Livestock development in Africa remains a key driver of socio-economic transformation and resilience in farming communities for Africa. This development is vital for the continent to meet sustainable development goals and to address other global challenges of our time. African livestock production systems remain less productive; and if not transformed and made resilient, such systems are projected to remain unsustainable and unable to meet the demand for food and contribute to a better management of our environment and our natural resources.
The African Animal Breeding Network (AABNet) through its four pillars (multi-country genetic evaluation; professional development; advocacy, awareness, and business development; and collaboration, networking and partnerships) ambitions to drive the development and dissemination of local and locally adapted livestock improved genetics and broader genetic improvement solutions in Africa. This should be done through capacity and knowledge development in animal breeding and by creating innovations to support livestock genetic improvement in Africa.
Objective:
Unfolding the pathway to impact of AABNet as a unique platform of highly knowledgeable animal breeders and influential professionals with the capacity to provide exceptional support and advice on animal genetics and livestock improvement across the continent.
The AABNet Symposia series provides the opportunity to engage in a frank, informal and interactive dialogue on issues relating to the future of Animal Breeding in the realm of capacity building, capacity development and research for effective livestock development in Africa.
Focus questions:
Following the introductory remarks and each presentation, the facilitators will engage the keynote speaker and participants in an interactive discussion, with a focus on the following guiding questions:
- Africa has been missing the trains of the various historic revolutions, including the Knowledge and technology-driven transformations of the livestock industry. From technologies adoptions, transfers and development, What should be different this time?
- What policy options can African governments pursue to support their livestock sectors for sovereign animal source food system?
- How can countries address root challenges connected to the future of the African livestock industry to ensure that no one is left behind?
- Which approaches can be pursued by stakeholders to mobilize resources for investing in recruiting, growing, retaining, and transforming human capital for a competitive animal breeding sector in Africa?
- How can the benefits of technology be harnessed for growth and productivity, while ensuring that technology gaps are narrowed?
Format: Hybrid
Director General (ILRI) and Senior Director for the Livestock-based systems of the CGIAR, Honorary Professor at the University of Queensland, Center for Animal Science (Australia), Professor at The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh (UK), and Distinguished Professor at the University of South Africa, co-founded the AABNET
