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/

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Measuring smallholder dairy farmers’ social valuation of climate mitigation: A case study from Kenya
(Journal Article, 2025-12-04) Florez, Jesus Fernando; Gonzalez Quintero, Ricardo; Pazos Cardenas, Mateo; Triana Ángel, Natalia; Enciso, Valentina; Waluse, Kenneth; Notenbaert, An; Burkart, Stefan
Livestock systems in Sub-Saharan Africa contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions and are highly vulnerable to climate change. In Kenya, smallholder dairy farmers need to balance productivity with environmental sustainability while facing increasing climate pressures. This case study examines farmers’ perceptions and social valuation of forage-based climate mitigation strategies, focusing on awareness, perceived value, and willingness to adopt improved forages for resilience. The study was conducted in Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties with 46 dairy farmers purposively selected from ongoing project-supported initiatives. A socio-ecological systems perspective informed the analysis. A composite social value indicator integrating knowledge, perception, and use dimensions was constructed using principal component analysis. Findings show high climate awareness and recognition of the benefits of forage-based mitigation. However, willingness to adopt these practices remains limited due to financial, technical, and institutional constraints. Support for improved forages is nonetheless strong, driven by perceived gains in productivity and environmental sustainability. While differences related to gender and age were observed, these were not explored in depth, as the study prioritizes methodological application rather than demographic analysis. Results reveal a persistent gap between awareness and action, indicating that social acceptance alone does not ensure adoption. Strengthening adoption will require improved access to forage seeds, inclusive extension services, capacity building, and targeted climate finance. The study demonstrates the utility of social valuation approaches to assess mitigation readiness and inform socially grounded climate strategies in smallholder dairy systems.
Manual técnico: Herramienta de evaluación y seguimiento de los compromisos cero deforestación en las cadenas láctea y cárnica de la ganadería bovina
(Manual, 2025-08) Cabezas, Derly Milena; Borda, Carlos Andrés; Vasquez Molano, Daniela
La deforestación constituye uno de los principales retos ambientales, sociales y económicos para Colombia, con más de 3,4 millones de hectáreas deforestadas entre 2001 y 2024 y un promedio anual de 145.802 hectáreas. A pesar de los avances normativos y en monitoreo, la pérdida de bosques continúa en aumento: en 2024 se registraron 113.608 hectáreas, un incremento significativo respecto a 2023, impulsado principalmente por dinámicas de expansión en la Amazonía. Este proceso tiene repercusiones críticas sobre la biodiversidad, los servicios ecosistémicos y el balance nacional de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI). En 2021, el sector Uso de la Tierra, Cambio en el Uso de la Tierra y Silvicultura (UTCUTS) registró 96.603,06 kt CO₂eq en emisiones netas, destacándose las categorías Tierras Forestales (55,75 %) y Pastizales (35,03 %) como las principales fuentes, asociadas a la conversión de bosques, degradación, y la expansión de pasturas. El aumento del 58 % en las emisiones por deforestación entre 2023 y 2024 evidencia la necesidad urgente de fortalecer estrategias de mitigación y gobernanza territorial. Entre los motores directos de la deforestación se encuentran la praderización con fines de acaparamiento, la ganadería extensiva, la tala ilegal, cultivos de uso ilícito y la ampliación de la frontera agrícola. Estas dinámicas están estrechamente vinculadas a las cadenas productivas agropecuarias y forestales, que, aunque fundamentales para el desarrollo rural, ejercen presiones significativas sobre los ecosistemas boscosos. En respuesta, Colombia ha adoptado los Acuerdos Cero Deforestación (ACD) como un instrumento estratégico para transformar las cadenas de suministro hacia modelos sostenibles y libres de deforestación. Los ACD buscan contribuir a la meta nacional de deforestación neta cero para 2030, evitar la pérdida irreversible de ecosistemas estratégicos y promover la restauración de áreas degradadas. Para ello, se han establecido criterios específicos para cadenas como carne y lácteos, basados en la ausencia de deforestación bruta posterior a 2011 y la implementación de acciones de compensación en predios con historial previo. La operacionalización de los ACD se sustenta en un sistema robusto de Monitoreo, Reporte y Verificación (MRV), que garantiza transparencia, consistencia y trazabilidad. En este marco se desarrolló la herramienta de seguimiento integrada en la plataforma VISIPRAST, diseñada para consolidar información ambiental, productiva y social, y facilitar la evaluación estandarizada del cumplimiento. Este manual presenta los principios, criterios y procedimientos técnicos para la aplicación de la herramienta de evaluación y seguimiento en VISIPRAST, orientada a empresas, organizaciones y entidades de apoyo involucradas en los ACD, promoviendo trazabilidad, transparencia y mejora continua en las cadenas agropecuarias del país.
Enteric methane emissions from dairy systems in Kenya: A case study of Kenyan Rift Valley and Central Highlands regions
(Presentation, 2025-12-03) Mwema, Emmanuel; Steward, Peter; Gonzalez, Ricardo; Notenbaert, An
Kenya’s dairy sector contributes 12–14% of agricultural GDP but emits an estimated 12.3 Mt CO₂-eq annually, primarily from enteric methane. Reducing these emissions offers a significant mitigation opportunity. Improved feeding, especially through forages, can lower emission intensities while maintaining productivity. This study evaluated the mitigation potential of improved forages promoted by Venture37’s private sector-led alliance model, the Nourishing Prosperity Alliance (NPA), across seven counties using data from 834 dairy farmers in 2024 and 2025. Enteric methane emissions were quantified using an activity-detailed IPCC Tier 2 method, focusing on emissions per animal, per farm, and per kilogram of fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM). Results indicate that enteric CH₄ emissions increased with herd size, though most farms emitted less than 5 tons of CH₄ annually. Emission intensity consistently declined with higher milk yields, improved feed digestibility, and greater adoption of improved forages and supplements. Across both 2024 and 2025, a small group of low-efficiency farms accounted for a disproportionate share of mitigation potential, with total achievable savings of ~6.5 tons and ~6.2 tons of CH₄, respectively, while most farms required only modest milk yield gains to reach the top 10 efficiency benchmark. Farms with higher use of improved forages were consistently among the lowest methane-intensity producers, confirming feed quality as the dominant and most scalable mitigation lever in smallholder dairy systems
How nomadic pastoralists in Somalia's mudug region adapt to climate and conflict shocks
(Report, 2025-12) Abdullahi, Said; Takaindisa, Joyce
This report examined the key drivers of these conflicts and proposed actionable, context-specific solutions to strengthen peacebuilding efforts in Mudug and across Somalia. It drew on 25 key informant interviews with nomadic pastoralists, clan elders, government officials, humanitarian actors and security experts. The interviews were conducted in Mudug in March 2025, with follow-up interviews conducted by phone through April 2025.
Uncovering Gender Inequities: Bridging gender gaps in water access, control, and utilization among Borana Pastoralists in a changing climate
(Report, 2025-10) Firdissa, Selamawit; Alemayehu, Sintayehu; Workeneh, Sintayehu; Nchanji, Eileen Bogweh; Abdulhamid, Numery; Tesfaye, Lidya; Tegegne, Getachew; Kanno, Liyuneh; Ketema, Dessalegn Molla; Terefe, Tadesse; Doyo, Jaldesa
This study, undertaken as part of the Livestock Water Source Monitoring and Risk Management (LWSM) project, delves deeply into how entrenched gender norms influence the way water is accessed, controlled, and utilized within Borana pastoralist communities. It examines how societal expectations, customary practices, and cultural traditions shape the division of responsibilities between men and women-affecting not only who collects and manages water, but also who has the authority to make decisions about its allocation and use. By documenting these gendered patterns, the research reveals how they either enable or constrain individuals’ and households’ capacity to adapt to climate-related stresses. In doing so, it underscores the intricate and often invisible linkages between gender roles, local water management systems, and the broader culture of pastoral resource governance. The study further situates these relationships within the rapidly changing climate context of Borana, where recurrent droughts, shrinking water availability, and shifting rainfall patterns are placing unprecedented strain on both social systems and ecological resources. By highlighting these interconnections, the research offers critical insights into how gender-responsive water governance can strengthen adaptive capacity and resilience in a region highly vulnerable to climate shocks. Borana’s kebeles are predominantly livestock-based economies, complemented by small-scale farming and the production of milk, hides, and crafts. Women contribute significantly to the local economy through agricultural processing and sales yet have limited control over household and community resources. Social customs, while fostering strong communal ties, reinforce traditional gender divisions-men manage cattle, camels, and water sources, while women oversee sheep, goats, and domestic water needs. This division often restricts women’s access to key resources, decision-making, and climate adaptation opportunities. Water scarcity has intensified over the past five years due to unreliable water points and recurrent droughts, forcing households-particularly women and children-to travel long distances for water. Traditional community-managed water systems are under strain, and unsafe drinking water exacerbates health and productivity challenges. Climate shocks reduce livestock health, incomes, and food security, with women bearing the brunt as household managers and caregivers. Despite their central role in adaptation, women are often excluded from water management committees, limiting the impact of their innovations. The study stresses the need for inclusive governance, ensuring women’s participation in water resource management, and for investments in climate-resilient infrastructure. Expanding access to climate information, training, and diversified livelihood options-particularly through women’s associations and community networks-can strengthen resilience. Addressing restrictive gender norms and bolstering women-focused networks are key to fostering equitable access to water, improving livelihoods, and enhancing climate adaptability. By integrating gender-sensitive approaches, the LWSM project aims to help Borana communities overcome climate-related challenges while advancing social and economic equity.
Engaging private sector in Climate Information Services (CIS) in Africa
(Brief, 2025-09-19) Engdaw, Mastawesha Misganaw; Gamoyo, Majambo; Vyas, Shalika; Steward, Peter; Degefie, Degefie Tibebe; Ahmed, Jemal Seid; Wanjau, Agnes Njambi; Ghosh, Aniruddha
Africa is in critical need of climate information. There have been efforts being made to fulfill these needs. Efforts made and development in climate information in Africa have been largely from national, regional and continental scale efforts. These efforts have laid down the much-needed milestone of climate information. However, the existing climate information needs further development and improvement. The ongoing efforts and anticipated developments should include ensuring the reliability, robustness and relevance aspects of climate information production. Re-visiting the magnitude of uncertainty in the available climate information and is influence on the robustness and actionability for decision making benefits African countries. In addition to global and regional efforts to enhance accessibility of climate information, such as the WMO’s EW4ALL initiative, prioritizing and spending resources towards improved climate information products and ensuring sustainability through self-owned technology are pivotal. An effective solution to achieve this is engaging the private sector in the climate information value chain; identifying critical gaps of the private sector, the support it needs, and transforming the role from users to producers and disseminators of climate information. These have multiple benefits: (1) countries spend their limited resources partly towards improving the performance of climate information, in addition to accessibility (2) consciously considering uncertainty of climate information products will keep them vigilant in their risk communication, intervention planning and implementation (3) elevate the role and responsibility of NHMSs towards ensuring the scientific rigor, reliability and robustness of state-of-the-art African led climate information and (4) benefit from several private sector actors to deliver diversified Climate information to meet the unmet needs. In these regard, this policy brief highlights the existing gaps in Africa’s climate information service, why engaging other stakeholders, such as the private sector, in the climate information service ecosystem is important, available opportunities for the private sector, the challenges and remedies the private sector needs, and who and what support can be provided for the successful engagement of private sectors is summarized.
Attribution of climate change and climate change impacts: Part of the Advanced AGNES Courses on Climate Outlook, Impact Assessment, and Climate Risk Assessment
(Report, 2025-09-24) Engdaw, Mastawesha Misganaw; Ghosh, Aniruddha
Attribution science of climate change — encompassing both slow- and sudden-onset changes in the climate system and the attribution of their consequent impacts — provides the most robust evidence of human influence on the climate system. However, expertise in attribution science, which is essential for generating evidence on the respective roles of industrialized and developing regions in driving climate change, remains limited. African countries are among the most affected by this cause-and-effect relationship. Consequently, climate negotiations at the COPs often center on discussions between industrialized nations, as major emitters, and developing countries, as the primary victims of climate change impacts. Therefore, a critical understanding of scientific methods that link greenhouse gas emissions to changes in climate extremes and their associated impacts is vital for African climate negotiators. As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen this capacity, the African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES) has been actively working to build the technical competence of African negotiators. This report documents the capacity-building trainings conducted on the “Attribution of Climate Change and Its Impacts” for African climate negotiators.
Survey and choice experiment dataset for assessing pastoralists’ preferences for bundled livestock insurance products in Kenya
(Dataset) Shikuku, Kelvin; Ochenje, Ibrahim; Enriquez, Kira; Banerjee, Rupsha; DuttaGupta, Tanaya; Osiemo, Jamleck
This data was collected through a choice experiment with 1,829 women and men pastoralists across 119 villages in Isiolo County, Kenya in August 2024. The choice experiment was designed to elicit pastoralists relative willingness to pay for bundled livestock insurance. The experiment further aimed to assess socially differentiated preferences for bundled livestock insurance.
Training material for attribution of climate change and Its impacts climate. As part of the AGNES’s course on climate outlook, impact assessment, and climate risk assessment cohort II
(Presentation, 2025-11-10) Engdaw, Mastawesha Misganaw
Types of climate risk
(Presentation, 2025-11-10) Engdaw, Mastawesha Misganaw
State of climate reports and IPCC’s reports
(Presentation, 2025-11-10) Engdaw, Mastawesha Misganaw
What is Pioneer Positive Deviance—and why is it so effective?
(Video, 2025-11-04) Habermann, Birgit; Worku, Tigist; Gichuki, Leah
Adaptation pioneers implement uncommon practices and succeed where others fail. This understanding of behavioral adaptation is rooted in the concept of positive deviance. In our research, positive deviants are referred to as adaptation pioneer families or households, encompassing men, women, youth, and the elderly. By studying these uncommon practices, we can support pioneers in sharing their unique approaches with others, fostering social learning for more resilient farming systems.
Evaluating precipitation re-forecast datasets over Ethiopia. Progress Report
(Presentation, 2025-11-15) Engdaw, Mastawesha Misganaw; Ghosh, Aniruddha; Gamoyo, Majambo; Degefie, Degefie Tibebe; Ahmed, Jemal Seid; Llanos Herrera, Lizeth
Building climate resilience in the Ethiopian pastoral and agro-pastoral region: Impact of the livestock water and pasture monitoring and early warning system
(Report, 2025-11-12) Tegegne, Getachew; Alemayehu, Sintayehu; Workeneh, Sintayehu; Tesfaye, Lidya; Gebre, Liyuneh; Abdulhamid, Numery; Girvetz, Evan
Ongoing droughts have a profound impact on agricultural productivity, especially in regions of Ethiopia that rely heavily on livestock and crops. Climate change is making these challenges even worse. To help combat this issue, early warning systems are essential as they provide timely alerts and actionable information to minimize the effects of drought. Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT developed a User-Centered Livestock Water and Pasture Monitoring and Early Warning System (LWPM-EWS) designed to bolster the resilience of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists. An analysis conducted after implementation revealed that an impressive 99% of key informants utilized the LWPM-EWS for making important decisions about water management, grazing, and crop irrigation. The system has made it easier for communities to access water and pasture, reduced livestock losses, and encouraged collaboration among community members. About 80% of respondents indicated a reduction in conflicts over resources since the project's implementation. Furthermore, 84% noticed increased engagement from humanitarian organizations, which has led to greater support overall. Furthermore, 93% of key informants reported that the LWPM-EWS project significantly improved the community's ability to handle droughts and other climate-related challenges, showcasing its transformative impact on building resilience in Borana, Ethiopia.
Effectiveness of decentralized distribution of co-designed farmers’ handbook based on farmer-led innovation in a conflict situation: A Case Study from North Shewa zone, Amhara Region.
(Presentation, 2025-09-10) Getahun, Elizabeth; Habermann, Birgit; Worku, Tigist
Farmer-led innovation supports farming communities, especially where formal agricultural services are unavailable, limited, or disrupted by conflict. This study explored the effectiveness of decentralized distribution of a farmer handbook, developed by farmers, extension workers, and researchers, in conflict-affected areas of Northern Ethiopia. The study combined qualitative and quantitative research methods. A randomized phone survey was conducted with 71 farmers who received a handbook on feed management for sheep fattening in adaptation to climate change, and interviews with 6 livestock extension workers involved in distribution. Among the 71 respondents, 57 farmers read the material. Farmers found the content, size, and illustrations effective and easy to understand. 54 confirmed that the handbook improved their farming knowledge, and 22 shared the information. The study concluded that disseminating the handbooks through indirect means in conflict situations proved effective. Pretesting the handbook with farmers and agreement on content and design positively impacted reception.
Report on 2025 additions to the KMD application and web dashboard
(Report, 2025-11-18) Sidjesse, Makokha; Dhulipala, Ram; Singh, Kanika
Under the AICCRA project, the Kenya Cluster has strengthened climate resilience for smallholder farmers by enhancing the capabilities of the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD). A central achievement of this collaboration is the co-development and 2025 refinement of the AICCRA-KMD mobile application. This Android-based tool is designed to revolutionize field data collection and the delivery of climate-informed agro-advisories. It enables a network of County Directors, extension staff, and enumerator farmers across eight arid and semi-arid counties to manually record and upload daily rainfall and critical weekly crop data, including pest incidence and yield information. The application ensures real-time data integration with a web dashboard, minimizing collection errors and streamlining analysis. By providing a reliable channel for ground-truthed, weather-linked data, the AICCRA-KMD app empowers stakeholders with actionable insights, facilitating data-driven decision-making and supporting the broader scaling of climate-smart agriculture practices in Kenya.
From risk to resilience: A user-centered water monitoring and early warning system
(Infographic, 2025-11-12) Alemayehu, Sintayehu; Tegegne, Getachew; Dejene, Sintayehu Workeneh
The lowland regions of Ethiopia are facing persistent drought and various climate challenges, which threaten the livelihoods of communities that rely on livestock. To help these communities adapt, there’s a pressing need for a new approach to water monitoring. The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT have developed and implemented a user-centered livestock water monitoring and early warning system designed to build climate resilience in Ethiopia’s drylands. Calibration and validation of the water balance model showed that it effectively replicated observed water depths at various gauging waterpoints. Ungauged waterpoints were modeled using a hybrid of spatial proximity and physical similarity methods. By integrating seasonal and sub-seasonal climate forecasts with the calibrated and regionalized water balance model, the statuses of waterpoints (Good, Watch, Alert, Near-dry, and Seasonally Dry) and pastoral advisory services were effectively communicated to the local community through SMS, Community Information Centers, and media programs. One of the standout features of this initiative is its focus on inclusivity and human-centered design, which ensures it meets the specific needs of the community. By utilizing satellite data and citizen science, alongside advanced forecasting techniques, the system delivers practical insights into water resources. Feedback from field surveys indicates that the digital water monitoring system has been well received and is making a positive impact on climate resilience in the region. It fosters sustainability by encouraging collaboration between government bodies and local stakeholders. The study highlights that sharing real-time water information and advisory services can significantly improve water management and reduce conflicts over resources.
Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF) stakeholder co-design workshop on the Kenya chicken value chain
(Report, 2025-08-30) Yitayih, Mulugeta; Poole, Elizabeth J.; Wachira, A.M.; Njehu, Alice; Ochieng, Laurence; Marshall, Karen; Soi, M.; Geremew, Kumlachew; Esatu, Wondmeneh; Mbuku, S.; Dessie, Tadelle
Mise en place d’un club d’écoute dédié aux femmes de Sibassor (COOPEDELSI) : Les femmes du RESOPP au coeur du développement local et de l’action climatique
(Brief, 2025-11-03) Worou, Nadine; Ka, Binetou; Diedhiou, Lamine
Ce document présente la mise en place d’un club d’écoute au sein de la coopérative COOPEDELSI (Sibassor, Kaolack), porté par la Dynamique féminine du RESOPP avec l’appui d’AICCRA–RESOPP. Le club, composé de 8 membres représentant les zones d’intervention de la coopérative (874 adhérentes), valorise le rôle des femmes dans le développement local et l’action climatique. En attendant l’appui de la radio Al Fayda FM, les échanges se tiennent via WhatsApp autour de thèmes prioritaires : gouvernance et responsabilités du bureau des femmes, importance des informations climatiques, partage de conseils agro-climatiques, appréciation des émissions radio, mise en place d’une caisse de solidarité et mobilisation des jeunes (Projet Salouma). Les résultats attendus portent sur (i) le leadership féminin et la participation aux décisions, (ii) un meilleur accès et usage des informations climatiques, (iii) la solidarité et la cohésion communautaire, (iv) la visibilité des initiatives des femmes via médias et plateformes numériques, et (v) la capitalisation d’un modèle reproductible pour d’autres coopératives du RESOPP, contribuant à la pérennité des acquis d’AICCRA.
Social networks and information exchange for climate change adaptation in livestock farming in Senegal
(Brief, 2025-10-29) Mbaye, Therese; Houessionon, Prosper; Govoeyi, Benoit; Wane, Abdrahmane; Worou, Nadine; Whitbread, Anthony
This study analyzes how information networks influence livestock farmers’ adaptation to climate change in Linguere, Senegal. Data from 450 randomly selected households reveal large, predominantly male-headed families with limited education. Social Network Analysis (SNA) shows that AICCRA is the main intermediary for climate information, followed by friends and community radios. These actors play key bridging roles, while NGOs, extension, and feed dealers remain peripheral. The findings highlight the dominance of informal social and community-based information channels over institutional ones. Strengthening links between formal and informal actors could enhance the diffusion of climate adaptation information and improve farmers’ resilience.

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