African scientists lead the way in sustainable livestock breeding with new publication

KENYA- The African Animal Breeding Network (AABNet) has launched a groundbreaking African-led publication that demonstrates how Africa can use its own livestock genetic resources to improve productivity sustainably.

The event took place on 20 February 2026 at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) campus in Nairobi, jointly convened by AABNet, the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR, the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), and ILRI.

Published by Springer and available as open access, the book, African Livestock Genetic Resources and Sustainable Breeding Strategies: Unlocking a Treasure Trove and Guide for Improved Productivity, brings together leading African and international scientists to spotlight the continent’s rich livestock diversity.

For years, much of the research on livestock breeding has been led from outside the continent, but this book shifts the narrative, placing African scientists and production systems at the centre of the conversation.

Simply put, the book explains how Africa’s indigenous cattle, sheep, goats, poultry and other livestock breeds are uniquely adapted to harsh environments, disease pressure and limited feed.

Instead of replacing them with imported breeds that may not survive local conditions, the research highlights smarter, sustainable breeding strategies that build on what Africa already has.

Filling a critical gap in African livestock research

Africa is home to the world’s richest diversity of indigenous cattle (150 to 180), goats (289), poultry (126) and dromedaries (94), and the second highest diversity of indigenous sheep (363), rabbits (4), and donkeys (27), which is approximately one-third of the world’s total livestock population.

The locally adapted breeds of these species have evolved over generations to survive heat, disease, and variable feed conditions, making them critical for climate adaptation and resilience in small-scale and low-input production systems.

Yet, many African livestock breeds are at risk of extinction primarily due to indiscriminate crossbreeding with exotic breeds, which erodes the unique genetic traits of these indigenous animals. This is driven by a push for higher productivity, often at the expense of local breeds, which are better adapted to harsh environmental conditions.

Moreover, while the low productivity of indigenous breeds in these difficult smallholder environments leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions per unit of product (2.1–5.0 kg CO2-eq/kg of product, closer to global averages), total emissions remain lower than in intensive agricultural regions.

“Africa’s livestock genetic diversity is not just a heritage—it is a climate and development tool,” said Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, Director General of ILRI. “By using science-based breeding strategies, we can improve productivity, enhance resilience, and reduce emissions intensity across African livestock systems.”

Positioning Africa livestock genetic resources

While organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have published global reports on animal genetic resources, few comprehensive works focus specifically on African-led solutions grounded in local realities. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the continent’s livestock genetic diversity and approaches for sustainable breeding.

The research challenges the long-standing belief that productivity can only be improved through exotic breeds and high-input systems. Instead, it highlights how integrating modern genomic tools with local knowledge can support sustainable gains in livestock productivity.

“Local breeds are the backbone of climate-resilient African agriculture,” said Professor Mizeck Chagunda, Director of CTLGH. “Protecting and sustainably using these breeds through targeted breeding is essential if we are to safeguard livelihoods and meet the challenges of climate change.”

The launch of this landmark publication positions AABNet, ILRI, CTLGH, AU-IBAR, and their National Partners as leaders in coordinating African livestock genetic improvement and conservation.

“Conserving and using Africa’s indigenous livestock genetic resources is a matter of climate and development security,” said Dr Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR. “Strategic investments in genetic characterisation, breeding programmes, and farmer-centred approaches will drive sustainable, resilient livestock systems for Africa’s future.”

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.