In the heart of Africa, a revolution is quietly taking shape—one that promises to transform the continent’s livestock production through cutting-edge breeding technologies and innovations. According to a recent perspective paper published in Nature Genetics titled The African Animal Breeding Network as a pathway towards genetic improvement of livestock, African livestock producers stand on the brink of a significant opportunity to enhance the production of meat, milk, and eggs. With the right support, these advancements could not only boost productivity but also enhance climate resilience and sustainability.
The Promise of Modern Breeding Technologies
The potential of genomic technologies and breeding programs to drive genetic gains in African livestock systems is immense. These tools, supported by strategic investment and collaboration, could lead to more resilient, efficient, and sustainable livestock production. The African Animal Breeding Network (AABNet) plays a pivotal role in this transformation. As a platform of genetics experts, animal breeders, and professionals, AABNet provides training, advice, and support to harness these advancements effectively.
Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, lead author of the paper and Director General for the International Livestock Research Institute, emphasizes the unique opportunity Africa has to balance productivity with sustainability. “In the past, genetic improvement efforts have largely focused on maximizing productivity, often overlooking environmental and climate considerations. Africa has a unique opportunity to take a different approach—one that balances productivity with sustainability, while ensuring interventions are farmer-appropriate and support livelihoods,” he said.
Bridging the Productivity Gap
Currently, around 85% of the world’s livestock keepers are in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), yet they produce only 2.8% of global meat and milk outputs. This stark productivity gap highlights a significant opportunity to enhance efficiency and climate resilience through improved genetics. Additionally, a rapidly growing and urbanizing population is set to increase demand for livestock products. In West Africa alone, which has the largest share of the continent’s livestock, demand for meat, milk, and eggs is projected to rise by 50% by 2050.
An international team of researchers, led by the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), developed the perspective paper, “The African Animal Breeding Network as a pathway towards genetic improvement of livestock.” This paper explores how AABNet could play a key role in transforming African livestock production systems.
AABNet: A Catalyst for Change
AABNet facilitates genetic evaluation across multiple African countries, collecting, storing, and sharing livestock data to support the development of more productive and climate-resilient animals. It also strengthens professional development, educational partnerships, training opportunities, and entrepreneurship, promoting strategic collaborations to accelerate progress.
Professor Mizeck Chagunda, co-author of the paper and Director of CTLGH, underscores the timely nature of this initiative. “This represents a timely opportunity, with support from AABNet, to improve agriculture and food systems at a time of population growth and changing climate, towards the United Nations’ and Africa Union’s vision for the continent,” he said.
By connecting animal breeders across Africa, AABNet enables the exchange of information, evaluation systems, and tools to improve productivity and genetic advancements. The perspective paper underscores the power of collaborative thinking in harnessing advances in genomic technology, digital tools, and information and communications technology to establish a foundation for sustainable livestock improvement programs in Africa.
Building a Sustainable Future
The vision for African livestock production is clear: a future where genetic innovations lead to hardier, more productive livestock that can thrive in the face of climate challenges. By designing breeding programs with climate adaptation and mitigation in mind, farmers will have access to livestock that are not only more productive but also more resilient to environmental stresses.
As Africa stands on the cusp of this transformative era, the role of organizations like AABNet cannot be overstated. Through strategic investment, collaboration, and the application of modern breeding technologies, African livestock producers have the potential to significantly enhance food security and rural livelihoods across the continent. The journey towards a more sustainable and productive future for African livestock has begun, and with the right support, it promises to be a journey of remarkable progress and innovation.
