Capacity building and knowledge expansion are central to the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) mission. Our dedicated capacity-building pillar identified limitations to infrastructure and knowledge as critical roadblocks to developing equitable and self-sufficient sustainable livestock production systems using genetic tools.
In February 2024, CTLGH held the inaugural Phase 2 Capacity Building Workshop at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) campus in Nairobi. The workshop was a great success with twenty attendees from eight countries in Africa and Asia with diverse backgrounds coming together to learn advanced statistical data analysis skills and collaborate in ways that will support a greater appreciation and improved application of genetic tools in their host countries in a South-to-South collaboration.
“The elegance of this training program is the very good blend of both quantitative and molecular genetic approaches to livestock improvement which is very relevant for developing countries,” said Professor Raphael Mrode, SRUC, who leads the Capacity Building Pillar of CTLGH.
Over one week, experts from CTLGH, the Roslin Institute, SRUC and ILRI provided training sessions in data collection and analysis, implementing quantitative and molecular genetic tools, and disseminating data to the scientific community, breeders, and smallholder farmers. Attendees gained invaluable insights in understanding how to curate, analyse and interpret genetic data to support a transition towards sustainable livestock systems where they work. Having individuals in attendance from such a range of countries across Africa and South Asia allowed for fruitful discussion around the content of the sessions, and it was brilliant to hear everyone share their experiences.
Professor Gregor Gorjanc, from the Roslin Institue in Scotland, commented that
“It was very rewarding to engage and teach the newer generations of animal breeders from across Africa and India!”.
After the workshop, the team at CTLGH was encouraged by comments from attendees who felt empowered, inspired and motivated to undertake genetic evaluation in their home institutions. Anupama Mukherjee from ICAR-NDRI in India added that
“The training provided theory as well as hands-on practice on the latest tools and techniques for genetic improvement in livestock. The knowledge and interaction gained will be very useful to apply back in my country, India, for genetic improvement of Indian Livestock, as well as for disseminating the scientific knowledge to scholars and research scientists.”
CTLGH made a concerted effort to ensure adequate representation, particularly of women, as per the United Nations’ goal of supporting women in agriculture and livestock production. Beatrice Togo, a female trainee from TALIRI in Tanzania, reflected on this thoughtful decision, highlighting her previous lack of training compared to her male counterparts as a young female research assistant. However, she now expresses confidence that the workshop has equipped her with skills to enhance the African genetic resources of Livestock, particularly in Tanzania. Beatrice further elaborated that –
“All these skills will be shared with youth and women who are engaging in the breeding of the Livestock such as cattle, goats, pigs and chickens to expand the knowledge of livestock experts and keepers”.
The encouraging feedback we received from this first workshop has given the Capacity Building team at CTLGH assurance in its approach to overcoming capacity limitations, which currently stand as one of the barriers to the successful implementation of sustainable livestock systems. We hope to replicate this workshop in the future and continue to conduct capacity-building activities, in the form of workshops, training, seminars and on-site visits throughout the second phase of CTLGH.
