NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 23, 2026 – The African Animal Breeding Network (AABNet), in partnership with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), has launched a new open-access reference aimed at conserving and sustainably using Africa’s livestock genetic resources.
The book, titled African Livestock Genetic Resources and Sustainable Breeding Strategies: Unlocking a Treasure Trove and Guide for Improved Productivity, consolidates decades of research on livestock genetics, breeding and adaptation strategies tailored to African production systems.
It underscores the continent’s vast livestock diversity, noting that Africa hosts roughly one-third of the world’s livestock population, including hundreds of indigenous cattle, goat, sheep and poultry breeds adapted to heat, disease and harsh feeding conditions.
Speaking at the launch, ILRI Director General Appolinaire Djikeng described Africa’s livestock genetic diversity as a critical climate and development asset.
He said science-based breeding strategies can enhance productivity, strengthen resilience and reduce emissions intensity in smallholder systems.
CTLGH Director Mizeck Chagunda emphasized that protecting and sustainably using local breeds is essential to safeguarding livelihoods amid climate change.
AU-IBAR Director Huyam Salih called for strategic investments in genetic characterization, breeding programmes and farmer-centered approaches to build resilient livestock systems.
AABNet Executive Committee Chair Ed Rege added that the publication provides a unified evidence base to combat genetic erosion, strengthen professional capacity and ensure farmers have access to productive, climate-adapted animals.
