Using digital technology to integrate gender into genetics in small ruminant and dairy systems
- From
-
Published on
06.03.23
- Impact Area
-
Funders
Gates Foundation

Julie Ojango, senior scientist in the Livestock Genetics program at the International Livestock Research Institute, specifically addressing sustainable utilization and management of animal genetic resources, leads projects in small ruminant and cattle breeding that use digital tools that enable better integration of gender into genetics research in the global south. She believes that livestock improvement programs must improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Incorporating smallholder farmers into client-responsive breeding programs has shown improved adoption of technical innovations. However, women, making up two-thirds of livestock farmers, have been historically left out of breeding project design. When selecting a breeding animal, men and women have different trait preferences, so breeding programs must be client-responsive and gender-responsive.
Ojango has integrated gender into her small ruminant and cattle breeding projects by ensuring women’s access to digital tools and involvement in the design process by hosting gendered focus group discussions.
Related news
-
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 -
-
Niger State Partners with AfricaRice for Transformative Rice Production Growth: Targeting 10 Million Tons by 2030
AfricaRice28.07.25-
Food security
-
Nutrition, health & food security
-
Poverty reduction, livelihoods & jobs
July 22, 2025, Mbé, Côte d'Ivoire – In a landmark visit that signals a new era…
Read more -
-
ILRI partnership with private sector turns young woman’s pastime into a thriving poultry agribusiness in Tanzania
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)15.07.25-
Poverty reduction, livelihoods & jobs
In Tanzania, like in many African countries, many women keep poultry as a means of…
Read more -