'SSA Feeds' is a web-based software and associated database that provides information on the nutritive value of feedstuffs used in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It is intended for extension, development and research agents to design scientifically-based feeding systems for meat, dairy and draught animals. Better nourished livestock improve food security and income of small-scale African farmers. It is divedide in 9 sections, viz, herbaceous forages; fodder trees and shrubs; food crops: cereals & legumes, and residues; food crops: tubers, and roots; food crops: others; concentrate feeds and agro-industrial by-products; mineral supplements; and other less common feeds.

This Doyle Foundation meeting on 'People, mice and livestock.: the story of African trypanosomiasis' was conducted to examine the current status of trypanosomosis in Africa and future research opportunities; and to look at the opportunities for use in the new biosciences platform which has been developed at ILRI, Nairobi campus., as well as research collaboratives through out Africa particularly eastern and central Africa regions with a number of notes which are developing in other African countries. This meeting is formulated with reference to two questions, Why Tryps; and Why Here. The DVD is divided in four sections. The first and last sections - introduction and conclusion are presented by Gabrielle Parsley of Doyle Foundation. The other sections are interviews and debate. The interview has seven parts. Seven scientists from different institutes were interviewed by six different interviewers.

This report characterises the extent of livelihood diversification in Turkana District, briefly surveys a range of options, identifies their relative strengths and weaknesses, and makes recommendations for supportive interventions by development actors. It relies on three main sources of information: a literature review, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. A case study approach was used to gain further insights into selected diversification opportunities. The study team, however, noted that, when applying an agreed selection criteria (i.e. showcase the most important livelihood diversification opportunities in operation in Turkana), the case studies had a distinct gender and geographical bias: they were biased towards women's groups and urban centres, Turkwel and Kerio rivers and Lake Turkana. The report discusses drivers for diversification, the main being drought. Then it examines impact of gender and wealth and outlines some potential livelihood diversification options for Turkana District which includes poultry and egg production; trading of small-stock by women's groups; fresh milk, dried milk and dried meat sales; forage trees; collection and sale of wild fruits; aloe production; gum arabic production; charcoal production; ecotourism; gold mining; and casual and waged labour. The brief then presents diversification case studies including honey production and marketing; fishing in Lake Turkana; irrigated agriculture; handicrafts; hides and skins; and small-scale business.

This report describes an emergency drought mitigation program executed by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium (VSF-Belgium) in Turkana District, northwestern Kenya, in early 2005. It consisted of purchasing drought-affected goats from pastoralists in the worse affected parts of the district and donating them to local schools and health centres, where the resulting meat was to be used to supplement the diet of students and in-patients. The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) was invited by VSF-Belgium to carry out an independent evaluation study of the intervention and to make recommendations for the improvement of future destocking programs. The evaluation study forms the core of this report. The brief starts with a discussion on previous destocking initiatives and the current intervention: the drought of 2005 of Turkana District. Then it continues with the evaluation of TELO: The Actor Network Theory. The TELO intervention had six specific objectives and the results are presented in relation to each in turn - to increase household cash income among pastoralists; to reduce pressure on water and pasture resources; to increase food security for vulnerable school children; to improve utilisation of assets with livestock owners gaining benefit from vulnerable livestock before the condition of the livestock deteriorates beyond the point of selling; to increase access to funds made available to livestock owners for future restocking; to use the money saved from school feeding program for school fees and/or other relevant projects for pastoralists' schools children. In addition the results are also considered in relation to the four stages of ANT, namely identification of problems and driving forces; identification of each agent's interests; enrolment of the actors and actants; and mobilization. The report ends with summaries of other issues and constraints, and recommendations for improvement of future destocking programs.

This report focuses on the issues surrounding livestock marketing in Turkana District. The report 's authors undertook an extensive literature review and conducted field work in Turkana in early 2006. They characterized and described the livestock marketing systems operating in the district, identified problems and constraints, and made a series of recommendations intended to increase the number of pastoralists profitably accessing livestock markets. Finally, they identified researchable issues which would enable a better understanding of livestock marketing in Turkana District. Topics of discussion include pastoralism in Turkana: then and now; failed livestock interventions; is Turkana District overstocked? How many people and livestock? Reluctance to sell or slaughter; livestock marketing and consumption in Turkana; problems associated with livestock marketing in Turkana including subsistence orientation, marketing infrastructure, transport, trader cartels and brokers, insecurity, taxes and bribes, lack of cash, quarantine restrictions, and information.

This DVD contains a 10 minutes film showing ILI's work in 2006. Topics included are - climate change; livestock market information systems; pastoralism; land use map; farmers income; collaborative project to enhance crop livestock productivity; small scale and large scale dairy industries; breeding projects and partnerships; livestock diseases and bird flu & new genetic stocks. The film also a part on a brief description of the book - Mapping climate vulnerability and poverty in Africa, published by ILRI

This manual and its accompanying self-learning module provide detailed procedural guidlines and lessons for staff who do not have the opportinity to attend courses on seed conservation and genebank management. It focuses on seed handling procedures and does not cover documentation, collecting or characterization procedures in great detail. The manual discusses and presents some of the common procedures in handling seeds in genebanks. These steps include germplasm acquisition and registration; seed cleaning; seed moisture content determination and drying; seed quality testing which includes viability testing; health testing, and testing for inadvertent introduction of transgenes; seed packaging and storage; germplasm distribution; and the last one is germplasm monitoring and regeneration. At the end of the manual one finds annex on international policies and frameworks influencing access to and exchange of germplasm; serological methods for detecting plant pathogens; glossary; and specialized equipment for gene banks. And the module is a stand-alone self -learning tool organised into units and lessons and it is intended to be used in conjuction with the manual. Each lesson includes learning objectives, a description of procedures; learning checks to assess understanding, problem scenarios for applying learning to a pratctical situation and lesson summaries. In addition each lesson contains a glossary of commonly used genebank terms, references to further reading, and detailed photographs to illustrate the steps in seed-handling procedure.

GenStat Discovery Edition is a free version of GenStat developed by VSN International for use by not-for-profit research organisations, charities and educational institutes based in the developing world. The first edition, released in October 2003, was distributed throughout Africa by the ICRAF-ILRI Research Methods Group (a merger of the former ICRAF Research Support Unit and the ILRI biometrics unit) with support of the Capacity Strenghtening in Research Methods project of VVOB (Flemish Association for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance). It had users in 33 African countries. Based on the successful experience, VSN International agreed to expand the distribution of GenStat Discovery Edition outside Africa. GenStat Discovery Edition 2 is basically the same version as Edition 1, but registration for all users worldwide has been made easier. GenStat is one of the leading statistical software products, is designed by and for agricultural researchers, but useful for researchers in any field, starts with basic statistics but takes you to the leading edge, encourages good statistical practice, has an attractive and easy-to-use interface, is continuously being developed and updated, runs in MS Windows 95 and later is developed and distributed by VSN International.

The aim of this electronic "Biometrics and Research Methods Teaching Resource" is to enhance effective teaching of and training in biometry through teaching guides, interactive, illuminating real-life case studies and other teaching materials. It is built around six proposed teaching guides that take the reader through the research process. These are - Research Strategy, Study Design, Data Management, Exploration & Description, Statistical Modelling and Reporting. The Teaching Resource also includes other teaching material provided from University of Reading, ICRAF, University of Kwazu-Natal and Massey University, New Zealand. The teaching resource contains 13 case studies drawn from research conducted in Ethiopia, Kenya, Swaziland, Uganda and Zambia. The case studies go through different parts of the research process as set out in the teaching guides, and illustrate how methods of design and analysis are applied to the examples described. Four short videos have also been produced that demonstrate how arable and animal experiments are laid out and illustrate other aspects of research methodology in the field. A fifth video shows a consultation between a biometrician and a client. Each case study has its own data set(s) and study questions and has been designed around the statistical software GenStat. A 'Discovery' version of GenStat, free to users in sub-Saharan Africa, is distributed alongside this teaching resource.

This workshop was conducted to assess the development prospects of India's livestock in the context of changing global economic environment and its impact on the rural poor, and to suggest politically feasible and practical strategies and approaches for pro-poor growth in livestock production. An additional aim of the workshop was to explore possibilities of enhanced research collaboration between the national agricultural research systems (NARS) and ILRI. In the inaugural session of the workshop, summaries of the following two papers were presented to apprise the participants of the emerging trends in the livestock sector nationally and internationally, and to set the tone for the subsequent discussions. The papers were: 1. Livestock sector in India: Opportunities and challenges for smallholders PS Birthal and VK Taneja) and 2. Lessons from a changing world: Implications for livestock research and development by ILRI. The India paper provides a comprehensive overview of the livestock sector and brings out explicitly the importance of livestock in improving the wellbeing of the rural poor. The ILRI paper provides a synoptic view of the changing global environment and draws lessons for India and other developing countries to transform livestock production to the benefit of the poor.

Transforming Ethiopian agriculture from its current subsistence orientation into market orientated production system forms the basis of the agricultural development strategy of the Government of Ethiopia (GoE). The agricultural extension service is one of the institutional support services that has a central role to play in the transformation process. This paper makes use of literature review and information collected using Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) techniques in eight woredas of four Regional States of Oromiya, Amhara, Tigray and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) in Ethiopia to assess the extension service development, and analyse the approaches and processes used by the current extension system. The paper also identifies some of the major bottlenecks in the extension system and suggests recommendations for a more market oriented support service. We find that the extension service is in the process of transition, with emphasis being shifted to the use of the newly established Farmers Training Centres (FTCs). The FTCs are expected to serve as hubs for the transfer of improved technologies and knowledge, skill development, and the provision of other institutional support services. We also find that agricultural extension service is provided almost exclusively by the government through the woreda (district) Offices of Agriculture and Rural Development (OoARD). Although the country is following market oriented agricultural development strategy, we find that the extension service that has been organized for achieving food security objectives has not yet been adapted (both in capacity and organizational structure) to provide extension service required for transforming subsistence agriculture to market oriented agriculture. Major problems of the extension system include top-down and non-participatory approach, primarily supply driven, low capacity of experts and development agents, low morale and high turnover of extension staff, and shortage of operational budget and facilities. It is recommended that steps be taken to adapt the extension service to fit into the market oriented development strategy. It is also recommended that support is provided to the extension services to develop pluralistic and interactive operational models geared towards market oriented agricultural development including involvement of the private sector extension through co-operatives and large-scale commercial production and marketing companies. The creation of agricultural innovation teams both at the federal and regional levels will help develop innovative approaches and capacities at the district level, thus contributing to the alleviation of the top-down nature of the extension service. Furthermore, it is recommended that the Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) colleges be involved in the learning process and continuously include lessons learned in their curricula.

This workshop reviews the options and strategies for the conservation of farm animal genetic resources (FAnGR) and to identify priorities for action. It focusses primarily on the technical needs and opportunities and placed less emphasis on policy and institutional issues. The workshop resulted in eleven major findings and 13 priorities for action. It also identified four broad areas where information and knowledge were lacking. The findings and priorities for action are listed and explained.in this report.

Brian Perry shares his experiences of conducting live filmed science interviews. From his background as research scientist and interviewer for ILRI events, he defines what he sees as the most important elements of a science communication, and suggests some methods for those who want to enter the field. The DVD has five contents. 1. Good research, good notes - then improvise! 2. How comedy can draw out information. 3. Varying the question style and pace. 4. The unexpected answer, and 5. A last word from Brian Perry.

This annual report describes tools that ILRI and its scientific and agricultural partners are developing. It focuses on technologies that are helping to stem the destruction of pastoral ecosystems in East Africa, to reduce a heavy disease burden in West African cattle and to optimize feeding regimes for Sahelian livestock keepers. In the first chapter, 'Herding with a GPS in the hand', the report looks at how research is working to empower pastoral people living in the Athi-Kaputiei ecosystem, which continues to support the long-distance migration of large numbers of wildlife, remarkably right in Nairobi's backyard. The second chapter 'Farming with a syringe in the hand', describes tools that ILRI and its partners are developing and employing to improve control of African animal trypanosomosis in the sub-humid cotton zone of West Africa. Trypanosomosis has confounded some of the best minds of the past century and is arguably the most important livestock disease on the continent, costing Africa up to USD5 billion every year in control costs and lost production. The third chapter 'Livestock feeding with a measuring bowl in the hand', explores how research by ILRI and partners is refining the integration of crop and livestock production in Niger and other countries of the Sahel. A science-based feeding regime for fattening sheep is sustaining as well as increasing livestock productivity and household incomes. All the three projects combine strategic with adaptive research. At the adaptive end of the research-to-development continuum, activities involve, for example, training and capacity building in mapping and remote sensing for rational use of pastoral lands, adaptation of tools for diagnosing trypanosomosis and integration of methods to control the disease, and refinement of traditional feeding regimes to optimize sheep fattening. Elements of more basic research support all three projects, for example, in the application of mathematical modelling to predict the impacts of alternative uses of pastoral lands, to understand the dynamics of parasite resistance to trypanocidal drugs, and to optimize scarce feed resources for the nourishment of people, lands and livestock alike.

This manual was designed with the objective of taking any user through the process of characterising a farming system using Impact. The manual is intended to give the user an understanding not only of how to use Impact, but also of the rationale behind collecting and using the different types of data that Impact asks for. For this reason it is important the you, as a user, follow each of the subsequent sections in turn, reading carefully the explanation given for each step. The outline given below explains the steps you need to follow. Following this the manual takes you through each process in a step by step guide. Even if you have no or very little experience of using computers, you will be able to use Impact if you follow the instructions carefully. Impact can be used by anyone who wishes to characterise a tropical farming system in such a way that they can then better and more clearly understand how the system works. By characterising a farming system, a user will be able to test within impact the effects of different management scenarios on the system and to understand how they impact on a number of aspects of the farm, e.g., food security, income. At a simpler level, Impact also enables a user to see clearly the effects of an existing management strategy on a farming system. The manual is divided into three main sections, viz, the basics of impact; preliminary steps; and working with impact. The first section includes installing the impact software, Impact's layout and commands, and the structure of Impact's information. The second section looks into The database manager, and data tables. The third section examines system characterisation, analysis tools, and duplicating data. The data used include crops, pastures, activities, fertilisers, livestock, purchased feed, household consumption, climate, household size, land use and management, feeding management, labour analysis, farm inputs and outputs, household dietary pattern, organic mineral information, economics, food security, and nutrient flows

Information on the extent of existing diversity, characteristics and use of indigenous farm animal genetic resources in developing countries is the basis for their present as well as future sustainable utilization. In view of lack of a systematic database on this information, ILRI has been developing the Domestic Animal Genetic Resources Information System (DAGRIS) as a web-based electronic source of information on selected indigenous farm animal genetic resources (breeds/ecotypes of cattle, sheep, goats, chicken and pigs) with options to extend it further to cover geese, turkey and ducks. Its current geographic scope is Africa and selected Asian countries with an envisaged future coverage of developing countries in Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. DAGRIS is an information system designed to facilitate the compilation, organization and dissemination of information on the origin, distribution, diversity, present use and status of indigenous farm animal genetic resources from past and present research results in an efficient way. The underlying concept is that such information provides the necessary basis for developing breed improvement as well as conservation programmes. The working objectives of DAGRIS are: compile and organize information on farm animal genetic resources from all available sources; maintain the integrity and validity of the information, and disseminate the information in a readily accessible way to all key stakeholders.

The overall aims of DFID's (Department for International Development) new research programme on climate change and development in sub-Saharan Africa are to improve the ability of poor people to be more resilient to current climate variability as well as to the risks associated with longer-term climate change. The programme is designed to address the knowledge implications of interacting and multiple stresses, such as HIV/AIDS and climate change, on the vulnerability of the poor, and it concentrates on approaches that work where government structures are weak. To help identify where to locate specific research activities and where to put in place uptake pathways for research outputs, information is required that relates projected climate change with vulnerability data. ILRI undertook some exploratory vulnerability mapping for the continent in late 2005 and early 2006, building on some livestock poverty mapping work carried out in 2002. The work described here is a small piece of a larger activity that involved the commissioning of several studies on climate change and the identification of the critical researchable issues related to development. This work was conducted to identify areas of sub-Saharan Africa where current and projected impacts of climate variability and climate change are likely to be significant, poverty rates high, and vulnerability to change high, over the next 10, 25 and 50 years; and to assess the feasibility of developing a decision support toolbox for priority setting, monitoring and evaluation that can be used to assess cross-sectoral technology, policy and management interventions aimed at improving the adaptive capacity and coping strategies of highly vulnerable households. Several activities were undertaken to meet the objectives of the work. First, a small project inception meeting was held in involving several potential research collaborators. The major outputs of the meeting were identification of the key elements of a composite vulnerability indicator, given data availability constraints; some consensus on the analytical aspects of the work and how this should be approached; and ideas on engaging users and utilising their feedback on project activities and outputs. These various elements are discussed in section 3. Following on from this meeting, data were assembled for the mapping work. These data collection and analysis activities are described in Sections 4 and 5 of the report, and revolved around information on climate change trends, climate variability and possible changes in variability, poverty data, and indicators of vulnerability and adaptive capacity. A parallel set of activities over a four months period was undertaken with the aim of assessing the information needs of decision-makers related to climate variability and climate change. The project also involved a study of the potential uses of information concerning climate variability and climate change for effective decision-making. A small survey of actual and potential users was carried out and a synthesis of the findings is discussed in section 6, together with a discussion of capacity building needs and opportunities for the future, and a discussion of the feasibility of expanding the methods and tools used here to develop a tool box that could be used for ex-ante assessment of interventions related to climate change and coping mechanisms. Following the text of the main report, there is a series of notes on different topics of relevance to different issues. These Notes are appropriately referred to in the text and provide details on several key aspects of vulnerability impact assessment concepts, methods and tools.

A Farmer Field Schools (FFS) is a capacity building method based on adult education principles using groups of farmers. It is best described as a 'school without walls', where farmers learn through observation and experimentation in their own fields. This allows them to improve their management skills and become knowledge experts on their own farms. It is a process not a goal. Specific FFS objectives include: empowering farmers with knowledge and skills to make them experts in their own fields; sharpening the farmers' ability to make critical and informed decisions so that they can make their farming profitable and sustainable; sensitising farmers to new ways of thinking and problem solving; helping farmers learn how to organise themselves and their communities; and enhancing the relationships between farmers, extensionists and researchers, so they work together to test, assess and adapt a variety of options within the specific local conditions. Farmer Field Schools (FFS) are based on an innovative, participatory and interactive learning approach. The FFS approach was developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It emerged as a way for small-scale rice farmers to investigate and learn for themselves the required skills for adopting integrated pest management (IPM) practices in their paddy fields. The approach proved to be so successful that today IPM FFS programmes are conducted in more than 30 countries throughout Asia, South America and Africa). As awareness of this project increased, so did the number of requests received from elsewhere in Africa, Central America and Asia for ILRI's support in implementing similar FFS schemes. In response, DFID-AHP has extended the project to allow this guide to be produced and to develop a programme to train 10 FFS Master Trainers who can then train extension workers in the FFS methodology. This guide provides examples of FFS activities as well as basic livestock technical information to help new facilitators implement a livestock FFS. The guide comprises three distinct sections: Part1: Farmer Field School Methodology - principles and concepts - describes the FFS methodology, introduces the guiding principles and concepts, and suggests how to organize the overall programme and farmer groups. Part II: Field guidelines for facilitating livestock FFS activities - provides new FFS facilitators with a course of action and specific examples to assist them in creating activities that enhance participation, promote experimental approaches and facilitate learning of livestock topics. Part III: Animal health and production - dairy technical manual comprises a series of simple, easy to read fact sheets containing technical information on cattle health and production. The fact sheets in this section can be used as templates for writing additional fact sheets in the future, specifically adapted to the needs of each FFS. Each section again is divided into chapters.

The ILRI financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2005 presents ten statements and five exhibits. The first one, Statement of purpose describes the institute, examines why livestock research for the poor, and outlines the ILRI research themes, and campuses and staff. The second, third, fourth and fifth statements are Statement by the chairman of Board of Trustees; Board statement on risk management; Statement of management's responsibilities; and Report of the independent auditors respectively. The sixth one - Statement of financial position - discusses assets& liabilities, and net assets. The seventh and eighth statements presented are Statement of activities; and Statement of changes in net assets. The Ninth - Statement of cash flows includes cash flows from operating activities, cash flows from investing activities, net increase in cash and cash equivalents. The tenth statement - Notes to the financial statements includes topics like creation and status of the institute, significant accounting policies; cash and cash equivalents; accounts; inventories intangible assets - computer software; property and equipment; investment in subsidiary; accounts payable; accruals, net asset; grant and other revenues and support; and program related expenses. At the end of the document six exhibits/schedules are presented, and these are Schedule of for unrestricted grant revenue, Schedule of program restricted grant revenue, Schedule of project restricted grant revenue, Schedule of European Community funding, Schedule of furnishings and equipment, and Schedule of direct and indirect cost rates.

The purpose of this module is to highlight the roles and objectives of higher education, and to discuss aspects of teaching and learning. It provides examples of teaching and examination methods, as well as discussions on research supervision, science communication, evaluation of courses and curricula, and how to promote educational development. The module addresses university/college teachers and scientists teaching animal breeding in developing countries, but large parts of the contents are general and useful also for others teaching in higher education institutions. There are references and links [burgundy] to various parts of the Training Resource, such as exercises, case studies, discussion questions, module texts and compendia, which may be useful in teaching animal breeding. There are also links [blue] to Web resources. Topics under this module are, capacity building-role of higher education; link research and teaching in higher education; objectives of higher education - a challenge to fulfil; Aspects on teaching and learning; teaching methods; examination methods influence learning; supervision of post-graduate students; evaluation of courses, teaching and the education programme; how to promote teaching skills and educational development; teaching science communication; and writing a research proposal.

This module reviews the most commonly used quantitative methods in the area of animal breeding and animal genetic resources. The module primarily addresses scientists in the area of animal genetic resources in developing countries, including both faculty in universities/colleges and staff in research institutions. The core text includes links [burgundy] and references to other parts of the AnGR Training Resources (CD), such as exercises, module texts, compendia and case studies. There are also links [blue] and references to literature and websites. Topics discussed under this module include, quantitative methods-important tools for Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR); understanding your data; statistical models for data analyses; estimating non-genetic effects; estimating genetic effects; mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL); designing and implementing on-farm surveys of livestock breeds; measuring genetic diversity from molecular data; and genetic relationships between populations.

This module discusses important factors to consider when designing sustainable genetic improvement programmes, especially under tropical conditions. Previous attempts to launch breeding programmes in developing countries have too often failed for a number of reasons, although there are success stories to learn from as well. Long-term and simple strategies are necessary as is the need to efficiently exploit the potential of indigenous breeds. Increased productivity per animal or area of land used also need to be considered. However, that must be achieved while also considering the variable socio-economic and cultural values of livestock in different societies or regions. Within the module there are links [blue] to web resources and [burgundy] to case studies and other related components of this resource that help illustrate the issues presented. Topics of discussion of module three are, animal improvement for increased productivity and food availability; previous genetic improvement programmes-lessons to learn; some considerations when designing a breeding programme; developing the breeding programme; balancing rate of genetic gain, diversity and environmental impact; monitor the breeding programme to show impact; research is needed to support the breeding programme; globalisation of breeding programmes - opportunities and threats; and measures to conserve threatened breeds.

To better manage, use and conserve animal genetic resources (AnGR), we must understand the nature and distribution of both the phenotypic and genetic diversity that they posses. This module makes a case for and highlights issues and methods that underpin improved understanding of the diversity in AnGR as a basis for designing conservation and sustainable utilisation of the diversity (the subject of Module 3). The module emphasises the need to undertake phenotypic and genetic characterisation of indigenous breeds in order to improve our understanding. It also points out the role that modern technologies and indigenous knowledge may play in this process. Within the module there are links [blue] to the web resources and [burgundy] to case studies and other components that help illustrate the issues discussed. The contents of this module include, what are animal genetic resources? breed characterisation, including on-farm surveys; What do their genes contribute; What we can see and measure; and the contribution of indigenous knowledge, intellectual property and rights.

This first module provides some insight into the need for better use of animal genetic resources (AnGR) in the context of projected demand for food in developing countries until 2020. Worldwide, 850 million people do not have enough to eat; a livestock revolution is currently underway to meet the nutritional needs for improvement of the livelihood of poor people. The module provides the background, facts and reasons for increased attention to improved utilisation and the maintenance of AnGR in developing countries. It also provides a list of some key literature. References and links are made to web resources [blue] and to other parts of this resource [burgundy]. Some case studies on breed resources and other relevant components of this resource (CD and the web version) help illustrate the issues presented. The contents of this module include, food security and livestock-keys to poverty alleviation; world animal populations increase, but not everywhere; livestock revolution underway; diversified use of livestock; diversity in animal genetic resources invaluable for future developments; and new approaches needed for sustainable livestock improvement

This training resource is presented in five modules. 1) Global perspectives on animal genetic resources for sustainable agriculture and food production in the tropics. This module provides some insight into the need for better use of animal genetic resources (AnGR) in the context of projected demand for food in developing countries until 2020. 2) Improving our knowledge of tropical indigenous animal genetic resources. This module makes a case for and highlights issues and methods that underpin improved understanding of the diversity in AnGR as a basis for designing conservation and sustainable utilisation of the diversity (the subject of module three). 3) Sustainable breeding programmes for tropical farming systems. This module discusses important factors to consider when designing sustainable genetic improvement programmes, especially under tropical conditions. 4) Quantitative methods to improve the understanding and utilisation of animal genetic resources This module reviews the most commonly used quantitative methods in the area of animal breeding and animal genetic resources. It primarily addresses scientists in the area of animal genetic resources in developing countries, including both faculty in universities/colleges and staff in research institutions. 5) Teaching methods and science communication. The purpose of module five is to highlight the roles and objectives of higher education, and to discuss aspects of teaching and learning. It provides examples of teaching and examination methods, as well as discussions on research supervision, science communication, evaluation of courses and curricula, and how to promote educational development. The module addresses university/college teachers and scientists teaching animal breeding in developing countries, but large parts of the contents are general and useful also for others teaching in higher education institutions. The Cd also includes tools such as case studies, exercises, examples, compendia, breed databases, maps, clips, photographs, a virtual library, web resources, and a glossary. The modules and the tools are inter-linked to collectively form a cohesive resource.

This DVD comprises the events of the ILRI annual planning meeting 2006 which took place from 27-31 March. It is divided into three parts. The first part includes five hard-hitting staff interviews, the second one six discussions on ILRI's hot topics, and the third one is a background to the event. The hard talk includes a series of hard hitting interviews highlighting staff and their contributions, and ILRI's broader range of research partners world wide. Topics include "Research and leadership", "BECA - Biosciences in Eastern and Central Africa", "Out posted scientific staff", "Systems research and understanding systems evolution", and "Managing ILRI's resources: the struggle between idealism & reality". Part 2 comprises a series of relaxed discussions/soft talks on ILRI's hot topics. These include "Chinese chickens what you should know", "Gender, work and research - towards an ILRI policy", "Why fodder matters to ILRI", "Spot light on Asia", "The CGIAR - working with its partners in eastern and southern Africa", and "ILRI's role in tackling Bird Flu". Part 3 is a background to the event and includes two power point presentations by ILRI's Director General on the state of ILRI and ILRI's strategy and themes; the fish Bowl Debate, an ILRI-wide debate on international public goods; a summary of the market place - a brief introduction to the lively event that showcase many of ILRI projects, themes and partnerships; CGIAR young scientists of 2005 - a film showcasing Simon Graham of ILRI, Nairobi; and two hard talks - "The interviewer is interviewed", and "Meet the chairman of the Board". The Director General's report on the state of ILRI looks into agricultural research &development context, drought in eastern Africa, program snapshots, ILRI's geographic scopes, ILRI/BECA, private sector interactions, human resources, finance and management issues, 2006 financial outlook, resource mobilization strategy, human resources management, GIAR performance indicators, CGIAR issues, ILRI/ICRAF sharing of services, EPMR preparations, key issues for ILRI and EPMR, and other key issues for 2006.

The CD starts with introduction by ILRI Director General Carlos Sere Then follows the seven interviews conducted by Brian Perry, ILRI Epidemiologist covering aspects and issues of the current Avian Flu situation, their experiences, national and regional surveillance as well as community surveillance and action. The representatives were from South East Asia (Robyn Alders, IRPC/KYEEMA Foundation; India (Santanu Bandopadhyay, Ministry of Agriculture; Nigeria (Daniel F Adene, Poultry Diseases Unit, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan; Senegal (Poultry specialist E. Fallou Gueye ISRA/Family Poultry Network; Kenya (Catherine Wanjohi from Department of Veterinary Services); World Bank Adam lagerstedt; and South Africa (Celia Abolnik Ondeistepoort Veterinary Institute, Pretoria). The South East Asia representative talked about Laos, East Tumor. She states that Laos is one of the first countries to suffer the Bird Flu outbreak, which was in 2004. That it has small commercial industry and that people preferred village poultry. The outbreak was limited to commercial units, and that it was under control. The government's key efforts were also discussed. She indicated that in Laos no veterinarians are trained. There is luck of sufficient information and communication. Laos is still building capacity. Surveillance is one of the failures because of neglected veterinary services and education on basic sciences over many years. Community action was also discussed. The interview with India's representative started with geographical distribution of Bird Flu, and limitation to specific areas. It was indicated that it was a sudden outbreak in a district in a remote area commercial farm. Soon after, there was another outbreak in rural backyard poultries. The discussion included developing of national policies, and whom it involved. Other topics were - active laboratories, vaccination, strains imported, compensation to farmers on destroyed birds, depopulation, animal welfare, public health issues, mortalities, and community awareness. The third interviewee from Nigeria discusses cases of Bird Flu, mortality rate, diagnosis, outbreaks, training, lack of participation in surveillance, spreading mechanism, and recommendations. The representative from Senegal discusses the vulnerability of Avian Flu, preparedness, expertise, how avian flu affects the livelihood of the small farmers, risk of smuggled carcasses, role of migratory birds and water, compensation to farmers, education, training, and action. With the Kenyan representative the discussion was on role in preparedness, coordinating of activities, how effective was the surveillance system, capacity building in lab level, diagnosis methods, and bodies involved in the surveillance like the national museum which was involved in wild bird surveillance by collecting samples. He also stated that there is an active surveillance team for domestic poultry and birds, major risks are said to be migratory birds, and illegal importation. The discussion ends with what actions to be taken and control policies. The World Banks interview includes how word bank view the whole process including money and responsibility that it is not the lead agency internationally. WHO deals with the human side and FAO the other side. He stated that World Bank basically coordinates financial flow and donors & funding agencies. He mentioned that country strategy is used to allocate money and that reprogramming of funding is already in use. The discussion on South Africa is on the ongoing work which involved diagnosis and research in Avian Influenza. The discussion includes tracing the origin, mutation, strains in South Africa, Ostrich viruses, intensive farming system, identify how the virus come to the country, the surveillance program, lessons learnt, direct and indirect impact, increasing awareness, inadequate compensation, and coordination of surveillance. A summary of possible ways forward was presented by Tom Randolph, Agricultural economist at ILRI. He looked into how to develop policies to control Avian Flu, service needed to support different front line agencies, and indicates the research community can contribute by its expertise, lab capacity etc. and how to develop control policies, why and how can the community translate those lessons into better control efforts in the future. Front line agencies like, FOA, OIE and WHO and national institutes were reminded to prepare for and fight any outbreaks of the disease. It was mentioned that ILRI and IFPRI representing the CGIAR, would like to help to facilitate the process, help to get it started but not control or lead.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most important oilseed crops in the rainfed areas of the Deccan Plateau in India, providing nutritious fodder for ruminants. For several decades, farmers in this region have been cultivating the traditional cultivar TMV 2. However, they have been plagued by economically significant foliar diseases like late leaf spot and rust, leading to low and poor pod and fodder yields. ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics) for the past decade in collaboration with partner institutes has been striving to develop a new cultivar. Following several on-station and on-farm studies, a dual purpose, early maturing groundnut cultivar ICGV 91114 and its Integrated Disease Management (IDM) technology were developed as a substitute for TMV 2. The package includes the economical use of fungicide as seed treatment and foliar application. This workshop was conducted to critically review the results of the studies conducted over the last two years and ascertain how to make best use of the finding. The papers in this proceeding are divided in five sessions. The first session "Integrated crop and pest management in groundnut" discusses improved crop husbandry practices in groundnut in dryland agriculture; integrated management of fungal and other diseases & insect pests and their management. The second session "Farmers' participatory on-farm integrated disease management in groundnut" looks into the influence of IDM on groundnut yield; farmers' participatory crop and disease management; upscaling of dual purpose, short duration groundnut genotype; and crop management practices. The third session "Diseased haulum, yield, nutrition and digestibility" examines the effect of diseased groundnut and sorghum crop residues on nutrient utilization in cattle; stover quality of crop residues; and feeding diseased vs healthy haulums. In this session is also presented the finding from on-farm participatory rural appraisals - the ILRI experience. Session four "Harvest management and marketing of pod and fodder (haulums) in groundnut" discusses management of harvesting in groundnut; the present marketing system for groundnuts; and marketing groundnut pods and fodder. Topics of discussion in the session "Linkages and seed systems" includes sorghum for mixed crop-livestock systems; seeds of choice for sustainable agriculture; village level seed system in groundnut; and the existing seed system at the village level.

COMESA/LLPI (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa/Leather and Leather Products Institute) considers that pre-slaughter defects of hides and skins in the sub-region are principally caused by widespread diseases of livestock prevailing in the traditional husbandry system widely practiced in East Africa. Recognising the persistent nature of the problem and considering the limitations of past interventions, COMESA/LLPI, in partnership with ILRI (International Livestock research Institute), organized a regional workshop to provide a forum for substantive discussion amongst all stakeholders and other interested groups to re-examine the issue and to suggest effective ways of addressing it. The objectives of this workshop were to provide a discussion forum for all potential stakeholders to thoroughly assess the extent and impact of pre-slaughter defects of hides and skins in the East African sub-region and envisage alternative options for rational sustainable control intervention strategies; to discuss the broader issue of how the leather industry benefits the resource-poor livestock producers in East Africa; to evaluate the economic cost of low quality down-graded hides/skins; to assess the transmission of price signals from the tannery to the smallholder, evaluate the strength of the economic incentive and to suggest solutions; to assess the effectiveness of the existing grading and pricing systems, discuss means of introducing greater clarity in the transactions and ameliorating market failures; and to identify the gaps in the marketing systems and recommend rational solutions for alternative viable marketing mechanisms. The discussion incorporates reviews and analysis of previous interventions, the behavior of economic agents along the raw hides and skins supply chain, the transmission of price signals, benefits along the chain and the estimation of the economic cost of hide and skin diseases and strategic options for sustained control of pre-slaughter defects. The workshop also considered whether the existing economic incentives to the smallholder is sufficient to stimulate the desired improvement in the quality of the raw material, or whether alternative options need to be devised because previous investments in other links of the supply chain that have excluded the primary producer have failed to bear significant price signals to the smallholder. The workshop also focuses on another important issue related to the ineffectiveness of information transmission of prices and benefits to the smallholder. The existing system is marked with prevalence of asymmetric information on the quality of raw hides and skins. Difficulties in identifying damages in raw hides and skins give rise to market failure due to adverse selection procedures. The workshop ended with recommendations.

Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System in sub-Saharan Africa (SAKSS) is currently a CGIAR centre-wide initiative that is helping to develop and set up knowledge and information management system for rural development strategies in Africa. It is a direct response to the demands of African and international development partners for better evidence-based dialogue in the planning and monitoring of investment and policy reform strategies designed to contribute to the millennium development goals of halving hunger and poverty by 2015. SAKSS overall goal is to empower African policy makers and researchers to own the development agenda of their countries and regions by allowing equal access to information and knowledge by all stakeholders. This CD is a practical tool, aimed at those interested in the huge, ever-changing picture of poverty in Africa. It allows access to and visualization of a wide array of number-based information. It also includes a selection of high-quality poverty related articles. A wide variety of entry-points is provided for a multitude of different users like analysts, researchers and students, development practitioners and donors. The CD includes different measures of poverty for various years, from health-based measures (e.g. % of population that is undernourished) to income/consumption-based measures (e.g. % of population below the poverty line). These data come from multiple sources, and are available at different resolutions and at different scales (i.e. continental, region, country, district, sub-district). For Africa, the various poverty and hunger measures made available are at the country-level. By entering E-GIS from a page one can.). The CD enables to choose a map from the drop down menu, to E-GIS and find out about poverty in Africa and access GIS maps and tables relating to Africa; to select a moving question which includes What is poverty? How can I participate? How poor are the poor? What are the MDGs? Where are the hungry? Where are the poor? How many poor are there? Where does food come from? and it also enables to enter the library from a text button . The CD is presented into four languages, Amharic, English, French and Swahili.

The A-AARNET (ASARECA Animal Agriculture Research Network) training course for researchers on breeding strategies was given by Han Jianlin of ILRI Nairobi. The course topics are as follows. Genes, genomes and genomics: an introduction; Cloning, restriction endonuclease and DNA sequencing; Detection of sequence polymorphisms: principles of molecular markers related techniques; Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); Sampling animal for genetic analysis; and application of molecular genetic markers in livestock. This was followed by participants' presentation. This includes, Genetic polymorphism and population structure of milk structure of milk protein loci in some Sudanese cattle, sheep and goat breeds; Characterisation of production traits, establishment of genetic potential and improvement of indigenous breeds of sheep and goats in Tanzania; Characterization of production traits, establishment of genetic potential and improvement of indigenous breeds of sheep and goats in East and Central Africa; ONB as a tool to increase goat productivity through improved germplasm, and management practices for sustainable market oriented systems in smallholder farmers; Characterization and searching for fecundity gene in Sudanese sheep breeds; Testing and validation of breed survey methodology, socio-economic survey and characterization of selected indigenous cattle breeds of eastern and central Africa; Introduction of improved animals in Busoni Kirundo Province ; Effects of absorption breeding (Ankole-Sahiwal, Jersey-Sahiwal) on milk production in livestock research centers of ISABU; Crossbreeding Boar goat with indigenous goat breed - a strategy for enhanced goat productivity in Rwanda; Introduction of improved dairy processing technologies to market-oriented smallholder dairy producers in the Ethiopian highlands; Genetic selection of Arsi-Bale goats for increased body weight; Establishment of superior genetic materials through importation of sexed embryo for embryo transfer research at Debre Zeit; Performance evaluation of crossbred dairy on some dairy farms in Rwanda; Improvement of Renitelo cattle breed diffusion - maintenance of cattle breed created by research (PSDR project); Conservation of standard Ankole - Bashi : a way to preserve diversity of Ankole race. A breed survey questionnaire is also attached at the end of this document. In addition to these, the CD also includes softwares for participants, pictures and addresses of participants and other photos taken during the course.

The paper presents the results of an analysis of changes that occurred in dairy marketing policy in Kenya during and after the implementation of the collaborative Smallholder Dairy Project (SDP), and the influences on this policy change process. It is a remarkable story of evidence-based policy making, where high quality, credible and relevant research results pinpointed a basic problem in dairy development in Kenya: the need to recognise and develop the informal sector that markets the vast majority of milk. Although the resulting changes in national policy are still in the legislative process, changes in attitude and behaviour of key actors toward the informal milk market can be observed from national level down to local level. This paper forms part of the International Livestock Research Institute’s (ILRI’s) and Overseas Development Institute’s (ODI’s) ‘Process and Partnership for Pro-poor Policy Change’ (PPPPPC Project), which seeks to identify and institutionalise innovative research and development mechanisms and approaches that lead to pro-poor policy outcomes. An innovative approach to policy process analysis developed by ODI’s Research and Policy in Development programme was used, combining elements of three established methodologies. Analysis used a framework to bring out a range of important issues. Political-economic context issues included the role of citizen voice and importance of effective representation. Use of evidence – its relevance, credibility and communication – also proved to be highly important in this case, which proved highly controversial at times. Key to the success in achieving policy change was a highly collaborative approach with many important linkages, especially between core implementing organisations, and also with advocacy-focused NGOs. A number of lessons emerged from the study which could prove relevant to organisations engaging in different aspects of policy processes, or seeking to influence pro-poor policy change.

This report forms part of the follow-up to the SGRP/IPGRI (System-wide Genetic Resources Programme / International Plant Genetic Resources Institute) workshop entitled "Managing Agricultural Biodiversity for Sustainable Development" (23-25 October, 2003, Nairobi, Kenya). The overall aim of the workshop was to explore connections and interactions between different components of the agroecosystem from the perspective of biodiversity management and use, and to provide opportunities to develop linkages between research groups. It covers a background paper assessing the state of the art of valuation methods for crop and livestock components of agricultural biodiversity, with particular emphasis on developing agricultural economies. A thematic bibliography of selected economics literature about valuing crop and livestock components of agrobiodiversity has been produced separately for website posting. The document is divided into four chapters. The first chapter, 'introductory', presents definitions and perspectives of agricultural biodiversity and crop biodiversity; highlights importance of crop and livestock genetic resources in domesticated biodiversity; examines rates and causes of loss; and discusses the contribution of economics. Chapter two 'economics literature about crop biodiversity: findings, methods, and limitations', presents a summary of the findings, methods and tools applied, organised by research questions. These questions were addressed as follows. What is the commercial value from exploiting an individual plant species or crop genetic resource? What is the rate of return to improvement of crop genetic resources? What is the effect of crop biodiversity on productivity, vulnerability, and efficiency? What are the costs and benefits of ex-situ conservation? Which factors predict variation in crop biodiversity on farms as economies change? Which farmers are most likely to maintain it? What is the value of crop genetic resources to farmers? Which diversity index is appropriate to use in applied economics analyses? Chapter three, 'economics literature regarding livestock biodiversity: findings, methods and limitations', also presents a summary of the findings, methods and tools applied organised by research question. These questions are - What is the value of livestock genetic resources to farmers? What are the costs and benefits of conservation? Which farmers should be targeted for participating in in-situ breed conservation programmes? Which farmers are most likely to maintain indigenous breeds? Chapter four is conclusion and recommendations.

This report provides an overview of empirical methods that are frequently used for the analysis of spatial patterns of LUCC based on a survey of recent literature. Because these methods are relevant for wider analysis of system change beyond LUCC (Land Use and Land Cover Change), some examples of analysis of livestock systems are included. The descriptions are not detailed, with the emphasis being instead on explaining the concepts in simple terms, with the aid of illustrations of these methods in land use research. The references refer to detailed descriptions, applications or textbooks. The methods discussed in this report aim at uses of different types of spatially differentiated data at different scales, including both household-and pixel-level analysis. Furthermore, a number of issues important to spatial analysis of land use and farming system change are discussed, including data representation, spatial autocorrelation and validation issues. This information is believed to facilitate the application of these methods in LUCC and other studies and provide an overview of the possibilities and limitations of empirical methods to unravel the complexity of spatial variation in land use and farming system change.

In India underprivileged families account for about one fourth of the population and contribute a major part of livestock production. Livestock are central to their livelihoods and culture. An extensive review of formal and grey literature addressed the premise that a good understanding by the research and development community of the role of livestock in the livelihoods of the underprivileged and their production and marketing systems are needed to guide effective research and development (R&D) aiming to alleviate poverty. The review covered cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, pig and poultry and their output, input, risk, asset and social functions when kept by India's underprivileged families. It examined the factors affecting where and how the livestock were managed. It is concluded that to improve the livelihoods of the underprivileged families through livestock, inter disciplinary action oriented research should target communities in contrasting agro ecozones in central, eastern and north eastern India with priority given to small stock, specifically goats, pigs and backyard poultry. The review notes that there is paucity of information and of projects on underprivileged communities and small stock, particularly in the suggested target regions. It is recommended that the research should start by ensuring a shared understanding between research for development teams and the underprivileged communities of the preferences of the communities for specific types of livestock, their perceptions (particularly of the women) about the roles and functions of the livestock in livelihood strategies, and what, from their perspective, constitutes improvement. Subsequently, action oriented participatory research would identify and address constraints to, and opportunities for, improving livestock based productivity and profitability and the non market functions of livestock. The recommended approach will require a change in paradigm from the conventional reductionist, animal level research to people¬centred, participatory and holistic methods in iterative research for development programmes that are inter disciplinary, multi institutional and, ideally, multi locational to facilitate cross site lesson learning. Given the increasing demand for livestock products, this is an opportune time for animal scientists to make an impact on the livelihoods of the underprivileged by adopting this change in the research paradigm.

To provide a context within which infrastructural, institutional and policy constraints can be reduced to enable smallholder producers benefit more from their production activities, CILSS (Comite Permanent Inter-Etats de Lutte contre la Secheresse dans le Sahel) and ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute) jointly approached the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) in 1998 to finance a project aimed at improving livestock marketing and intra-regional trade in West Africa. The project was initiated in 1999 with two components, a market infrastructure development component handled by CILSS and a policy research component handled by ILRI. The overall objective of the policy research component of this project is to analyse the economic, institutional and policy constraints to livestock marketing and trade to provide a basis for policy interventions to improve market efficiency and infra regional livestock trade. The specific objectives are: to assess the economic and institutional problems in livestock marketing, using three frontier markets as case studies, in order to identify the sources and magnitudes of inefficiencies and measures to reduce them; to identify the sectoral and trade policy constraints to intra regional livestock trade and determine policy strategies to reduce their negative effects; and to develop an appropriate framework to streamline livestock trade policies among participating countries and to disseminate policy results to decision makers. This report addresses these objectives by providing answers to certain questions implicit in the objectives. To make for logical presentation, these questions are organised into four broad groups as follows: i. Livestock marketing operations: What channels are used for livestock marketing? Who are the participants in these channels? What are their characteristics and how are livestock flows through the channels affected by the behaviour of these participants? ii. Price determination in domestic markets: What are the underlying determinants of livestock prices? How do variations in prices affect livestock producers, traders and influence cross border trade? iii. Costs and returns to livestock marketing: What are the costs faced by domestic and cross border livestock traders? When decomposed, how important is the transactions costs component compared to other physical costs of both domestic and cross border livestock marketing? Are the returns to various participants in the livestock production and marketing chain commensurate with their functions and roles? And iv. Opportunities for improving domestic livestock marketing and intra regional trade: What policy and institutional reforms are needed to enhance livestock marketing arid intra regional trade? In addressing the questions, comparisons are made within and between countries to identify important similarities and differences. The report is in eight chapters. Chapter one begins with the introduction. Chapter two presents an overview of livestock trade in West Africa with particular focus on Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger as exporting countries and Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria as importing countries, using secondary data. Trends in livestock population and trade from 1970 to 2000 are examined, particularly for cattle. The chapter ends with highlights of policy and non policy constraints to guide the case studies. Chapter three is devoted to describing the study area, data collection processes and a review of theoretical approaches to market studies. In chapter four, the operations of the various marketing channels, including the flow of livestock from the farm gate to the frontier markets and the activities of market participants are examined. Factors influencing domestic livestock prices in Burkina Faso and Mali and the extent of seasonal price variations are presented in chapter five. The same chapter analyses the levels of market integration, livestock price efficiency and livestock price determination in domestic (Sahelian) markets. The costs and benefits of domestic and cross border trade are discussed in chapter six. Chapter seven discusses options for policy harmonisation among the study countries to improve cross border trade, while a summary of the major findings and conclusions of the study are presented in chapter eight.

Dairy and poultry are the most important livestock enterprises produced by smallholder crop-livestock farmers in Bangladesh. This study is conducted to identify policy options for assisting small-scale operators to develop economically viable and ecologically sustainable production enterprises from participating in the rapidly expanding urban and rural markets for milk and poultry meat and eggs in the country. The paper is organised in six sections. Section two describes the theoretical model applied to measure farm efficiency and sources of data; section 3 discusses some general characteristics of the sample dairy farms followed by specifications of the empirical econometric model and results in section 4. Sections 5 and 6 present similar discussions on sample poultry farms. The study analyses if small- and large-scale dairy and poultry producers use different strategies for adapting their production systems and marketing approaches to meet rapidly expanding urban demand for milk, poultry meat and eggs using different strategies. The study also identifies the ways that government policies and non government and private sector practices concerning production, importation, and marketing of inputs.

This annual report highlights communities adopting new ways of doing livestock business that are creating pathways out of poverty. ILRI’s tenth anniversary is celebrated by portraying in this report the people ILRI serves. The document starts with a brief on who we are followed by highlights of 2004. This is followed by introduction. The main chapters of this document present three case studies of how livestock systems are helping poor people meet the challenges of agricultural intensification in developing countries. The research activities in China, India and Nigeria outlined in this annual report is providing ILRI and partners and donor agencies with lessons for producing global public goods. The first case study is on pig-feed technologies that lift farmers out of poverty in China, Sichuan’s Zitong County, Tianle village, farm of Liang Bao. This case study looks into benefits of development, problems of urbanization, poverty gap, role of women, feeding pigs with sweet potato silage, sweet potato varieties supplied by CASREN, traditional medicines prescribed by veterinarians, pig markets, and ILRI's collaboration work in China. The second case study is on fodder innovations and the livelihoods of the rural and urban poor in India. It discusses the need for livestock and livestock fodder, problems of land & population, how research is helping India: making more efficient use of existing feed resources, the fodder innovations project in India: how the SLP project work has helped develop and disseminate new fodder technologies, and developing and promoting forage seeds. Other highlights include meat for the poor, jobs for the urban poor, urban dairying, women laborers, urban wastewater fodder production, value of girls, value of crop residues, and water harvesting for fodder. The third case study is on Nigeria’s research work in Kano carried on improved food-feed crops for the people and their animals. This chapter looks into changes, challenges, research, and projects. Highlights under this section include Nigeria’s dry Savannas, holistic research approach, the ILRI-IITA-ICRISAT connection, fodder crops, cowpea & livestock in Bichi village, crop-livestock interaction, penning livestock for manure, Kano’s grain market, village homesteads, Bichi women’s group, Bichi fodder market, transporting fodder and manure, and Koran school. The report ends with summaries of 2004 financial investors, selected publications, degrees awarded, and selected staff, and board of trustees.

In 2004, the CGIAR established two task forces on sub Saharan Africa to examine respectively the issues of programmatic and structural alignment of the CGIAR presence in Africa. They ended by preparing a joint report that called for programmatic alignment and structural/governance reforms. The task forces argued that the CGIAR lacked a system vision for the CGIAR in sub-Saharan Africa, maintained a large portfolio of uncoordinated efforts, and exhibited competition for collaborators in the NARS and consequent over burdening of the NARS and competition over mandate between the eco-regional centers and those with global and thematic mandates. Even if one focused on programmatic alignment with partners, there were structural dimensions within the CGIAR that needed to be addressed. The task force identified four types of programmatic overlaps - 1. in mandates (e.g. IPGRI and IITA on banana); 2. in activities (e.g., two centers carry out research on the same commodity); 3. in location (e.g., several centers have offices in the same country), and 4. in geographical range of intended impact (e.g., there are 53 CGIAR projects active in Tanzania producing global and other public goods demanding staff and other in-kind contributions). The scope of this medium term plan, its relation with other planning and coordination mechanisms and the expected gains from integration were the subject of this expert consultation. This consultation was part of a process leading up to reform of the way the CGIAR does business with its partners in eastern and southern Africa. The process includes: 1) an electronic discussion of key issues in collaboration, 2) the present expert consultation and face-to-face meeting of NARS leaders and center representative, 3) an analysis of potential nodes of integration found in the current medium term plans of centers, and 4) proposals for governance and management of an integrated MTP for eastern and southern Africa. In the long run, the key recommendation was for the CGIAR to move to a single center for Africa with a more corporate style of board appointed by the group. In the medium term, it called for a merger of the boards of IITA and WARDA in WCA and the creation of a single center in ESA by joining ILRI and ICRAF to oversee the activities of all centers active in the region (while retaining their global mandates in livestock and agroforestry). This begged the question of how their global mandates would be governed in other regions of the world and whether the experiment with the ESA model would be implemented elsewhere. Independent of the structural recommendation, which would call for further study, the task force and the centers agreed on the desirability of developing a medium term plan for the ESA sub-region. This MTP would be submitted to the Science Council in June 2006 for implementation in 2007.

This combined leaflet and CD 'Investing in dairy for development' is the first in a new ILRI 'Briefing for Development' series. The new multimedia series is aimed at policy makers, donors and other stakeholders. Each title in the series highlights problems, risks and opportunities in a defined sector/topic and showcase ILRI's research in this area. By combining the leaflet, CD and hyperlinks to relevant websites, a wide range of information in various media can be made accessible in one product. This CD starts with introduction and then discusses topics including growing markets; regular incomes, sustainable systems; efficient systems; nutritious foods; consumer preference; mitigating risk; and role of research. Each topic after a brief summary, lists relevant references with links to the documents.

ILRI's strategy is grounded on two premises: the livestock revolution and the multiple roles of livestock in the livelihood strategies of poor people. ILRI research recognises the importance of animal products for poor consumers, for whom targeted research that raises productivity, improves food safety and lowers marketing costs in the sectors serving poor consumers can increase their access to lower cost and more reliable supplies of safe animal-source foods. In many cases these consumers spend significant share of their disposable income on animal products, which provide an important source of minerals and micronutrients to their diets. Given the above context as a tool to address poverty, ILRI has adopted a 'pathways out of poverty' framework, based on the sustainable livelihoods approach. The three pathways through which ILRI seeks to improve the contribution of livestock in poor households are - securing the assets of the poor; improving the productivity of their livestock systems; and improving their market opportunities. The document starts with an overview, and then discusses ILRI's role and operational strategy. Then it presents collaboration highlights: 2004 actual and 2005 estimates. Then the document examines organisation of research. Over the past two years, the structure and function of the research programme have continued to evolve. A summary of this is presented and discussed in the following section. This includes targeting research and development opportunities (Project 1); enabling innovation (Project 2); improving market opportunities - joint ILRI-IFPRI programme (Project 3); biotechnology (Project 4); and people, livestock and the environment (Project 5). Then the document continues with a programme discussion: 2004 actual and 2005 estimates, highlights of the 2006 project portfolio; systemwide and ecoregional programmes (SW/ERP); and challenge programmes (CP) including the water and food CP and the sub Saharan Africa (SSA) CP. Centre financial health indicators are also outlined. The document ends with project description, rationale, specific objectives, links to CGIAR system priorities, output implementation strategy, strategy for output-outcome logic, external conditions, collaborators, regional and international organisations, CGIAR partners, regional and ecoregional partners, and private sector involved, as well us a table illustrating outputs, intended users, outcome, and impact - for the six themes/projects, viz, Targeting Opportunities; Enabling Innovation; Improving Market Opportunities; Biotechnology to Secure Livestock Assets; People, Livestock and the Environment; and CGIAR Systemwide Livestock Programme. Financial tables are attached at the end.

A recent outbreak of Rift Valley fever in East Africa has led to an export ban by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries on livestock products from Ethiopia. An evaluation of the costs of the ban on Ethiopia's main exporting region (Somali) and their distribution among different types of households, producers and traders is conducted using a standard Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model. Investment strategies to regain access to the Gulf market and reduce the probability of future bans are also evaluated. Results show that Somali Region's GDP is reduced by 25% as a consequence of the ban. In addition, poor and better off producers experience total losses in value added of around 50% of their respective levels in a normal year. The evaluation of an animal health programme in the Somali Region to minimise the impact of future bans shows that its implementation is feasible and justifies further analysis focusing in the main factors driving the results. However, results of the analysis of different alternatives to charge producers for the equivalent amount of the cost of the programme show that distortions introduced by taxes and increased transaction costs affect the viability of the programme. Among these alternatives, increasing taxes on livestock sales offers the best prospect as the way to implement the health certification plan in the Somali Region given that it has pro-poor redistribution effects.

This report presents the results of a scoping study undertaken by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) on behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organisation's pro-poor livestock policy initiative, on the impacts of WTO (World Trade Organisation) rules, SPS (Sanitary and phytosanitary) regulations and other non-tariff trade barriers on access to livestock markets by developing countries. The study is undertaken to 1) identify current WTO rules and SPC regulations affecting or relating to trade in livestock and livestock products; 2) to determine the effects of regulations, and changes in them, on livestock sector policy making and implementation, livestock sector development, local and international livestock product trade, and consumer access to livestock products; 3) to assess the impact of issues identified under 1 and 2 on the vulnerability of different strata of livestock producers and on livelihood diversification options; 4) and to develop and propose policy options, institutional changes and research needs at the domestic and international levels, that could lead to pro-poor outcomes of globalizing livestock markets and international trade rule; and 5) to identify suitable entry points to achieve the adoption and implementation of the policy and institutional changes identified under 4, and strategies required to exploit such opportunities. The main points and issues raised during the study have been synthesized into a series of strategic questions, which are considered here in turn: - What are the ingredients of success for effective participation by developing countries in global livestock product markets? The urgent need for inclusiveness: how can developing country scientists, experts, administrators and representatives of livestock commodity trading bodies play a more active and effective role in setting and adjudicating trade rules and standards? How can the poor including livestock producers, best participate in livestock commodity value chains? How can developing countries become better equipped to deal with the challenges and complexities of the global trade in livestock products? Is the commodity based trade approach safe and pro-poor? and Is animal welfare a threat or an opportunity to developing countries' participation in global livestock products markets?

To promote a sustainable and improved use of animal genetic resources in developing countries, ILRI in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and supported by Sida (Sweden), launched a project training the trainers, for national agricultural research systems (NABS) scientists (national university teachers and researchers) in developing countries. The main objectives of the project were to strengthen subject knowledge and skills, and teaching and communication skills of scientists teaching and supervising students in animal breeding and genetics at least up to MSc level. Other objectives were to catalyse curriculum development, stimulate contacts and networking, and to develop computer-based training resources relevant for use by NARS scientists in teaching and research. This capacity building project was an integrated component of the ILRI research agenda on Animal Genetic Resources. It was also an endeavour by ILRI to collaborate with and strengthen NARS institutions and scientists. The project was initially planned to include regions in sub-Saharan Africa, SouthEast Asia and South Asia, resources allowing, Latin America. The activities in each region or sub-region included: planning activities (questionnaire, country visits, planning workshop), training course for university teachers and researchers (three weeks, combining training in animal genetics/breeding and teaching methodologies), development of an Animal Genetics Training Resource' (on CD-ROM, and later also on the Web), follow-up activities, including impact assessment (questionnaires and follow-up workshops). During the period 1999 to 2003 a full round of activities was completed for sub Saharan Africa. The training course was conducted for Eastern/Southern Africa (20 scientists from 10 countries) and for Western/Central Africa (18 scientists from 10 countries). The planning and follow-up workshops were performed jointly for the region. In addition, the planning activities and training course (18 scientists from 9 countries) were completed for South-East Asia. Version 1 of the computer-based training resource (CD) was released in late 2003. The resource contains modules, i.e. core texts on issues related with farm animal genetic resources, quantitative methods and teaching methods, and Resources containing case studies, breed information, maps, examples, exercises, video clips, a glossary and a virtual library. It also contains references to web links, books and other CDs. The participants found the training courses very useful; average score for Overall Impression was 8.2 (scale 1-9). They also indicated that the computer-based training resource would be a valuable tool both in teaching and in research, but had not yet had a chance to explore and use it fully. Impact assessments for Africa (questionnaire and follow-up workshop) showed that the training course has already had a substantial impact in many of the participants. Impact assessments for Africa (questionnaire and follow-up workshop) showed that the training course has already had a substantial impact in many of the participants' home institutions, both on teaching methods and on course content. Students have shown more interest and understanding of animal breeding and genetics. The impact on participants' research has been just as large; more focus on research involving indigenous animal genetic resources, improved research proposal writing, research methodologies and science communication skills, and also more efficient supervision of students' research. Many of the participants have actively disseminated materials and experiences from the course to colleagues in their home institutions. Other important outcomes have been increased contacts and an open e-mail network `Afrib' formed by the African course participants. The project also strengthened Swedish knowledge and expanded PhD activities on animal genetic resources in developing countries; these were valuable `spin-off effects' of the project. The 'training the trainers' approach adopted in the ILRI-SLU project seems to be a good model for effective capacity building to promote a sustainable use of animal genetic resources in developing countries. The approach was innovative and has functioned well; the model could be extended to other disciplines. Furthermore, linking universities from the North to those of the South, with a CGIAR institute playing both a facilitating and catalytic role was beneficial. The project will now proceed to South Asia and version 2 of the computer-based training resource will be developed. More impact analyses will also be performed.

This document addresses the problem of feed scarcity and options to overcome undernutrition of livestock in smallholder systems in developing countries. The publication has its origin in an initiative taken in 1999 at ILRI. The initiative was aimed at identifying opportunities for improving small-scale market-oriented dairy production through improved nutrition. The Animal Science Group of Wageningen, University of Reading, and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology joined ILRI in this effort. The initiative was supported by OPEC Fund, and the CGIAR. As part of this joint effort, the collaborating institutions commissioned a review on undernutrition in smallholder ruminant production systems in the tropics. The review was conducted to describe the major nutritional constraints to ruminant meat and milk production systems in the tropics, and to identify ways of overcoming undernutrition of ruminant livestock in the tropics. This review was followed by a workshop on 'coping with feed scarcity' which was organised by ILRI. This workshop presents and discusses the review on undernutrition in smallholder ruminant production systems in the tropics; presents and discusses case studies on undernutrition of ruminant livestock in the tropics, examines the physiological and metabolic implications of undernutrition and looks into the social and economic factors that influence the nutrition of livestock in farming systems in the tropics. It also outlines the contents of a research proposal on undernutrition in smallholder ruminant production systems with the overall goal of improving the livelihoods of livestock and crop-livestock farmers through optimised use and enhanced availability of feed resources for ruminants.