A free public talk at this years British Science Festival, held at the University of Warwick on Thursday 12 September highlighted how livestock farming impacts people, the planet and the processes required to achieve global sustainability.
In his talk, entitled ‘Farming for the Future’, Professor Appolinaire Djikeng, Director of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) based at The Roslin Institute, part of the University of Edinburgh, explained how genetic improvements can help tropical livestock be more productive, better adapted to challenging climatic conditions, more feed efficient and less likely to succumb to disease.
Professor Appolinaire Djikeng from CTLGH
“With demand in developing countries for animal foods projected to double over the next 20 years, we need to ensure that livestock reared in tropical climates are part of the solution for human global development, mitigation of climate change and efficient use natural resources in the future.”
Professor Appolinaire DJIKENG – pictured right
The Livestock sector currently contributes to 40 percent of agricultural GDP and provides livelihoods and incomes for at least 1.3 billion people worldwide. With livestock farming under fire for its damaging effects on the environment, Appolinaire Djikeng, who is also the current President of the Agriculture and Food section of British Science Association, highlighted how improving livestock development in developing countries will ensure that livestock production can become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
He said: “Rearing animals provides a crucial food source and income for many rural families in low- and middle- income countries.
“With demand in developing countries for animal foods projected to double over the next 20 years, we need to ensure that livestock reared in tropical climates are part of the solution for human global development, mitigation of climate change and efficient use natural resources in the future.”
CLTGH is a global research and development partnership committed to enhancing the productivity, adaptability and sustainability of livestock in tropical production systems through genetic improvement. With nodes in the UK and Africa, the Centre works with collaborators worldwide to enhance the productivity, adaptability, and sustainability of livestock in tropical production systems through genetic improvement.
Professor Djikengs talk was one of over 100 free events being held as part of this years British Science Festival (BSF). Organised by the British Science Association and running from 10-13 September 2019 at venues throughout Coventry and Warwickshire, the BSF is Europe’s longest-established annual science festival. For more information visit www.britishsciencefestival.org
