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The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) aims for better lives, better planet through livestock. ILRI is a @CGIAR centre
Joined June 2009
On the #EATLancet report, Ethiopia responds: ‘The truth is that livestock are an essential, often irreplaceable source of nutrition and income for hundreds of millions of people, the majority of whom live in Africa and South Asia’ #WhyLivestockMatter 2/2.
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1/5 Here's the first of our 5 key messages on livestock, environment & climate change! . And a question to kick things off. How is the anti-meat narrative affecting livestock keepers in the Global South? #LetsTalkLivestock
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Announcing a new @ILRI & @UNEP #ZoonosesReport 'Preventing the Pandemic: Zoonotic diseases and how to break the chain of transmission'. Find the report and more at #OneHealth #OneCGIAR
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#OneHealth tells us healthy livestock can protect us from future pandemics & help adapt to climate change. However, this requires investment. Over the next weeks, we will set out 18 ways in which investment in livestock will help build societal resilience. #onlyONEhealth
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On 11 November 2022, 9-4pm EAT, ILRI will host a day-long Twitter chat on the role that sustainable livestock can play in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Join us!. Simply tweet questions @ILRI using the hashtag #LetsTalkLivestock for our livestock experts to answer.
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FAO sets the record straight–86% of livestock feed is inedible by humans
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1/ When we talk #FoodSystems @COP27P, we need to address the cow in the room. Why? .Because livestock 🐂🐐🐖🐓 are a climate and resilience solution for hundreds of millions of smallholder farmers. #LetsTalkLivestock to accelerate climate action for people and the planet 🤝🌍
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Livestock foods are difficult to replace with 🌱-based meals because the nutrients they provide are more efficiently absorbed by the body. @FoodSystems must ensure people in poor households have access to animal-sourced foods. #whylivestockmatter
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To celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2023, the capacity development unit at ILRI invited girls from Precious Blood Girls High School, Riruta to meet ILRI #WomeninScience from management, senior scientists, research officer and associates. #WomeninSTEM
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A group of scientists led by ILRI alum and renowned vaccinologist @PeterHotez have created a new #COVID19 vaccine that could help combat vaccine inequality across #Africa. Learn more from Dr. Hotez’s recent conversation with ILRI scientist @ericfevre: .
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Amid the often-distressing news about climate change, some good news: Existing strategies could mitigate livestock methane emissions by enough to help the sector limit its share of global warming to the 1.5°C target by 2030.
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Jimmy Smith, director general of ILRI, reaches the end of his tenure as 2023 begins. Jimmy has presided over huge successes for sustainable livestock research and has been a much respected - and appreciated - leader for 11 years. His last interview:
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The #IMF says #COVID19 will wipe out $9 trillion over 2 years. @WorldBank says #zoonoticdiseases cost $100 billion+ in the last 20 years. Early detection is crucial to minimise cost to human lives and economic damage. Read the @UNEP @ILRI #ZoonosesReport:
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#EATLancet PLANETARY DIET, launched in Addis yesterday, recommends we consume fewer animal-source foods. Does that work for 100+ million Ethiopians? Read what Ethiopia's state minister for agriculture has to say about it. #WhyLivestockMatter #Livestock4Dev.
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Brucellosis is the 2nd most frequently reported endemic zoonotic disease to @WOAH_Global. A 3-year ILRI-led project is investigating the hidden spread and burden of this neglected zoonotic disease. Find the latest studies and updates here:.
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Cattle don't need to drink 15,000 litres of water to produce 1 kg of beef. This figure is largely based on the amount of rainwater used by plants to grow.
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🎉Exciting times ahead as Professor Appolinaire Djikeng takes on new role as ILRI’s director general and @CGIAR senior director for livestock systems. He joins us from @roslininstitute where he leads innovative genetics program @ctlgh_info. 📢➡️
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'Genomic time travel' - @ILRI scientists retrace the genetic journey that has made African #cattle so diverse and adaptable today, saved millions of people from hunger and malnutrition, and shielded wildlife from overhunting: @NatureGenet
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Watch the trailer below for our short film describing how three pastoralist women from around the world are restoring rangelands to improve livelihoods, and to benefit the greater society and the environment. Full film at:
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Join our #OneHealth webinar over 19-20 January, 15.30 EAT as we explore how to strengthen preparation and response to veterinary and zoonotic diseases in Africa, with a particular focus on identifying gaps and sharing of lessons learned. Find details & meeting codes below 👇
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#Livestock at the forefront of climate mitigation and adaptation? Yes, with a little help. Invest in #solutionswithlegs 💭at #COP28. Find out more at 👉🏾@CGIAR
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#COP27 puts #foodsystems at the heart of climate discussions. But we can’t tackle climate change by marginalising livestock and livestock keepers. #LetsTalkLivestock to learn how livestock is a climate solution for +1.7 billion people in the Global South🌍
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2/5 Along with the second of our key livestock, environment and climate change messages, a second question. Why don't we have better climate data for the Global South - and how would having it make a difference? #LetsTalkLivestock
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We are proud to announce the #OneHealth Centre in Africa (OHRECA) at @ILRI, Kenya, was opened on 22 October 2020. Funded by @BMZ_Bund, the Centre will enhance the health of people, animals and their shared environment in the continent. Read more:
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Jimmy W. Smith, the director general of ILRI, is to retire at the end of 2022, after 11 years. Known for his expression ‘where you stand on the issues very much depends on where you sit,’ he has been a champion for sustainable livestock worldwide.
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Remembering Michael Blümmel. 'We will miss Michael not only for his scientific contributions but for the calm and caring human being he was’, said ILRI director general Jimmy Smith.
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3/5 Our 3rd key message for livestock, environment and climate change. Q.3 How can we prevent livestock farming in the Global South from becoming as intensive as in the Global North? And should we? #LetsTalkLivestock
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Here's a few details about camels in #Africa for 22 June 2024, #WorldCamelDay!. Learn more about camels, camelids and ILRI at
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Today is #OneHealthDay. #OneHealth recognises we need to optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystem. ILRI is using this approach to build healthy, sustainable and resilient livestock systems in developing countries. Explore our work at:
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This week @ILRI Ethiopia is hosting Director Generals from all @CGIAR centers based in Africa, including @AfricaRice @BaboucarrManne8, @CIFOR_ICRAF @IITA_CGIAR @ICARDA @elianeubalijoro @Adjikeng
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#Zoonoses like #COVID19 have the power to disrupt our economies, public health & food systems. But we can prevent the next #pandemic by building sustainable landscapes through #OneHealth. Learn how on 28 Oct with @ILRI @UNEP @WWF @IFAD at #GLFBiodiversity.
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Livestock are an important asset for many households to cope with climate shocks. We need to equip small-scale farmers with the necessary knowledge and technology to help them adapt to the changing environment. @FoodSystems @COP26
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#OneHealth acknowledges that animal, human and environmental health are intrinsically linked. The #livestock sector is essential role to tackling interconnected challenges such as #zoonoticdiseases and #antimicrobialresistance for healthy @FoodSystems .
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#Scientists have developed a new molecular tool for faster and cheaper #genomic-based surveillance of the Rift Valley fever virus. allowing for real-time monitoring, faster response to outbreaks, & prevention of epidemics. Learn more: #Bioinformatics #ILRI.
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#HappeningNow Data Think Tank Initiative symposium with @P4CDA @ILRI @cgiar @CGIARAfrica @uonbi and @kilimoKe looking at how to harmonize data access and use policies and partnership for digital innovation in the agriculture sector in Kenya. #DataforAg #ClimateSmart
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On International Day of Women and Girls in Science we ask 'What can be done to achieve full access and equality in science for girls and women in low- to middle- income countries?'. @WomenScienceDay #ILRIWomenInScience #EqualityInScience #Science4SDGs #girlsinscience @CGIAR
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Inspiring science & partner sessions with @CGIAR_EMD Ismahane Elouafi & @Guillaum_Grosso showcasing innovations that boost food, nutrition & farmer livelihoods. @ILRI @IRRI @IITA_CGIAR @BiovIntCIAT_eng @Cipotato @CIFOR_ICRAF .#OneCGIAR #WithScienceWeCan
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ILRI scientists Robert Muriuki and Nicholas Svitek have developed a fast and affordable test for #EastCoastfever, usable in the field by farmers and veterinary workers. The test can even detect ECF infection before symptoms show. @USAID @AnimalHealth_IL.
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Consider livestock not as a problem to be solved but as an essential part of the solution to our protein & other needs. —@ILRI-@wef white paper on Meat: The Future. @BMZ_Bund @BruBriefings @CanadaDev @CIRAD @CSIROnews @dfat.@DFID_UK #WhyLivestockMatter
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Around 268 million pastoralists graze their animals on lands unsuitable for crops, providing 75% of milk and 50% of meat in Africa. Learn more:
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ILRI’s paper was meant as a reminder that there are many opportunities for livestock to be part of a sustainable, broad-based and environmentally friendly agricultural sector. #Whylivestockmatter.
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Are you interested in capacity development opportunities? Here is September's #CapdevNewsletter from ILRI with #scholarships, #grants, #funding, learning resources, #conferences, #workshops and more. Download: . #Opportunities #CareerGrowth #Careers
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What can be done to achieve full access and equality in science for girls and women in low-to middle-income countries?. Here's what some of our women scientists think. What about you?. #IDWGS2023 #WomenInScience
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#LetsTalkLivestock Transport generates 14% GHG direct emissions, compared to 5% by livestock. No life cycle emissions statistic exists for transport, whereas it is calculated as 14.5% for livestock. But the two categories of emissions are often combined.
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#DidYouKnow land use changes are the single biggest driver of new zoonoses?. #WorldZoonosesDay
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.@ILRI_JimmySmith speaking at the #CFSSpecialEvent on #foodsecurity and #nutrition - #Wetmarkets provide fresh food for millions. With the right training, #foodsafety can exceed even food products sold at supermarkets
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On 18 Jan 2021 @ILRI opened a new office in Kathmandu, #Nepal. The new office, hosted by @irri, will strengthen partnerships in South Asia and provide science-based evidence for #livestock practices. Read more:
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University of Illinois bestows its 2019 International Alumni Award on ILRI chief Jimmy Smith
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How does RVF affect nutrition 🍴 in pastoral communities? Find out at our workshop on March 27 with @USAID @MOH_Kenya ,@kilimoKE, @FAO, @FAOLivestock, @au_ibar and @ILRI's amazing scientist's Bernard Bett, Nicholas Svitek, @Zoe_A_Campbell, Francis Wanyoike, Esther Omosa . Time
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🧬 The ILRI Forage Genebank is 40 years old! 🌿🎂. Join us on 15 May to celebrate the anniversary of this cornerstone of global agricultural innovation and #biodiversity. Read more & register to attend online: @CGIAR #ILRIGenebank40 @EbiInstitute
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#Pastoralism is a sustainable food system!. A new short film supports the call for an International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists @IYRP2026. Watch the 6-minute version at: @WWF @PASTRES_erc
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1/4 On 20 February 2023 @FAODG Dr QU Dongyu and the Hon @mithika_Linturi, Cabinet Secretary for @kilimoKE, visited ILRI to exchange ideas on the collective action by the @FAO and @ILRI in supporting the Government of Kenya to implement Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
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How many people rely on livestock for their livelihoods? Who benefits? . The answer depends on where you look.
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🐃🐂🔬Scientists led by @ILRI and @Roslininstitute were featured in the @TheEconomist for the serendipitous discovery of a gene that could make African cattle more resistant to East Coast Fever.
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1/4 It's the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Here's a few vital messages about why we need girls and #WomenInScience. #CGIARWomenInScience #IDWGS2022
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Calling all sustainable livestock supporters, experts and advocates! Lend us your voices!. @fleroy1974 @GlobalFoodTeam @drsplace @GHGGuru @RobynAlders @Bovidiva @iCow_ke @l_haddad @Heifer @BirthePaul @IanScoones @IannottiLora @StellaNordhagen @TyRBeal @BioBeef @jessfanzo.
On 11 November 2022, 9-4pm EAT, ILRI will host a day-long Twitter chat on the role that sustainable livestock can play in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Join us!. Simply tweet questions @ILRI using the hashtag #LetsTalkLivestock for our livestock experts to answer.
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🎉Congratulations Delia Grace of @ILRI @NRInstitute for receiving the Arrell Global Food Research Award in the area of Research Impact for your work on #FoodSystems and #PublicHealth in developing countries!
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2.7 million deaths are caused by zoonoses every year and land use may be the biggest contributor to increasing cases of zoonotic disease. Join @ILRI at #GLFBiodiversity to learn how #OneHealth can help build sustainable landscapes to prevent global crises:
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Did you know that you would have to eat 9 x times more spinach than a piece of liver to get the same amount of iron? . Meat delivers iron which is absorbed at twice the rate of 🌱-based foods. #whylivestockmatter @FoodSystems
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Jimmy Smith, @UofMaryland & former DG of @ILRI, will give the keynote presentation at @FAO’s first 'Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation: Better Production, Nutrition, Environments & Lives' this morning, Mon 25 Sept, in Rome.
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The @ILRI-led One Health Center for Africa #OHRECA was established to enhance the health of people, animals and their shared environment in the continent. Share and follow @ohreca_ilri for the latest news and research on #OneHealth
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On #WorldMilkDay we ask - what does 'good food' look like to you?. @ILRI scientist Julie Ojango explains why she thinks milk provides #GoodFood4All. #FoodSystems #EnjoyDairy @WorldMilkDay
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People's lives & livelihoods benefit from investments in #livestock health & #welfare, leading to more income, food security, less AMR & smaller environmental impact. Read our #animalwelfare & #OneHealth brief, supporting #UNFSS AT 4 equitable livelihoods:
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#OHRECA is thrilled to co-host the ‘My Turn’ Uganda AMR Symposium with @ReActAfrica_RAN and @beat_the_bugs on 3-4 March 2023. Students will showcase their antibiotic resistance (#AMR) work and engage with stakeholders.
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1/ Fact #1: Millions of livestock herders produce more than half of Africa’s meat and milk supply. Fact #2: Growing #HeatStress from rising temperatures and humidity are putting their livelihoods at risk. #LetsTalkLivestock adaptation solutions @COP27P
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Livestock health problems are directly linked to rangeland health. A One Health approach helps safeguard the nutritional security, health & income of pastoralists by fostering healthier & productive rangelands to produce healthier livestock & livestock products. #onlyONEhealth
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#Pastoralism is a sustainable food system: this is the message of a new short film by @ILRI and partners to support the call for an International Year of #Rangelands and Pastoralists @IYRP2026. Watch the complete 6 minute version at:
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All over the world, pastoralists derive their primary livelihood on rangelands that cover ~54% of the world’s land surface, most of which cannot sustain agricultural crops. They heavily bolster countries’ economies. What do young pastoralists have to say?.
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New #GBADs program with @ILRI, @LivUni, @OIEAnimalHealth & partners will identify which communities are most burdened by livestock disease. "The GBADs program is crucial in building a world with zero hunger, good health and equality for all.". Read more:
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Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. At @ILRI, as we celebrate our women in science today, we ask what can be done to achieve full access and equality in science for women in low- to middle- income countries? @WomenScienceDay #EqualityInScience @CGIAR
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Tune into this special episode of @BomaPodcast where @ILRI MSc fellow, CapDev Challenge winner, & podcaster of @TVScientistPod, Sarah Nyakeri, talks about vulnerability in science, failures, and what she hopes to achieve with her #podcast. #WomenInSTEM.
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ILRI attended the 2022 Global ODA Forum for Sustainable Agricultural Development. Watch a video of the ILRI session and panel discussion here:
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1/7 Today is #WorldZoonosesDay. If you're wondering why this is important, you only need to look at the events of the past year. Learn more:
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MUST READ for #COP26. In the developing world, livestock create far more good than harm. COP26 is a rare opportunity to protect Africa’s livestock and the millions who rely on it, says @EricksenPolly, leader of Sustainable Livestock Systems @ILRI.
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1/10 💡💭 We've set out so far 9 practical actions that governments, investors, policymakers & One Health experts can invest in for better health. But, we also need to invest in livestock-based interventions that support the One Health agenda more broadly. #onlyONEhealth
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‘Africa is only getting a few crumbs of the vaccines and no vaccines are being made on the African continent.' @PeterHotez, pediatrician and international vaccine advocate, discusses the harsh global inequalities in the #COVID19 vaccine rollout:
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🥛Happy #WorldMilkDay! 🎉. In #Kenya, informal milk markets are vital for affordable milk, but face quality concern challenges. The MoreMilk project is changing the game by training vendors in safety & business skills. Positive impacts already seen! ➡️
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.@ilri is hiring: Research Associate - II Animal and human health Closing date: TODAY #ilrijobs #jobs #sciencejobs
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Restoring rangeland, selling affordable livestock feed, and building back grassland biodiversity. Charity Lanoi, Kenyan dryland advocate & @MaasaiWild coordinator, is building a better land, supported by @ILRI, @GlobalLF & @YIL_Initiative. Read more:
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Following its launch yesterday, download the book 'Food systems transformation in Kenya: Lessons from the past and policy options for the future' for free at
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'Invisible livestock' – On the central roles of working horses, donkeys and mules on the smallholder farms that feed the world
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#LetsTalkLivestock @cop27P. For millions of families in low-income countries, keeping livestock provides multiple benefits. We call for better recognition and nuanced discussion. Find resources for livestock champions at the #WhyLivestockMatter website:
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Why are animal-source foods so important for the health of the world's poorest?. Listen to our episode of The Boma podcast featuring Lora Iannotti, an expert in child and maternal nutrition:
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We all agree that #foodsupply chains are very connected between producers and consumers, particularly in the #developingworld, says @ILRI_JimmySmith, now speaking at the @UN_CFS event. Failure to manage them in this interconnected way exposes them to certain risks.
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Zoonoses continue to have significant consequences for health and livelihoods across #Africa. By focusing on animal health and safety, we can break the chain of transmission and reduce the devastating cost of zoonotic disease control. #WorldZoonosesDay
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A big day at @ILRI as DG @ADjikeng welcomes high-level Kenyan guests, including Hon. @jmueke, Principal Secretary for Livestock Development; Hon. @harsama_kello, Principal Secretary for Crop Development; Hon. @PSMuseiya, Principal Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage; and
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Mixed Farming Systems supply ≈75% of the 🥛 milk, 60% of the 🥩 meat, and 40‒86 % of the 🌽🌾 cereals consumed. The @CGIAR Initiative on #SustainableIntensification can deliver critical outcomes to minimize trade-offs and maximize synergies. Learn more:
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