Livestock Resources for Food Security in the Light of Climate Change
About 27 participants from different parts of the world, researchers, students, practioners and policymakers, came together for a one day seminar held at SLU Ultuna campus on March 11th 2016. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics from SLU, SLU Global and SIANI.
Short summary of presentations
Alan AtKisson, International advisor on SDGs – presented the challenges and opportunities for agriculture in the implementation of the SDG’s. Dr. Mwai Okeyo, Principal Scientist, International Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya, presented the impacts of climate change on livestock production in Sub-Saharan Africa and possibilites for mitigation. Assoc. Prof. Ann Albihn, DVM, Swedish Veterinary Institute and SLU presented the Swedish perspective about the influence of climate change on animal health and production. She stressed that healthy animals produce more and that we should find ways to mitigate the effects of climate change on animal health. Assoc. Prof. Mizeck Chagunda, Senior scientist at Scotland´s Rural College (Edinburgh, UK) stressed that global challenges in climate change require new phenotypes. Dr. Julie Ojango, Senior scientist, International Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya discussed on the Options for indigenous animal genetic resources when gender comes into play. Assoc. Prof. Donald Kugonza, Senior scientist from Makerere University presented examples from Uganda and Rwanda on the sustainable use of animal genetic resources. MSc Göte Frid, Senior officer of the Swedish Board of Agriculture discussed on the action plan for the Sustainable management of Swedish farm animal genetic resources 2010-2020.
The seminar ended with a panel discussion with all presenters on ways forward. The prioritites identified were:
- Take into account gender issues related to animal products
- The role of institutions should be strengthened.
- On the Swedish perspective, to be more aware of the animals and gene banking here.
- Good monitoring systems should be included.
- Collaboration and partnership is vital.
- Working across disciplines.
- Holistic view.
- Make use of the SIANI network that reaches almost all countries in the world and is a good network for future collaboration.
Presentations will be available later at this website. A policy brief from this seminar will be produced.