Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is home to 85% of the world’s livestock keepers, a figure that, under normal conditions, should position the region as the largest producer of livestock products. However, it contributes only 2.8% of global meat and milk output.
This productivity gap is largely attributed to the impacts of climate change, indicating the urgent need for climate-resilient solutions, including improved livestock genetics. In West Africa alone, which holds the largest share of the continent’s livestock, demand for meat, milk, and eggs is projected to increase by 50% by 2050.
In collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), AABNet seeks to harness genomic technologies and breeding programs to drive genetic gains in African livestock systems.
This partnership is informed by a study conducted by the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), which explored the potential for genetic gains in African livestock and how AABNet could contribute to transforming livestock production systems.
The study emphasizes the power of collaborative thinking in leveraging advances in genomic technology, digital tools, and information and communications technology (ICT) to establish a foundation for sustainable livestock improvement programs in Africa.
Researchers highlight the importance of integrating climate adaptation and mitigation into breeding programs, ensuring farmers have access to hardier, more productive breeding methods while building systems that benefit both people and the planet.
According to Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, lead author of the study and Director General of ILRI, “Designing breeding programs with climate adaptation and mitigation in mind allows farmers to access more resilient and productive livestock. This approach helps build livestock systems that are sustainable and beneficial for both people and the planet.”
The African Animal Breeding Network (AABNet) offers a unique opportunity for African livestock producers to enhance the production of meat, milk, and eggs through modern breeding technologies and innovations currently being tested across the continent. AABNet aims to sustainably boost productivity and foster inclusive socioeconomic development within farming communities.
AABNet comprises highly skilled geneticists, animal breeders, and professionals committed to providing information, training, advice, and support across Africa. It leverages the expertise of its members, facilitates partnerships and investments, and develops infrastructure to drive innovative livestock genetic improvement. The network connects animal breeders across the continent, enabling them to share information, evaluation systems, and tools to enhance productivity and achieve genetic advancements.
“In the past, genetic improvement efforts have largely focused on maximizing productivity, often overlooking environmental and climate considerations. Africa has a unique opportunity to take a different approach one that balances productivity with sustainability while ensuring interventions are farmer-appropriate and support livelihoods,” said Professor Appolinaire.
The Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) facilitates a system of genetic evaluation across multiple African countries, collecting, storing, and sharing data to support the development of higher-quality, more productive animals. Additionally, CTLGH plays a key role in professional development, educational partnerships, training events, and entrepreneurship, fostering strategic collaborations to accelerate progress.
Professor Mizeck Chagunda, Director of CTLGH, emphasizes that the collaboration with AABNet represents a timely opportunity to improve agriculture and food systems amid population growth and a changing climate.
This aligns with the United Nations and African Union’s vision for the continent, ensuring sustainable development and food security for future generations.
