News Archive

AVCD program blog

Using the SourceTrace digital platform to support farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic

sourcetrace.com Update from the drought-tolerant crops component of the AVCD program Despite minimal field visits during this period of the COVID-19-related restrictions, the Accelerated Value Chain Development (AVCD) program staff and management are working with extension officers and lead farmers...

AVCD program blog

Private sector embedded extension model sustains field activities during COVID-19 pandemic

Measuring weight of animal to determine appropriate dosage for ECF vaccine and dewormer in Muhoroni subcounty, Kisumu County, Kenya (photo credit: AVCD Dairy). Update from the dairy component of the AVCD program In the last three months (April- June), the dairy component of the Accelerated Value...

AgHealth blog

New study sheds light on early intensification of smallholder backyard poultry farming systems

Poultry production is an important contributor to the livelihoods of rural populations, especially in low- and middle-income countries. As poultry production in these countries remains dominated by backyard systems with low inputs and low outputs, considerable yield gaps exist. Intensification of...

AVCD program blog

Using virtual communication tools to support northern Kenya partners during the COVID-19 pandemic

An aerial view of the Oldonyiro Livestock Market in Isiolo County (photo credit: USAID/Mwangi Kirubi). Update from the livestock component of the AVCD program Over the last three months (April – June), the livestock value chain (LVC) team of the Accelerated Value Chain Development (AVCD) program...

AVCD program blog

Keeping safe while staying food secure in Kenya

Shadrack Juma, ward agricultural officer in Werugha Ward, Taita Taveta County, demonstrating how to do proper (second) hilling to host farmer and community health volunteers. Notice the use of masks and social distancing (photo credit: AVCD). Update from the potato component of the AVCD program In...

Policies, institutions and livelihoods

Using theory of change for outcome-oriented research

Research plays a key role in identifying challenges and opportunities that can be used to spur development in the livestock sector. Therefore, in conducting research one of the core objectives is to ensure it makes significant contribution towards improving livelihoods. Summary of Maziwa Zaidi...

ILRI clippings

Scientists stress need, amid COVID-19, to maintain focus on everyday zoonotic diseases of the world’s poor

James Akoko, ILRI Animal Health Assistant with the People, Animals and their Zoonoses (PAZ) project, making blood smears (photo credit: BMGF/Lee Klejtnot). Most diseases that transmit from animals to humans (zoonoses) are not of the headline-grabbing, world-stopping variety write Eric Fèvre and...

ILRI News

The power of ideas: New ways of thinking about gender can improve development outcomes

What does it mean to take gender seriously in development—and specifically in agriculture and livestock development? How can the international community promote economic development in ways that are both culturally sensitive and substantively equitable? What kinds of power are available to women in...

ILRI clippings

FOOD SAFETY: In support the traditional—and essential—food markets of low-income countries

Selling pork at a traditional ‘wet’ market in northern Vietnam (photo credit: ILRI/HUPH/Ngan Tran) On this World Food Safety Day (7 June 2020), staff of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) make the case for supporting traditional markets to improve food safety. Food safety has...

ILRI Asia blog

Can COVID-19 spur transformations in food safety in traditional Vietnamese pork value chains?

A package of interventions focusing on improving hygiene conditions in the light of COVID-19 can help enhance the safety of food in traditional pork value chains of Vietnam. The current COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting the importance of a One Health approach in better tackling foodborne and...

ILRI News

Happy World Environment Day!

Happy World Environment Day! To celebrate World Environment Day today—5 Jun 2020—the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is focusing on something called ‘participatory rangeland management’. As rangelands cover most of the Earth’s ice-free surface, managing them in equitable as well...

ILRI News

Getting farmers on the phone to protect livestock and livelihoods during COVID-19 - and beyond

Continuous collaboration between farmers and scientists is the pinnacle of successful agricultural research for development. But what do you do when a global pandemic gets in the way of field visits and in-person exchanges? You get farmers on the phone.