyen; Thanh Lo; Phuong Nguyen; Chi Nguyen; Unger, Fred; Rao, E.J.O.
One Health work package-AMR
(Presentation, 2025-05-29) Ayebare, Dreck
ILRI’s work on pig manure management in Uganda
(Presentation, 2025-05-29) Wanyama, Ibrahim; Leitner, Sonja
A value chain & One Health approach in the control of Taenia solium in Uganda
(Presentation, 2025-05-27) Ngwili, Nicholas
SAAFs Stakeholders’ Inception Workshop: Achievements and Lessons
(Presentation, 2025-05-29) Oba, Peter; Businge, Martha; Marshall, Karen; Kugonza, Donald; Lukuyu, Ben A.; Dione, Michel M.; Ahumuza, Ronnie; Namatovu, Jane; Achandi, Esther; Ayebare, Dreck; Ngwili, Nicholas; Ouma, Emily A.
Global estimated CIAT Urochloa hybrid adoption, 2001-2024
(Presentation, 2025-06) Burkart, Stefan
Resource recovery from livestock waste: cases and business models from the Global South
(Report, 2025-07-02) Taron, Avinandan; Sathiskumar, Abinaya; Mateo-Sagasta, Javier; Singha, R.; Dejen, Z. A.; Chipatecua, G. P.; Bastidas, R. R.
Livestock waste poses significant environmental and public health challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly through water pollution and the spread of infectious diseases. Nutrient-rich runoff from this waste contributes to eutrophication, while pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella contaminate surface waters, posing serious risks to human and animal health. Yet, this waste stream also presents opportunities for circular bioeconomy solutions. When converted into biogas, organic fertilizer, or aquaculture feed, livestock waste can help mitigate environmental harm, generate energy, enhance soil health, and support rural livelihoods. This report synthesizes findings from 135 global cases and further presents an in-depth analysis of 26 livestock waste recovery initiatives to highlight diverse models and regional strategies. The available data show that in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, biodigestion is primarily used for household or commercial energy and revenue generation. South and Southeast Asian countries, meanwhile, focus on producing compost, aquaculture feed, and vermicompost. Government support, including subsidies, incentives, and technical assistance, often underpins these efforts, sometimes in collaboration with the private sector. Three broad business models emerge: (i) energy and biofertilizer recovery, (ii) soil nutrient recovery, and (iii) food nutrient recovery for aquaculture. Government-led community initiatives tend to exhibit higher economic feasibility, while private-sector models tend to scale better commercially. With average payback periods of five to six years and cost-benefit ratios ranging from 1 to 2, these models offer scalable solutions—when backed by enabling policies, institutional coordination, and localized feasibility assessments—to promote sustainable rural development and address critical environmental risks.
Root development in three tropical grass genotypes grown in contrasting soils and their potential for soil organic carbon accumulation
(Poster, 2025-06-15) Mayorga, Mildred; Vázquez, Eduardo; Cardoso, Juan Andres
Grasses have significant potential for accumulating soil organic carbon, primarily due to their ability to translocate up to 60% of their gross primary production to belowground organs. Root depth is the most critical factor governing root carbon storage and stabilization in the soil. Urochloa humidicola is a tropical forage species well adapted to acidic, low-fertility soils and exhibits a high capacity for biological nitrification inhibition. Among its genotypes, CIAT679 and Bh08-1149 display contrasting root traits. Meanwhile, Mulato II is a Urochloa hybrid cultivar known for its high biomass production and forage quality. To compare carbon inputs and root development traits among the genotypes CIAT679, Bh08-1149, and Mulato II in two soil types—a high-fertility Vertisol and an acidic, low-fertility Oxisol—a rhizotron experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions. After six months of growth, Mulato II exhibited the greatest root length, volume, surface area, and diameter, as well as the highest leaf area, photosynthetic rate, and photosystem II efficiency (ΦPSII). However, its root system grew in a more horizontal orientation. Among the U. humidicola genotypes, CIAT679 displayed superior root length, volume, and surface area. When comparing plant development across soil types, those grown in the Oxisol exhibited greater root length, surface area, volume, diameter, depth, and root orientation angle, along with higher photosynthetic rate and ΦPSII. This response is likely due to the Oxisol's higher sand content and lower clay fraction, which facilitate root exploration and growth. The enhanced root system in this soil type likely improves water and nutrient uptake, contributing to superior photosynthetic performance. Notably, the genotypes CIAT679 and Bh08-1149 grown in the Oxisol, developed the deepest roots and their greater root orientation angles indicate more vertical root growth.
Building gender considerations into livestock breeding in low- and middle-income countries
(Journal Article, 2025-06-25) Galiè, Alessandra; Ojango, Julie M.K.; Farnworth, C.R.; Jumba, Humphrey; Roeven, L.; Marshall, Karen
Livestock breeding programs are important in low- and middle-income countries because of the large number of livestock systems that can benefit from improved genetics. Local gender norms and dynamics shape livestock management in households and communities. They influence the ways in which women and men provide inputs, such as labor, finance, time, and knowledge into their livestock systems. They shape the specific needs, preferences, and distribution of the benefits derived from improved genetics. Breeding strategies must consider such gender dynamics to effectively contribute to various livestock systems and ensure that their benefits are equally shared within households and communities. However, the scoping review and key informant interviews conducted in this study revealed a sparse body of knowledge on gender-responsive livestock breeding. The purpose of this study is to develop a framework that can inform gender-responsive livestock breeding programs and, in so doing, develop a comprehensive knowledge base. The framework builds on the following key steps of a breeding program: (i) targeting, (ii) operationalization of the genetic improvement strategy, (iii) marketing and dissemination of genetic material, and (iv) ensuring equitable benefits from improved genetics. In each step, key gender questions are set out to help breeders and gender scientists think through and assemble the gendered information they need. These questions are of two types: gender-accommodative (to respond to gendered needs and priorities while reflecting existing gender norms and dynamics) and gender-transformative (to respond to gendered needs and priorities while allowing women to work towards their aspirations in livestock systems by challenging the discrimination of gender norms). The primary target readership is livestock breeders and social researchers working in low- and middle-income countries to improve livelihoods through livestock, with a focus on genetic improvement.
Harnessing community conversations for gender-responsive engagement in livestock management in Ethiopia: a methodological reflection
(Journal Article, 2025-06-25) Lemma, Mamusha; Alemu, Biruk; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.
Background: Participatory approaches are increasingly employed to design context-specific interventions that are more inclusive, responsive, and effective. The Community Conversation (CC) approach has been tailored to Ethiopia’s livestock management context. As part of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research Program on Livestock (CRP Livestock), gender-responsive CC materials on livestock management have been developed and implemented across various rural communities to raise awareness and derive community-led actions. This paper explores how CCs were harnessed through improvisation and provides insights for practitioners to strategically adapt the approach in diverse contexts to foster gender-responsive community engagement. Methods: Between 2018 and 2019, CCs were conducted at five communities to address different livestock management issues. We selected and trained local facilitators in the CC methodology and documentation process. They used structured facilitation guides and documentation tools to lead conversations. After each session, we held reflection meetings with facilitators to review the process, interpret the discussions, and gain contextual insights. The results were captured in field reports and later analyzed thematically to provide evidence for the approach’s community engagement value. Results: Findings suggested that CCs hold potential for facilitating collaborative analysis and dialog among rural communities and local service providers regarding gender norms and different livestock management aspects. Gender-inclusive discussions allowed women and men to participate in livestock management decisions. The approach demonstrated adaptability across various contexts and thematic areas. A key strength was its emphasis on collaborative learning and community-driven actions, which helped promote sustained engagement and strengthened partnerships. Conclusion: The CC approach has shown potential to foster collaboration among rural communities and service providers, enabling them to jointly analyze livestock management challenges and implement locally tailored solutions. Its application in participatory research, training, intervention planning, and partnership building demonstrates its potential to foster collective dialog and action across diverse contexts. Integrating gender perspectives into this approach enhances inclusivity, ensuring that both women and men contribute to decision-making.
Impulsando la ganadería sostenible como estrategia climática en Olancho, Honduras
(Brief, 2025-06) Sandoval, Danny; Burkart, Stefan
El cambio climático representa una amenaza creciente para los sistemas ganaderos en el departamento de Olancho, Honduras. Con más del 90 % de los productores reportando impactos por eventos climáticos extremos, especialmente sequías, las prácticas ganaderas sostenibles se han convertido en una estrategia crítica de adaptación y mitigación. Este informe de política sintetiza los hallazgos de un estudio realizado con 425 productores ganaderos en cuatro municipios, identificando los niveles de adopción de prácticas sostenibles, el acceso a información climática y la relación entre estos factores y la vulnerabilidad climática. Se presentan recomendaciones para mejorar el apoyo institucional, los sistemas de información y los incentivos financieros con el fin de ampliar la adopción.
Advancing sustainable cattle farming as a climate strategy in Olancho, Honduras
(Brief, 2025-06) Sandoval, Danny; Burkart, Stefan
Climate change presents a mounting threat to cattle systems in the department of Olancho, Honduras. With over 90% of producers reporting impacts from extreme climate events, particularly droughts, sustainable cattle practices have become a critical adaptive and mitigation strategy. This policy brief synthesizes the findings of a study conducted with 425 cattle producers across four municipalities, identifying levels of adoption of sustainable practices, access to climate information, and the relationship between these factors and climate vulnerability. Recommendations are made to improve institutional support, information systems, and financial incentives to expand adoption.
Adoption of sustainable cattle practices in Olancho, Honduras: A path to climate resilience
(Brief, 2025-06) Sandoval, Danny; Burkart, Stefan
This study examines the adoption process of sustainable cattle practices in Olancho, Honduras, a climate-vulnerable region where cattle farming supports rural livelihoods. Surveying 425 producers (participants of Heifer International Farmer Field Schools), we found that the adoption of sustainable practices remains low. Key factors influencing adoption include gender, farm size, and age, with younger producers and smallholder farms showing higher adoption rates. Women are overrepresented among non-adopters but also have a notable presence at the highest adoption level. The study recommends targeted support for women, youth, and smallholders, enhanced technical assistance, financial incentives for adoption, and gender-inclusive policies to encourage greater participation in sustainable cattle practices. Additionally, improving access to technology and strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems are critical to scaling up sustainable farming practices. These interventions will help improve environmental outcomes and enhance the livelihoods of cattle producers in Olancho and similar regions.
De-risking livestock systems through bundled index insurance: why it is important to promote market development for productivity-enhancing inputs
(Brief, 2025-05-30) Ochenje, Ibrahim; Shikuku, Kelvin Mashisia; Banerjee, Rupsha R.
Livestock keepers in East Africa grapple with multiple compounding and cascading risks including extreme weather events, pests and diseases, price fluctuations, and conflict. While several risk management solutions have been implemented mostly as standalone interventions, it is increasingly clear that bundling financial and sociotechnical innovations will be crucial for transforming agri-food systems to address the multiple risks simultaneously, enhance resilience, and improve livelihoods. This brief explains the role of private sector service providers of productivity-enhancing inputs in the diffusion and scaling of bundled index-based livestock insurance crucial for de-risking livestock systems and livelihoods.

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