Boosting livestock productivity and sustainability in East Africa: The role of forage seed systems
- From
-
Published on
13.02.25
- Impact Area

Livestock farming plays a critical role in the economies of East African countries, with millions of people depending on cattle, goats and sheep for food, income and employment. However, despite the region’s vast agricultural potential, livestock production faces a significant feed deficit – nearly 40% of the total ruminant feed demand is unmet annually. This challenge, compounded by climate change, is limiting the region’s ability to maximize livestock productivity. Addressing this feed shortage is essential for improving food security, rural livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
A recent study by Burkart and Mwendia from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT delves into the pressing need to improve access to quality forage seeds in East Africa. The research highlights that many farmers rely on outdated, low-quality seeds, limiting the potential for cultivating the high-yielding, nutrient-rich forages that are necessary to close the feed gap.
Related news
-
Togo Taps Regional Hub in promoting soil health and boosting farm productivity
Sehlule Muzata29.07.25-
Climate adaptation & mitigation
-
Health
Togo’s farmers struggle with poor soils and declining yields. The reason: low awareness of nutrien…
Read more -
-
Unlocking aquaculture’s potential: Northern Ghana stakeholders co-design sustainable fish farming models
Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods Science Program28.07.25-
Climate adaptation & mitigation
-
Nutrition, health & food security
-
Poverty reduction, livelihoods & jobs
Group photo of workshop participants (photo credit: IWMI). With marine fish stocks declining …
Read more -
-
Advancing Togo's National Soil Information System for Sustainable Agriculture
Sehlule Muzata23.07.25-
Climate adaptation & mitigation
-
Nutrition, health & food security
Lomé hosted a three-day workshop to advance and promote Togo's Soil Information System (SIS), known…
Read more -