2. Animal Production and Livestock

2.1 Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific (APHCA)

Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, APHCA Section
Maliwan Mansion, 39 Phra Atit Road
Bangkok 10200
THAILAND
Contact: Dr Denis Hoffmann, Regional Animal Production and Health Officer and APCHA Secretary
Tel: +66 2 281 7844
Fax: +66 2 280 0445
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.aphca.org/
Geographic coverage: Asia & Pacific
Languages: English
Subject areas: Animal health; Animal husbandry; Livestock
Publications: Asian Livestock (quarterly newsletter); list of publications available online

APHCA is currently composed of the following member countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The main objectives of APHCA are to promote livestock development in general, and more particularly to:

promote national and international action and research programmes relating to animal husbandry and health problems;
build up regional and national livestock programmes based on collective self-reliance and mutual assistance within the region;
promote livestock production as an industry and as part of the farming system based on self-reliance at the farm level;
raise the level of nutrition and living standards of small farmers and rural communities through optimal exploitation of resources for livestock development.

The objectives of developing livestock as an integral part of agriculture focus on small farmers. The principal functions of APHCA are to:

promote joint action, cooperation, coordination and information exchange among the members for better animal production;
assist in control, diagnosis and surveillance of livestock diseases;
assist in appropriate agricultural education and research that relates to the situation of the Asian and Pacific region;
seek cooperation and assistance of UN bodies and other international and government organisations to help implement APHCA programmes;
carry out the above functions so as to raise the enterprise and income of small farmers by developing profitable/sustainable livestock agriculture within integrated farming systems acceptable to the farmers.

Exchange and dissemination of information on animal production and health has been one of the most active and appreciated programmes of the Commission. Through the APHCA Information Exchange Unit, established within the APHCA Secretariat, all relevant data received from member countries have been recorded on the computer and are released to members on request.

Asian Livestock targets livestock farmers and extension workers in the region, providing them with an easy reference on livestock development matters. It can be accessed via the website, along with a full list of publications which can be ordered online.

2.2 Animal Traction Network for Eastern and Southern Africa (ATNESA)

Animal Traction Network for Eastern and Southern Africa
c/o Animal Power Network for Zimbabwe (APNEZ)
Agritex Institute of Agricultural Engineering
PO Box BW540, Borrowdale, Harare
ZIMBABWE
Contact: Bertha Mudamburi and Ephraim Mbanje
Tel: +263 4 860019/55;
Fax: +263 4 860136
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.atnesa.org/
Geographic coverage: East and Southern Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Animal traction; Draught animals; Transport
Publications: ANIMAL-TRACTION-L (information exchange list); publications can be accessed online

Animal Traction Network for Eastern and Southern Africa (ATNESA) was formed in 1990 to improve information exchange and regional cooperation relating to animal draft power. It aims to unite researchers, manufacturers, development workers, institutions and the users of animal traction in the region. Membership of the network is open to all individuals and organisations interested in its objectives. The ATNESA steering committee, elected during major workshops, initiates, coordinates and facilitates the network's operations. ATNESA encourages the formation and operation of national animal traction networks, whether formal or informal. Responsibility for implementing ATNESA activities is delegated to these national networks and to ATNESA members in different countries.

ATNESA has a small secretariat in Zimbabwe to assist international liaison, but encourages interested people to work with their local national networks and to contact directly their colleagues in other countries.

ATNESA, in collaboration with national networks and other organisations, has arranged international workshops in which more than 400 people from 40 countries have participated. These have resulted in several resource publications. Access to these and to over 100 documents relating to animal traction in ATNESA countries and other regions is available on the ATNESA website, and can be downloaded in pdf format.

ATNESA collaborates with a wide range of other networks, institutions and resource organisations in Africa and throughout the world. These include International Forum for Rural Transport and Development (IPTRID); Latin American Animal Traction Network RELATA (Red Latinoamericana de Tracción Animal); and the Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine.

ANIMAL-TRACTION-L is an information exchange list with the primary purpose of sharing information. An E-mail discussion and question-and-answer facility has been established by the Department of Agricultural Engineering in the Tropics and Subtropics of the University of Kassel, Germany. This list is intended not only to cover purely technical aspects of animal traction topics such as design of implements and harnessing, but is also open for topics such as animal traction management, and sociocultural, political and economic questions which are steadily gaining importance. It is intended to build up an address list of scientists, research institutes and animal traction farmers who are interested and engaged in animal traction and are willing to participate in the solution and development of the future animal traction scene. To join ('subscribe') go to: http://www.wiz.uni-kassel.de/agt/antrac/maillist.html

National networks and other ATNESA contacts

Ethiopia:

Ethiopian Network for Animal Power (ENAP)
Dr Mengistu Alemayhu, Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organisation (EARO), Holetta Agricultural Research Centre, PO Box 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: +251 1 611222, E-mail: c/o [email protected]

Ethiopian Network of Animal Traction (ENAT)
Ato Friew Kelemu, Nazaret Research Centre, Agricultural Implements Section, PO Box 436, Nazaret, Ethiopia
Tel: +251 2 112186, Fax: +251 2 113771, E-mail: Ato FRIEW Kelemu c/o [email protected]

Kenya:

Kenya Network for Draught Animal Technology (KENDAT)
Dr Pascal G. Kaumbutho, ATNESA Chairperson, PO Box 61441, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 2 766939, Fax: +254 2 766939, E-mail: [email protected]

Malawi:

Wells F. Kumwenda, Chief Agricultural Engineer, Chitedze Research Station, Box 158, Lilongwe, Malawi
Tel: +265 767222, Fax: +265 781184, E-mail: [email protected]

Mozambique:

Rede de Informação de Tracção Animal de Moçambique (RITAMOZ) [Information Network on Animal Traction, Mozambique]
Dr Kemal Vaz, Dep. Engenharia Rural, Faculdade de Agronomia, Universidade de Eduardo Mondlane, CP 257, Maputo, Mozambique
Tel: +258 1 493881/490009, Fax: +258 1 492176, E-mail: [email protected]

Namibia:

Namibia Animal Power Programme
Emmanuel Mwenya, Mashare Agricultural Development Institute, PB 2096, Rundu, Namibia
Tel: +264 67 255917, Fax: +264 67 255846

South Africa:

South African Network of Animal Traction (SANAT)
Bruce Joubert, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa
Tel: +27 40 6022085, Fax: +27 40 6531730, E-mail: [email protected]

Tanzania:

Tanzania Association for Draught Animal Power
Dr Nuhu Hatibu, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3003, Morogoro, Tanzania
Tel: +255 56 4562 or 4617, Fax: +255 564562, E-mail: [email protected]

Zambia:

Smallholder Agricultural Mechanization Promotions (SAMeP)
Palabana Farm Power and Mechanisation Centre, Private Bag 173, Woodlands, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: +260 1 611179, Fax: +260 1252824, E-mail: [email protected]

Africare Zambia, Box 33921, Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: +260 01 264406, Fax: +260 01 262377, E-mail: [email protected]

2.3 ASARECA Animal Agriculture Research Network (A-AARNET)

Animal Agriculture Research Network
A-AARNET Crisis Mitigation Office
International Livestock Research Institute
PO Box 30709
Nairobi
KENYA
Contact: Dr Jean Ndikumana, Coordinator
Tel: +254 2 630743
Fax: +256 41 223459
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.asareca.org/a-aarnet/index.html
Geographic coverage: East and Central Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Agricultural research; Animal agriculture; Livestock

The ASARECA Animal Agriculture Research Network (A-AARNET) was established in May 1997 to strengthen National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) capacities in livestock research.

Overall goal: to contribute to increased and sustainable agricultural productivity, food security and economic growth in the East and Central Africa region through sustainable increases in the productivity of animal agriculture systems and increased marketing of livestock and livestock products.

Strategic purpose: to ensure that appropriate market-oriented animal agricultural production technologies are disseminated and utilised.

The number of scientists, technicians and other partners benefiting from the information exchange will measure the success of its training and information exchange activities.

The network's main objective is to provide a demand-led mechanism, using collaborative research, training and information exchange, to assist NARS in strengthening their capacities to develop and implement research programmes for sustainable increases in the productivity of animal agricultural systems in the subregion.

2.4 Bees for Development

Bees for Development [updated March 2004]
Troy
Monmouth, NP25 4AB
UNITED KINGDOM
Contact: Dr Nicola Bradbear
Tel: +44 1600 713648
Fax: +44 1600 716167
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.beesfordevelopment.org
Geographic coverage: Developing countries
Languages: English
Subject areas: Beekeeping
Publications: Beekeeping and Development

Bees for Development is an independent organisation founded in 1993. It is at the centre of an active network of people working in the field of beekeeping development. Beekeeping is an effective way for poor people to strengthen their livelihoods, and Bees for Development works to provide information to assist them.

It holds unique information resources on the apicultural status of almost every developing country and has information on topics relating to all aspects of sustainable beekeeping and its development, eg making simple hives, projects, Beekeepers' Associations and networks. Its material consists of papers, reports, contact details, articles, references and pictures.

Interested parties are encouraged to:

request information;
browse through its Store - a unique collection of over 200 books, posters, videos and CDs about beekeeping and development;
join its message board debates;
subscribe to its journal

Bees forDevelopment Journal is a quarterly magazine with readers in over 130 countries. It is a valuable source of information about apiculture world-wide, providing unique news and views. Beekeepers in developing countries can pay by `Beeswax Barter'. Supporters are encouraged to sponsor a subscription for a beekeeper working in one of the poorest rural areas.

2.5 Camel Applied Research and Development Network (CARDN)

Camel Applied Research and Development Network
PO Box 2440
Damascus
SYRIA
Contact: Dr Muhammed F. Wardeh, Coordinator
Tel: +963 11 5323087
Fax: +963 11 5323063
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.acsad.org/irp/camel/page.htm
Languages: Arabic; English; French
Subject areas: Camels; Draught animals
Publications: Camel Newsletter; Journal of Camel Science

The unique qualities of the camel have made it superior to other domestic animals in hot and arid desert ecosystems. Recognition of this by such organisations as the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has led to the establishment of CARDN.

The overall objectives of the Network are to:

assist with improving the production of camel products (milk, meat, fibre etc.);
enhance the effective utilisation of camel draught power on the part of the small camel owner;
generate and assist in the adoption of appropriate technologies in order to ensure sustainable resource use and enable long-term viability of camel-based production systems.

In particular it aims to:

assist with the identification of problem areas in need of research;
promote research networking and, where appropriate, seek financial support for its successful operation;
ensure relevant results are rapidly applied;
document and disseminate information pertaining to camel production.

It publishes over 115 papers, reports and proceedings in addition to the Camel Newsletter and the Journal of Camel Science.

2.6 Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine (CTVM)

Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine
Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin
Midlothian EH25 9RG
UNITED KINGDOM
Contact: Dr Anne Pearson
Tel: +44 131 650 6246
Fax: +44 131 445 5099
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.vet.ed.ac.uk/ctvm/
Geographic coverage: Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Animal traction; Draught animals
Publications: Draught Animal News (biannual)

The Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine of the University of Edinburgh has been carrying out research on the nutritional and physiological implications of draught work using cattle, buffaloes, horses and donkeys. It is one of the leading centres for documentation and research relating to oxen, donkeys and other work animals. CTVM staff have been collaborating on animal traction research in several countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Several resource publications have been produced in collaboration with African researchers. These include Draught Animal News - a biannual publication on draught animals which includes information in any form, articles, notes, reviews and letters on any topic concerned with draught animal power, including research and development projects, implements, instrumentation, meetings, groups, news, books, practical tips and ideas for discussion. The aim is to provide a means by which people in different countries can exchange information at any level on the use of draught animal power. The publication is available free to research workers, field workers and others interested in draught animal power who live in developing countries.

Other publications:

Feeding Standards for Cattle used for Work - P.R. Lawrence and R.A. Pearson, ISBN 0-907146-08-2
A Guide to Live Weight Estimation and Body Condition Scoring of Donkeys - R. A. Pearson and M. Ouassat, ISBN 0-907146-11-2.

These books and other documents are available free of charge on request from the address above.

2.7 Centre International Pour la Recherche et le Developpement de l'Elevage en Zone Subhumide (CIRDES) [International Centre for Research and Development of Livestock in the Subhumid Zone]

CIRDES
BP 454, Bobo-Dioulasso 01
BURKINA FASO
Contact: Abdoulahi Gouro, Director
Tel: +226 97 22 87
Fax: +226 97 23 20
E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]
Geographic coverage: West Africa
Languages: French
Subject areas: Animal health; Trypanosomiasis; Veterinary sciences

In 1994 the Centre for Research on Animal Trypanosomiasis (set up in 1972) was renamed the International Centre for Research and Development of Livestock in the Subhumid Zone (CIRDES). Its main objective is to promote a partnership approach, in association with farmers and strengthened by research, to controlling parasitic diseases of domestic animals and to improving animal production while ensuring the environment is better protected.

It has three main areas of activity: research and development, training and information. CIRDES operates a centre for collecting and disseminating information within the region, and has published many technical information sheets and over 200 publications.

2.8 Commonwealth Veterinary Association (CVA)

CVA Book Programme [Updated July 2004]
Department of Pathobiology,
Ontario Veterinary College
University of Guelph,
Ontario, N1G 2W1
CANADA

Contact: Dr J B Derbyshire, Coordinator
Web: http://commonwealthvetassoc.org
Geographic coverage: Developing countries
Languages: English
Subject areas: Animal health; Veterinary sciences

The CVA Book Programme is coordinated from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph. The current holdings comprise 1,074 volumes and 451 titles. Journals are not normally shipped, and few audiovisual aids have been donated. Books are available free of charge to graduate veterinarians in CVA member countries in good standing. Priority is given to requests from institutional libraries, and requests from individuals are met as funds permit. Shipments are made by surface mail, and may take up to 8 months to reach their destination.

New November 2003
Community Animal Health Network (CAHNET)

Community Animal Health Network
PO Box 1073
100606, Nairobi
KENYA

Tel: +254 2253680 /211751
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.cahnet.net
Geographical coverage: Greater Horn of Africa
Languages: English, French
Subject areas: Animal health;
Publications: CAHNET News

CAHNET is a community animal health network for the dissemination and sharing of experiences and information among members drawn from Community Animal Health (CAH) programmes. It seeks to create a forum through which stakeholders in animal health can share information and experiences in order to improve the delivery of animal health services in the region and enhance the livelihoods of communities depending on livestock.

CAHNET membership is open to all individuals or organisations working with, or interested in, community animal health in the Greater Horn of Africa. Established by CAH practitioners, knowledge institutes, donor agencies, international organisations, private sector and state veterinary services representatives from 9 countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Chad, Central African Republic, Somalia and Sudan) in the Greater Horn of Africa, the network secretariat comprises FARM-Africa, CLIP (ITDG), CAPE (OAU-IBAR) and PACT-Mwengo.

Services include:

distance learning opportunities in animal health and information technology;
bi-monthly bulletin / newsletter in electronic and paper form;
website with downloadable information, moderated discussions, notice board;
collation and interpretation of information needed by members;
information about members and services provided;
linking members with common interests;
broker resources sharing and partnership between members;
interactive forum where members can come together for advocacy on CAH issues;
hosting workshops and training.

CAHNET News is a newsletter shedding light on issues that directly or indirectly affect livestock keepers both locally and internationally. It is currently available on-line version and in hard copy.

New November 2003
Community-based Animal Health and Participatory Epidemiology Unit (CAPE)

CAPE Unit
Pan African Programme for the Control of Epizootics (PACE)
Organization for African Unity/Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (OAU/IBAR)
PO Box 30786
Nairobi
KENYA

Tel:        +254 2 226447
Fax:        +254 2 212289
E-mail:    [email protected]
Web:       http://www.cape-ibar.org/
Geographical coverage: Horn of Africa
Languages: English
Subject areas: Animal health; Community development; Pastoralism;
Publications: Publications accessible online

Community-based Animal Health and Participatory Epidemiology Unit specialises in primary-level veterinary services in pastoralist areas of the Greater Horn of Africa. The organisation's work ranges from field-level activities through to policy and legislative reform to support community-based delivery systems. CAPE is located in the African Union/Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU/IBAR) and is a unit of the Pan African Programme for the Control of Epizootics (PACE). The CAPE Unit has four main outputs:

development of primary-level veterinary services in pastoral ecosystems;
promoting policy changes and legislation to create an enabling environment for community-based animal health services;
information dissemination;
strengthening regional capacity.

The CAPE Unit collates existing information in order to inform policy makers and identify gaps in knowledge. It also supports new learning by creating better linkages between NGOs, the private sector and government. Via support to teams of policy makers, CAPE conducts impact assessments with a view to generating information for new and improved policies. Literature related to policy change is produced and disseminated.

Much of the information on community-based delivery systems is located in the informal literature and NGO reports. CAPE aims to improve the dissemination of these experiences by circulating existing reports and supporting networks for the transfer of emerging literature to policy makers, veterinary schools, research institutes, NGOs and other stakeholders. CAPE also supports workshops and conferences to enable field workers, researchers and policy makers to share and discuss lessons learned.

CAPE publications and reports are downloadable from the CAPE website.

2.9 Institute for Animal Health (IAH)

Institute for Animal Health
Compton Laboratory
Compton, Newbury
Berks
RG20 7NN
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44 1635 578411
Fax: +44 1635 577237
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.iah.bbsrc.ac.uk/
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English
Subject areas: Animal health; Technology transfer; Veterinary sciences

The IAH is an international centre for research into infectious diseases of farm animals. Its headquarters are in Compton, Berkshire, and it has laboratories in Pirbright (Surrey) and Edinburgh. The IAH is chiefly UK Government funded through the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The aims of the IAH are to:

carry out and provide training in fundamental and applied research on infectious diseases of farm animals;
gain advance knowledge and understanding of existing and new infectious diseases;
develop disease control measures which will enhance farm animal welfare, increase the efficiency of agriculture and protect the environment;
improve food quality and safety, with particular reference to zoonoses.

The publication pages on its website identify relevant articles from current journals both by disease/disease agent and programme area.

No scientific institution can function effectively in isolation: science is an international activity and thrives through contacts, both formal and informal. The links that have been forged by the IAH show the Institute to be a truly international centre for research on the infectious diseases of farm animals, and for technology interaction and transfer. The IAH's current global network extends to 43 countries and 315 institutions. There are 550 links.

2.10 International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

ILRI - Kenya [updated July 2004]
PO Box 30709
Nairobi
KENYA

Tel: +254 2 630743
Fax: +254 2 631499
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.ilri.cgiar.org/
Languages: English
Subject areas: Animal husbandry; Livestock; Veterinary sciences
Publications: List of publications available online

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve the well-being of people in developing countries by enhancing the diverse and essential contributions livestock make to smallholder farming.

ILRI, whose headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, is a non-profit institution belonging to the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ILRI began operations in 1995 with consolidation of the staff and facilities of two former CGIAR livestock centres: the International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases (ILRAD), based in Nairobi, Kenya, and the International Livestock Centre for Africa (ILCA), based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Information services
ILRI libraries cater for ILRI scientists, its partners in national agricultural research systems (NARS) and other external users. ILRI maintains three libraries: at ILRI-Ethiopia, at ILRI-Kenya and at ILRI Philippines.

For over 25 years the libraries have amassed large collections of monographs, periodicals and other documents on animal production and diseases, with disciplines ranging from agricultural economics to molecular biology. These information resources are supplemented with documents from ILRI's unique collection of non-conventional literature on animal agriculture from research centres in 27 Sub-Saharan African countries. In addition to these in-house information resources, users are provided with electronic access to external sources of information, either through CD-ROM or the Internet.

Questions and comments should be addressed to: [email protected]

Publications
A major end-product of ILRI's research is the information and knowledge generated to inform a well-targeted audience about the implications of the results of the institute and its partners' research. ILRI produces a wide range of publications in a variety of forms to meet the needs of a wide range of audiences, including policy makers in national agricultural research systems in developing countries (NARS), scientific collaborators (including those in NARS and in developed-world institutes), extension agents and end-users, including non-governmental organisations, private voluntary organisations and veterinarians, trainees, peer-group scientists and the general public (via the media).

Publications that the institute produces include an annual programme report (scientific), an annual `highlights' report (popular), an external newsletter, proceedings of scientific meetings and expert consultations, manuals, training materials and administrative documents such as programmes and budgets and medium-term plans. Increasingly, ILRI publications are being produced in both print-on-paper and electronic forms.

Ethiopia office:

ILRI - Ethiopia, PO Box 5689, Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA
Tel: +251 1 463215 Fax: +251 1 461252 / 464645
E-mail: [email protected]

2.11 International Trypanotolerance Centre (ITC)

International Trypanotolerance Centre
PMB 14
Banjul
GAMBIA
Contact: Kwaku Agyemang, Director General
Tel: +220 46 29 28
Fax: +220 46 29 24
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.itc.gm/
Geographic coverage: West Africa
Languages: English, French
Subject areas: Animal husbandry; Dairy animals; Livestock; Trypanosomiasis; Veterinary sciences
Publications: List of articles and monograph titles available online

The International Trypanotolerance Centre is a subregional research institution located in Banjul, The Gambia. From its original dedication to studying the trait of trypanotolerance in indigenous breeds of domestic animals in the humid and subhumid zones of West Africa, ITC's mandate has broadened to include all aspects of livestock production and utilisation through the wider and better use of disease-resistant indigenous breeds of cattle, sheep and goats.

The mission of the Centre is to focus on research and development activities that exploit the genetic resistance and adaptability of indigenous livestock resources, thus aiming to contribute to poverty alleviation and increased food security. An example is improved peri-urban dairy production based on F1 crossbreeding (exotic ´ local cattle) schemes. Problems, limitations or suboptimal performance in animal health, management and production (including nutrition, genetic potential and reproduction aspects), together with household and community-level socio-economic circumstances and factors affecting producers or the production-to-consumption chain, are of particular interest to ITC's research and development programmes. The outputs generated primarily benefit countries in the West African subregion, especially the immediate mandate countries: The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

ITC's Research and Development Agenda is organised into three programmes revolving around two major livestock production systems:

Low-input (traditional, extensive) Systems Improvement Programme: R&D towards improved technological options based on better exploitation of trypanotolerant and other adaptive traits of indigenous breeds of cattle and small ruminants (purebred selection programme);
Market-oriented Systems Improvement Programme: enhancing the economic efficiency of medium- to high-input (peri-urban) livestock systems through the optimisation of farm and market resources (e.g. dairy crossbred and feeding technologies);
Systems Overlaps and Linkages Improvement Programme: cross-cutting themes concerning people and their circumstances, such as adoption of socio-economically appropriate technological options and methods generated in partnership with stakeholders, epidemiology and risk assessment of diseases of veterinary public health importance, food safety issues, training, information exchange and capacity building.

Scientific support and collaboration comes from several NARS institutions in the region as well as regional (International Centre for Research and Development of Livestock in the Subhumid Zone, CIRDES) and international institutions (Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO; International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI) and advanced research institutes and universities in Europe.

2.12 LIFE: Local Livestock for Empowerment of Rural People

LIFE: Local Livestock for Empowerment of Rural People
League for Pastoral Peoples
Pragelatostr. 20
64372 Ober-Ramstadt
GERMANY
Contact: Ilse Köhler-Rollefson
Tel: +49 6154 53642
Fax: +49 6154 53642
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.lifeinitiative.org/
Geographic coverage: Developing countries
Languages: English
Subject areas: Animal husbandry; Capacity building; Indigenous knowledge; Livestock
Publications: Bulletin board (online)

LIFE aims to support and foster the following activities:

study and documentation of indigenous knowledge related to livestock breeding and breeds;
case studies of livestock breeds that are threatened, and of the social, economic and political factors involved;
information exchange between NGOs, pastoralists and farmers' associations, scientific institutions, policy makers and others through workshops and a mailing list;
capacity building of NGOs in the conservation and development of indigenous livestock breeds;
analysis of the macro-economic and political factors driving the erosion of livestock genetic resources;
lobbying for more participatory orientation of the research concepts of the formal sector organisations;
establishment of a network of organisations and individuals for community-based conservation of livestock breeds.

LIFE will be successful only if it meets responds to like-minded organisations and individuals. It is especially interested in interaction, information exchange and partnerships with NGOs working in rural development and with pastoralist organisations that share its vision of indigenous livestock development. It also seeks cooperation with research institutions, breeders and practitioners, policy makers and donor agencies.

Alternative contact:
Lokhit Pashu-Palak Sansthan, Ambedkar Nagar Desuri Road, Sadri 306702, Pali District, Rajasthan, India
Tel: +91 2934 85086, Fax: +91 2934 85939, E-mail: [email protected]

New October 2003

Livestock, Environment and Development Initiative (LEAD)

Livestock, Environment and Development Initiative
Animal Production and Health Division
FAO
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
Rome
ITALY

Contact: Coordinator
Tel: +39 065705 4751
Fax: +39 065705 5749
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://lead.virtualcentre.org
Geographic coverage: Global
Languages: English, French, Spanish
Subject areas: Environment; Livestock production
Publications: Electronic newsletter; Online forum

The LEAD (Livestock, Environment And Development) Initiative is an inter-institutional project with its secretariat in FAO. It concerns itself with the protection and enhancement of natural resources as affected by livestock production while alleviating poverty.

LEAD’s multilingual Virtual Research and Development Centre and the Initiative’s data and information repository promotes multidisciplinary research and development activities and by so doing aims to increase awareness among key stakeholders of the complex interactions of human needs, animal production and the sustainability of global natural resources.

The Virtual Centre has the following functions:

to assist in capacity building in developing countries and function as a “clearing house”, disseminate results and provide baseline information and resource intelligence;
to facilitate international pilot development programmes among research and development institutions and individuals, and assist in carrying out additional studies on livestock environment issues;
to provide support to decision-making on livestock-environment issues;
to support mainstreaming of livestock and environment policies and technology options in donor operations and in the formulation of national action plans.

Information activities include:

Digital Library - a multilingual reference point for information on Livestock and the Environment;
“Who's Who” database – this provides details of many people who have experiences and expertise in fields relevant to livestock and environment issues, and whose purpose is to provide a first point of contact with these experts;
LEAD Directory - a reference point for finding links to institutions that work with livestock and the environment.
Online Discussion Forum – intended as a means of raising and discussing relevant topics;
Electronic Newsletter - provides news from around the globe on livestock and environment issues;
Electronic conferences – held periodically on relevant topics.

2.13 Network for Smallholder Poultry Development (NSPD)

Network for Smallholder Poultry Development
The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University
Dyrlaegevej 2
DK-1870 Frederiksberg C
DENMARK
Tel: +45 35 28 37 63
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.poultry.kvl.dk/
Geographic coverage: Developing countries
Languages: English
Subject areas: Poultry; Poverty alleviation

The overall objective of the NSPD is poverty alleviation and improved welfare of the moderate and extreme poor in rural areas.

Its immediate objectives are to:

support sustainable improvement of traditional free-range poultry production in the smallholder sector of developing countries;
develop local research capacity - not merely through collaboration with the Danish Network but also by involving partner institutions and researchers in the research process at all levels;
explore the varieties of traditional poultry management within a given region, and improve theoretical and practical understanding of the forces that shape specific strategies.

In order to achieve the above objectives, the following activities are given high priority:

establishing and maintaining an international research database for rural poultry production and health;
training in rural poultry production and health at MSc, PhD and technical staff levels;
project support.

2.14 VETAID

VETAID [updated July 2004]
Centre for Tropical Veterinary Medicine
Pentlands Science Park
Bush, Penicuik
Midlothian EH26 OPZ
Scotland
UNITED KINGDOM
Contact: Patrick Krause
Tel: +44 131 445 6241
Fax: +44 131 445 6242
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.vetaid.org/
Geographic coverage: Developing countries
Languages: English
Subject areas: Animal husbandry; Veterinary sciences
Publications: List available online

VETAID is a not-for-profit, overseas development organisation working for reduction in poverty and increase in food security of people dependent on livestock. The purpose of VETAID's work is to strengthen livelihood strategies of resource-poor farmers by increasing the contribution made by their livestock, by promoting the rights of farmers and herders, and by partnering and building the capacity of local organisations.

The VETAID Newsletter is available to interested parties in developing countries (e-mail [email protected] .) VETAID has a number of other publications available for sale and listed on the website or a list can be obtained at the above postal address.