Guidebook on the Conservation of African Livestock Genetic Resources Launched
A new continental guidebook now sets a strategic direction for protecting Africa’s diverse livestock breeds while strengthening productivity across the sector. Titled African Livestock Genetic Resources and Sustainable Breeding Strategies: Unlocking a Treasure Trove and Guide for Improved Productivity, the publication consolidates decades of research on livestock genetics, adaptation and structured breeding systems, providing a comprehensive framework to guide conservation and performance improvement efforts across the continent.
The African Animal Breeding Network released the guide in collaboration with leading institutions, including the International Livestock Research Institute, Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources. Together, these organisations aim to curb genetic erosion and actively promote science-driven breeding strategies that protect indigenous breeds while improving productivity and long-term resilience.
Africa hosts hundreds of livestock breeds that have adapted to heat stress, endemic diseases and feed scarcity. Therefore, these breeds represent a powerful asset for food security and climate adaptation. However, indiscriminate crossbreeding and weak conservation frameworks continue to threaten unique indigenous lines. By providing a shared evidence base and practical guidance, the guidebook equips policymakers, researchers and livestock keepers with tools to balance conservation and commercial performance. Consequently, stakeholders can build livestock systems that withstand environmental shocks while safeguarding genetic diversity for future generations.
Source: Kilimo News
Farmers Warned Against Early Planting
Agriculture officials in Embu County have urged farmers to delay planting despite the onset of short rains. According to The Star, the Kenya Meteorological Department predicts that the current showers will remain brief and will not signal the beginning of the long rains, which are expected in mid-March in upper areas and slightly later in lower, more arid zones.
County Director for Agriculture Patrick Njeru encouraged farmers to use the available moisture for land preparation rather than sowing seeds immediately. If seeds germinate prematurely and dry spells follow, crops can wither quickly, and farmers can incur avoidable losses. Therefore, timing remains critical in rain-fed systems where rainfall patterns continue to shift due to climate variability.
Extension officers are actively promoting minimum tillage and conservation agriculture techniques to improve soil structure and retain moisture ahead of the main rainy season. Moreover, Catherine Muriithi from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization reinforced the advisory by cautioning farmers against early fertiliser and seed application. Planting too soon not only increases agronomic risk but also raises input costs if rainfall fails to stabilise. As a result, integrating meteorological guidance into farm planning has become essential for protecting yields and income stability.
Source: The Star
New Farmer-Led Irrigation Initiative to Empower 350,000 Smallholders
The national government has launched the Farmer-Led Irrigation Development Pathway, a programme designed to empower approximately 350,000 smallholder farmers by expanding access to affordable irrigation equipment and climate-smart technologies. The initiative specifically targets farmers with plots between 0.5 and 2 hectares to reduce dependence on unpredictable rainfall and strengthen resilience against recurring climate shocks.
Agriculture contributes roughly 24 per cent of Kenya’s GDP and employs nearly 75 per cent of the labour force, yet only about four per cent of arable land is irrigated. Therefore, expanding irrigation remains central to improving productivity and strengthening food security. Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho explained that the programme shifts focus away from large-scale public schemes and instead supports farmer-driven investment backed by innovative financing models.
Under the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan 2025 to 2035, the government aims to develop one million new irrigated acres and optimise an additional 319,000 acres. These efforts could directly or indirectly benefit an estimated 6.4 million farm households. However, limited access to affordable credit continues to constrain smallholders, since many lack collateral and lenders often view irrigation equipment loans as high risk. To address this gap, the programme will deploy results-based financing, partial risk guarantees, blended finance structures and pay-as-you-go systems. In addition, authorities plan to strengthen quality assurance through certification standards and digital registration platforms, thereby creating a more transparent and commercially viable irrigation ecosystem.
Source: The Standard – Smart Harvest
Farmers to Test Crop Varieties to Identify High-Yielding Options
Farmers in Amagoro, Busia County, have received encouragement to experiment with multiple crop varieties in order to identify those best suited to their soils and climatic conditions. Farm Input Promotions Africa, working alongside the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation, is promoting soil testing and diversified crop trials as practical tools for raising yields, improving input efficiency and strengthening household food security.
For a modest fee of Sh50 per acre, farmers can conduct soil analysis and align crop selection with fertility levels. Representatives recommended testing maize, potatoes and Hass avocados, among other crops, so that farmers can compare performance and profitability. By matching seed choice to soil characteristics, producers increase the likelihood of higher yields and stronger returns.
In addition, officials encouraged diversification beyond staple crops. They urged farmers to expand groundnut production to supply a local peanut butter processing facility that guarantees market access and prompt payment. At the same time, they recommended maize planting from early March with proper fertiliser application to avoid poor performance. Furthermore, they advised the cultivation of cassava, beans and bananas to enhance household food security and income resilience. Farmers who attended the sessions welcomed the structured guidance, noting that it provided practical, science-based steps toward sustainable farming.
Source: The Star
Strategic Outlook
This Kenya agribusiness weekly roundup highlights a clear pattern of science-driven reform and climate-conscious decision-making. On one hand, continental institutions are protecting African livestock genetic resources while promoting sustainable breeding strategies. On the other hand, county authorities are reinforcing weather-informed planting decisions to reduce crop losses. Meanwhile, the national government is expanding farmer-led irrigation, and grassroots initiatives are encouraging soil-based crop experimentation.
Collectively, these developments signal a transition toward data-informed, market-oriented and climate-resilient agriculture. Therefore, farmers and agribusiness stakeholders who align with these reforms will likely strengthen productivity, protect natural resources and secure more stable incomes in an increasingly volatile environment.