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How a breeding network could build a genetic pathway to more productive and climate-smart livestock in Africa

Through strategic investment and collaboration, African livestock systems can harness tools such as genomic technologies and breeding programs to drive genetic gains. Supported by the African Animal Breeding Network (AABNet)—a platform of genetics experts, animal breeders, and professionals providing training, advice, and support—these efforts could lead to more resilient, efficient, and sustainable livestock production, strengthening food security and rural livelihoods across the continent, researchers say.

"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," said Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, lead author of the study and Director General for the International Livestock Research Institute.

"When we design breeding programs with climate adaptation and mitigation in mind, farmers will have access to hardier, more productive livestock—and we can build livestock systems that work for both people and the planet."

Currently, around 85% of the world's livestock keepers are in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), yet they . This 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), conducted the study, "The African Animal Breeding Network as a pathway towards genetic improvement of livestock, which explores how AABNet could play a key role in transforming African livestock production systems." The research is in the journal Nature Genetics.

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.

"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," said Professor Mizeck Chagunda, co-author of the study and Director of CTLGH.

By connecting animal breeders across Africa, AABNet enables the exchange of information, evaluation systems, and tools to improve productivity and genetic advancements.

The study 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, researchers say.