Livestock Genetic Improvement
In his presentation, Raphael Mrode, ILRI Principal Scientist in Quantitative Dairy Cattle Genetics, outlined his vision of Africa in the year 2063 and the roles of the Africa Asia Dairy Genetics Gains (AADGG) project, CTLGH, and AABNet in actualizing the vision.
Mrode elaborated on how AABNet can be used as a data capturing platform and to build capacity for multi-country African livestock genetic evaluation and sustainable gains.
This system would deliver sustainable genetic gains, supported by digital data capture and a technically competent workforce.
“What I would like to see in 2063 is that we have an efficient, multi-country African livestock genetic improvement system.”
Raphael Mrode, ILRI Principal Scientist
Three interlocking blocks are needed to drive livestock genetic improvement: the data system (involving AADGG and CTLGH), the evaluation pipeline (CTLGH and AABNet), and the delivery.
“Supporting this evaluation pipeline is the evaluation unit and the research team, and this is where capacity development is very critical.”
Raphael Mrode, ILRI Principal Scientist
Future directions
In the future, Mrode envisions digital tools that provide farmers with real-time actionable insights into animal production, breeding, nutrition, and health. Additionally, new digital technologies such as predictive analytics and artificial intelligence will add value and help scale digital farm support.
AABNet and CTLGH will play key roles in facilitating institutional capacity building through curriculum review and delivery.
Livestock Development
Food and nutrition security remains a challenge in Africa. However, biotechnologies for livestock conservation and development offer potential solutions.
There are African instruments to support the needed transformation, those instruments are embedded in the Agenda 2063-The Africa we want, and in the STISA 2024 to “Accelerate Africa’s transition to an innovation-led, Knowledge-based Economy”, and in the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan: 2026-2035 (Building Resilient Agri-Food Systems in Africa).
The Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) and partners institutions are developing and deploying livestock technologies to achieve these respective visions and missions.
View this side event session.