On January 29, 2024, the workplaces of AU-IBAR in Nairobi performed host to an important consultative session with Hon. Jonathan Mueke, the Principal Secretary of the State Division of Livestock on the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries in Kenya. Representatives from the State Division of Livestock and the Directorate of Veterinary Providers, AU-IBAR stuff, led by Dr. Huyam Salih, AU-IBAR’s Director have been additionally current on the assembly to interact in discussions. This gathering aimed to delve into collaborative potentialities between AU-IBAR and Kenya, illuminating important initiatives poised to affect the trajectory of livestock growth within the area.
The agenda encompassed an summary of AU-IBAR’s mandate, its noteworthy achievements, and ongoing/deliberate initiatives. These initiatives included the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Programs (RAFFS) Challenge, African Pastoral Markets Growth (APMD) Platform, Animal Genetic Sources actions, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Eradication, Animal Welfare (with a particular give attention to Donkey welfare), and the African Union’s One Well being Information Alliance Africa (OHDAA) Challenge.
Insights from the Assembly:
Hon. Jonathan Mueke expressed gratitude for the enduring collaboration with AU-IBAR and emphasised the Ministry’s curiosity in genetics, animal feed, and illness management to bolster the export readiness of animals. The transformative agenda outlined key focus areas, together with the event of drought-resistant genetics and the commercialization of animal feed, focusing on vital considerations in arable areas.
Dr. Huyan Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, emphasised substantial milestones within the profitable eradication of rinderpest and the approaching achievement of the objective to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). She underscored AU-IBAR’s notable transformation in program supply and emphasised its dedication to the implementation of the Livestock Growth Technique for Africa (LiDeSA) as a basic cornerstone. Dr. Salih additionally acknowledged Kenya’s constant help all through the years, serving as a gracious host to AU-IBAR and offering the required land for the development of AU-IBAR’s new secretariat.
Key Discussions and Future Plans:
Discussions delved into pivotal subjects reminiscent of the way forward for pastoralism, the convergence of genetics and animal well being, and methods for PPR eradication. The One Well being strategy emphasised the significance of guaranteeing meals security, committing to a whole ban on AMR utilization in livestock, showcasing Africa’s dedication to accountable veterinary medication practices.
The assembly careworn the importance of well timed updates on animal feed steadiness sheets, highlighting the evolving panorama of pastoralism and the position of genetics in livestock growth. Nearer collaboration on the implementation of the livestock grasp plan was additionally mentioned, emphasizing the significance of useful resource sharing and knowledge change amongst member states.
Path Ahead:
The collaborative spirit was additional solidified with plans to kind small groups throughout numerous areas, together with veterinary providers, illness management, livestock manufacturing, and advertising. This collaborative effort goals to propel the implementation of the Livestock Grasp Plan, specializing in data-driven options, breeding enchancment packages, and the commercialization of livestock in key livestock worth chains.
The consultative go to showcased a dedication to advancing livestock growth, emphasizing the financial contributions of the sector to nationwide economies and GDP, and its transformative affect on the lives of farming communities. The collaboration between the Kenyan Authorities and AU-IBAR units a promising trajectory for a sustainable and transformative future in livestock growth, serving as a mannequin for nearer collaboration on the member state degree.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Sources (AU-IBAR).
