A Research Topic in Frontiers has started to facilitate research and stimulate discussion on access to affordable and quality inputs and services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Continue reading
The ILRI-led MorePORK II project focuses on developing the capacity of value chain actors in best-bet interventions through an information and communications and technology (ICT) platform known as PigSmart. Continue reading
During a first meeting to launch The Gambia’s Livestock Master Plan, Karl Rich, principal scientist in the Policies, Institutions, and Livelihoods Program of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and Njie Mamud, program director of SRPEP, both pointed to an increasing demand for animal-source foods (milk, meat and eggs) locally and internationally that The Gambia was as yet unable to supply due to challenges in the country’s livestock production and feed systems, fragmentation of its livestock value chains and poor infrastructure. Rich argued that by working with many diverse stakeholders to implement its new livestock master plan, The Gambia will be able to help its smallholder farmers transform their largely subsistence livestock systems into a profitable and thriving livestock sector. Continue reading
The Indian state of Odisha has officially rolled-out the process of designing a ‘livestock master plan’ (LMP) with the support of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). The Odisha LMP is expected to attract substantial and better targeted livestock sector investments from finance ministries, development partners, and private sector investors. Continue reading
Research plays a key role in identifying challenges as well as 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.
Given that there are many priorities competing for stakeholder attention and scarce resources, research should not only help generate and promote strategies, but also demonstrate how they contribute to sustainable livestock development. Continue reading
In marking this year’s open access week at ILRI, here are a few highlights of some of the recent open access research outputs and open access data sets from the PIL Program. Continue reading
We have been using the participatory system dynamics modelling technique to map out the pig and paddy value chains in Myeik and Palaw townships in southern Myanmar. Through the involvement of value chain actors in group modelling, it became evident that small-scale pig farmers are in effect ‘price takers’, exerting limited influence on the price of live pigs. Continue reading
The MINI project is investigating how to increase the availability of fruits and vegetables in nutritionally vulnerable markets in Bihar, India. The barriers to this goal are numerous, ranging from the inferior prices offered to farmers in smaller markets, to the typically weaker purchasing power of rural consumers. Continue reading
Recently, ILRI and partners have implemented participatory processes in the construction of SD models. Such techniques (termed “group model building” or “mediated modelling”) involve the careful organization of several focus group sessions with 10-15 value chain stakeholders. The participants articulate value chain problems, structure, and data that are then used to parametrize working models from which scenarios can be jointly developed and discussed. Continue reading
The production and demand of livestock derived foods (LDFs) could change substantially in the future in many LMICs following major changes in global economic and climate conditions. A recent report assesses a standard global model’s projections of livestock production and the demand for LDFs in Ethiopia, Niger, Rwanda, Cambodia, Nepal and Burkina Faso in 2050. Continue reading
