Highlight: management of indigenous livestock to foster agricultural innovation

Strengthening capacity for participatory managementof indigenous livestock to foster agricultural innovationin Eastern, Southern and Western Africa (iLINOVA)

Grant FED/2013/330-246 

Project duration 36 months 1/1/2014 – 31/12/2016 

EU grant EUR 999,736.74, ACP S and T program

Co-ordinator Egerton University, Kenya 

Partners: Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Malawi and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Nigeria 

This project improves the management of indigenous livestock (IL) through building capacity in the creation, update and use of innovative livestock technologies. The state-of-the-art on IL innovation potentials, state and levels of research and development (R and D) investments, and relationships between research and industry will be analysed, while needs and measures to improve IL management will be discussed with stakeholders along the IL product value chain. IL management capacity is strengthened through summer camps and linkages between research, industry and the civil society. Finally, a Livestock Innovation and Business Centre will be established that builds on existing capacity, and fosters innovation and agribusiness development.

Expected Results

• Capacity of scientific staff and students at the participating institutions, as well as of enterprises (smallholder farmers, processors, traders, cooperatives, extension services….), policy makers and CSOs in Kenya, Malawi and Nigeria strengthened to create, update and use knowledge on IL management.
• The culture and importance of ILT promoted among the general public and policy makers in governments.
• Contributions made to local and international policies on IL management, and related scientific goals and priorities formulated.
• Knowledge on innovative practices related to IL management developed to promote further innovations. 

Download iLINOVA Fact Sheet

Artificial insemination is an innovative reproductive technology for the enhanced productivity of indigenous chickens. Participants during training on artificial insemination in indigenous chickens at Egerton University, Kenya (February 2014) and actual semen extraction.

Related:
Within the purview of this project, iLINOVA-OAU team is compiling a compendium of appropriate science, technology and innovation (STI) in the management of indigenous livestock (MIL), with a focus on low-input, alternative livestock production systems.

• In particular, the  iLINOVA-OAU team is interested in the application of STI related to animal breeding and stock selection, nutrition,general animal management, including innovations in processing, value addition and marketing of indigenous livestock. 
• Responses should have some scientific basis, not just simply anecdotal reports. 
• Ultimately, contributions will be included in the compilation of a compendium of appropriate STI for the MIL. 
• All sources and contributors will be duly acknowledged. 
• Contact:  S O Oseni, PhD Research Partner, iLINOVA-OAU, Animal Breeding Unit, Department of Animal Sciences, Obafemi AwolowoUniversity, Ile-Ife, Nigeria| Mobile: + 234 (0)806 658 1894 Alternate e-mail addresses: (a) soseni@ugaalum.uga.edu| | (b) soseni2@yahoo.com|