African livestock genetic resources and sustainable breeding strategies: Unlocking a treasure trove and guide for improved productivity

A newly published open access book, African livestock genetic resources and sustainable breeding strategies: Unlocking a treasure trove and guide for improved productivity, is a rich resource that chronicles the abundant livestock genetic resources in Africa.

The book is edited by Eveline M. Ibeagha-Awemu of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sunday O. Peters of Berry College, Georgia, USA, Appolinaire Djikeng, director general of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and senior director for livestock-based systems, CGIAR, and John E.O. Rege of Emerge Centre for Innovations-Africa.

Organized in five sections, the chapters trace special productive and adaptive attributes of African livestock breeds, past breed improvement efforts, capacity building, and strategies to effective utilization of available genetic resources in the era of modern technologies.

The authors cover major farm animal groups as well as dromedaries, rabbits, and grasscutters.

Sustainable development

In view of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (in particular SDG 2, Zero Hunger and SDG 15, Life on Land), the purpose of this volume is to catalog opportunities that can be leveraged with available technologies and technical knowhow for achieving rapid genetic gain and improved livestock productivity in Africa.

It fosters the utilization of genetic resources and the protection of indigenous livestock biodiversity.

Natural selection and humans have generated genetically diverse breeds of domesticated farm animals which can significantly contribute to the livelihoods of millions of Africans today.

Indigenous livestock

Africa’s indigenous livestock are particularly hardy and well-adapted to local production contexts, having evolved adaptations to the continent’s diverse climatic conditions and environmental pressures.

In spite of the wealth of desirable genetic traits, however, some of Africa’s iconic and lesser-known livestock are disappearing at an alarming rate.

Moreover, despite increasing recognition of what this diversity portends, little has been done to understand and optimally harness the full potential of these genetic resources.

Diverse readership

By combining scientific basis and practical instructions, this work is a valuable manual for a diverse readership, including students, researchers, livestock farmers, livestock and non-governmental organizations, policymakers, and business professionals who want to understand the uniqueness of African livestock genetic resources, production systems, and strategies for sustainable improvement for the African environment.

Citation

Ibeagha-Awemu, E.M., Peters, S.O., Djikeng, A. and Rege, J.E.O. (eds). 2025. African livestock genetic resources and sustainable breeding strategies: Unlocking a treasure trove and guide for improved productivity. Cham, Switzerland: Springer.

Photo: Ankole cattle in Mbarara, Uganda (credit: ILRI/Stevie Mann)

Curated by Tezira Lore, Communication Officer, ILRI