#livestock farming in Kenya

[farmerstrend]

Kenyan Farmers to Gain Veterinary Support at Ripple Effect Trade Fair

Ripple Effect is set to transform livestock farming in Kenya by providing veterinary care, disease management tips, and quality animal health products at its upcoming trade fair. Remote Kenyan farmers are set to receive veterinary information, advice, products and access to services at an upcoming veterinary support trade fair in Bungoma County. Ripple Effect, a non-governmental organization…

[cognitivejustice]

“In most African mountains, there are no meteorological stations or long-term records of crop yields,”

Researchers have now interviewed 1,500 smallholder farmers from ten mountain regions in eight countries across equatorial Africa: Cameroon, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Aida Cuni-Sanchez is a researcher at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), and was the the lead researcher for the new study published in Nature Climate Change.

In the absence of historical data, the researchers recorded the farmers’ experiences and indigenous knowledge to build a record of past changes. 

They found that climate change has affected the environment in multiple ways.

How can mountain communities adapt to climate change?

The study revealed that mountain communities have changed their farming practices in response to the changes in their environment. 

These changes include adopting new crop varieties and investing in alternative ways to manage water resources and soil erosion. Farmers have also increased their use of agrochemicals. Some are investing in more veterinary care for their livestock.

Whilst similar effects of climate change were reported across all ten mountain regions studied, the ways the farmers try to adapt to these changes differed.

The researchers note that a universal 'one-size-fits-all' approach to addressing the consequences of climate change should be avoided.

[stele3]

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/houthis-say-they-are-ready-escalate-after-us-strikes-yemen-2025-03-16/

[tadotravel]

🌍 The Enriching Journey of the Maasai Tribe

The Maasai tribe is a significant community with a unique history. They originated from South Sudan, belonging to the Nilotic ethnic group. Due to unfavorable conditions for livestock farming, they were compelled to migrate in search of grazing land and water for their animals. On their journey, they passed through various regions, including the Ethiopian Highlands and the Great Rift Valley, eventually settling in the fertile lands of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. Along the way, they encountered various indigenous communities, such as the Samburu, Kikuyu, and Luo, which contributed to the distinctiveness of the Maasai culture.

Today, the Maasai primarily live in Kenya and Tanzania, with an estimated population of around 1 million. They are divided into approximately 16 clans, with the Purko and Loita clans in Kenya and the Parakuyo clan in Tanzania being the most influential in terms of historical impact and size. Despite their geographical separation, the Maasai maintain a shared culture that binds them together.

In Kenya, the Maasai lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle, which contrasts with the more settled Maasai in Tanzania, who now engage in both farming and livestock herding. Their unique identity is immediately visible through their attire. In Kenya, they wear red shukas (blankets) adorned with intricate beadwork, while in Tanzania, the Maasai often wear blue and purple shukas. These variations in attire symbolize their unity in diversity.

Visiting the Maasai offers a unique learning experience. You can participate in their traditional dances, such as the adumu or jumping dance, and listen to elders recount stories of their origins. You will also have the chance to taste their traditional foods, like ugali (maize porridge), traditional drink (known as amarula –a mixture of fresh cow’s milk and cow blood), meat, and milk. Importantly, you will learn about their traditional herbal medicine practices, known as mitishamba. Examples include esititi, used for dental care, various herbs for treating malaria, and other plants for digestive health and body detoxification.

The Maasai tribe offers invaluable lessons in resilience, sustainability, and the importance of cultural heritage. This brief glimpse into their rich history and vibrant culture is just a taste of what this remarkable community has to offer.

✨ Resilience, Unity, and Cultural Heritage -The Maasai Way ✨

For more insight and information on cultural tours and safari experiences, follow us!

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from The Revelator:

On the shores of Lake Baringo in Kenya’s Rift Valley, an unusual common denominator has helped bring peace to two warring communities­ after generations of fighting: the love of giraffes.

Clashes between the two pastoral communities — the Pokot and Il-Chamus (also known as Njemps) — had ebbed and flowed over decades, with most of the conflicts revolving around access to land, water or cattle.

A cycle of droughts and floods, the spread of invasive plants that reduced grassland for livestock, and a surge of malaria made matters worse.

By 2000 the country was in the throes of its worst drought in 60 years. The impacts on the Lake Baringo region were devastating. People were displaced, and many lost much of their livestock. Already-existing tensions increased and spurred a steady stream of brutal skirmishes involving cattle raids, home invasions, attacks, and killings between the two groups.

To stop the violence, elders from both communities sought common ground.

And they found it with giraffes.

By restoring these animals they both treasured to their ancestral land, they would work together toward a shared purpose. That, in turn, would build trust and increase understanding among the different communities.

Historically, the area was home to the rare Baringo giraffe (also known as Rothschild’s or Nubian giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis). A subspecies of northern giraffe, they’re known for a coat pattern that disappears down their legs so that it looks like they’re wearing white socks. According to the IUCN Red List, there are only about 2,000 left in the world, including fewer than 800 in Kenya.

Although Kenya has two other giraffe species (Masai and reticulated), this area was known for the Baringo giraffes who used to live here. But decades of conflict, expanding human settlements, and hunting had wiped them out. They hadn’t been seen there since the 1960s.

Even if more modern residents had never seen giraffes, both communities still revered them.

Charles Lekatai, a ranger commander for the Ruko Community Conservancy, told Northern Rangelands Trust in 2020 that he grew up hearing his grandfather’s tales about “a strange, long-necked, spotted animal that used to roam the rangelands around the village, feeding on trees and shrubs” and that it captured his imagination.

Sebei says the animals had a particularly important cultural relevance.

“Giraffe are associated with someone who plans, who sees far, because of their height,” she says. Like seeing into the future. “Elders equated that to the vision of people coming together and living in peace.”

Based on that vision, the two communities came together in 2008 to establish the 44,000-acre Ruko Community Conservancy (so named because it brought together the Rugus and Komollion areas of Baringo County), with each setting aside part of their land for it and being part of the management board.

They also designated about 100 acres on the Longicharo peninsula as a special area for the giraffe. Not only was it lush with acacia trees — a giraffe favorite — but its geography (surrounded by water on three of its four sides) would make it easier to protect them from poachers.

In 2011 the communities worked with the Kenya Wildlife Service and others to move eight Baringo giraffes — two males and six females — to the conservancy.

Today the herd has grown to 30, up from 18 in 2023. Translocations and successful births drove the population expansion. In July 2024 Kenya Wildlife Service moved seven giraffes overland by truck from a farm in Eldoret and, in January 2025, another two from the Giraffe Center outside Nairobi.

[beardedmrbean]

French farming unions are taking aim at the European Union’s free-trade agreements, which they say open the door to unfair competition from products arriving from overseas. At a time when the EU is urging farmers to adopt more sustainable – and sometimes more costly – agricultural practices, unions say these trade deals are making it hard for them to stay solvent.

French farmers say that one of their biggest fears is that Chilean apples, Brazilian grains and Canadian beef will flood the European market, thereby undermining their livelihoods. France’s farmers continued to demonstrate on the country’s motorways on Wednesday, protesting against rising costs, over-regulation and free-trade agreements –partnerships between the EU and exporting nations that the farming unions say leads to unfair competition. 

The EU has signed several free-trade agreements in recent years, all with the objective of facilitating the movement of goods and services. But farmers say the deals bring with them insurmountable challenges.

"These agreements aim to reduce customs duties, with maximum quotas for certain agricultural products and non-tariff barriers," said Elvire Fabry, senior researcher at the Jacques Delors Institute, a French think-tank dedicated to European affairs. "They also have an increasingly broad regulatory scope to promote European standards for investment, protection of intellectual property, geographical indications and sustainable development standards."

South American trade deal in the crosshairs

Some non-EU countries – such as Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland – maintain comprehensive free-trade agreements with the EU because they are part of the European Economic Area. This allows them to benefit from the free movement of goods, services, capital and people.

Other nations farther afield have signed more variable agreements with the EU, including Canada, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam and Ukraine. The EU also recently signed an accord with Kenya and a deal with New Zealand that will come into force this year; negotiations are also under way with India and Australia.    

However, a draft agreement between the EU and the South American trade bloc Mercosur is creating the most concern. Under discussion since the 1990s, this trade partnership between Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay would create the world's largest free-trade area, a market encompassing 780 million people. 

French farmers are particularly concerned about the deal’s possible effect on agriculture. The most recent version of the text introduces quotas for Mercosur countries to export 99,000 tonnes of beef, 100,000 tonnes of poultry and 180,000 tonnes of sugar per year, with little or no customs duties imposed. In exchange, duties would also be lowered on exports from the EU on many “protected designation of origin” (PDO) products. 

At a time when the EU is urging farmers to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices, French unions say these agreements would open the door to massive imports – at more competitive prices – of products that do not meet the same environmental standards as those originating in Europe. French farmers are calling out what they say is unfair competition from farmers in South America who can grow GMO crops and use growth-promoting antibiotics on livestock, which is banned in the EU. 

Trade unions from various sectors went into action after the European Commission informed them on January 24 that negotiations with Mercosur could be concluded "before the end of this mandate", i.e., before the European Parliament elections in June.      

The FNSEA, France’s biggest farming union, immediately called for a "clear rejection of free-trade agreements" while the pro-environmental farming group Confédération Paysanne (Farmers' Confederation) called for an "immediate end to negotiations" on this type of agreement.   

A mixed record

"In reality, the impact of these free-trade agreements varies from sector to sector," said Fabry. "Negotiations prior to agreements aim to calibrate the opening up of trade to limit the negative impact on the most exposed sectors. And, at the same time, these sectors can benefit from other agreements. In the end, it's a question of finding an overall balance."

This disparity is glaringly obvious in the agricultural sector. "The wine and spirits industry as well as the dairy industry stand to gain more than livestock farmers, for example," said Fabry. These sectors are the main beneficiaries of free-trade agreements, according to a 2023 report by the French National Assembly.

"The existence of trade agreements that allow customs duty differentials to be eliminated is an 'over-determining factor' in the competitiveness of French wines," wrote FranceAgriMer, a national establishment for agriculture and maritime products under the authority of the French ministry of agriculture in a 2021 report. The majority of free-trade agreements lower or abolish customs duties to allow the export of many PDO products, a category to which many wines belong.

However, the impact on meat is less clear-cut. While FranceAgriMer says the balance between imports and exports appears to be in the EU's favour for pork, poultry exports seem to be declining as a result of the agreements. Hence the fears over the planned treaty with New Zealand, which provides for 36,000 tonnes of mutton to be imported into the EU, equivalent to 45% of French production in 2022. France,however, still has a large surplus of grains except for soya. 

‘A bargaining chip’

Beyond the impact on agriculture, "this debate on free-trade agreements must take into account other issues", said Fabry. "We are in a situation where the EU is seeking to secure its supplies and in particular its supplies of strategic minerals. Brazil's lithium, cobalt, graphite and other resource reserves should not be overlooked."

The agreement with Chile should enable strategic minerals to be exported in exchange for agricultural products. Germany strongly supports the agreement with Mercosur, as it sees it as an outlet for its industrial sectors, according to Fabry.

"In virtually all free-trade agreements, agriculture is always used as a bargaining chip in exchange for selling cars or Airbus planes," Véronique Marchesseau, general-secretary of the Confédération Paysanne, told AFP.

Michèle Boudoin, president of the French National Sheep Federation, told AFP that the agreement with New Zealand will "destabilise the lamb market in France".  

"We know that Germany needs to export its cars, that France needs to sell its wheat, and we're told that we need an ally in the Pacific tocounter China and Russia. But if that is the case, then we need help to be able to produce top-of-the-line lamb, for example," she said.

Finally, "there is a question of influence", said Fabry. "These agreements also remain a way for the EU to promote its environmental standards to lead its partners along the path of ecological transition, even if this has to be negotiated," said Fabry. 

Marc Fesneau, the French minister of agriculture, made the same argument. "In most cases, the agreements have been beneficial, including to French agriculture," Fesneau wrote on X last week, adding: "They will be even more so if we ensure that our standards are respected."

Mercosur negotiations suspended? 

As the farmers’ promised “siege” of Paris and other major locations across France continues, the French government has been trying to reassure agricultural workers about Mercosur, even though President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva relaunched negotiations in December. "France is clearly opposed to the signing of the Mercosur treaty," Prime Minister Gabriel Attal acknowledged last week.

The Élysée Palace even said on Monday evening that EU negotiations with the South American bloc had been suspended because of France's opposition to the treaty. The conditions are "not ripe" for concluding the negotiations, said Eric Mamer, spokesman for the European Commission. "However, discussions are ongoing." 

Before being adopted, the agreement would have to be passed unanimously by the European Parliament, then ratified individually by the 27 EU member states.

[tuogee]

The Importance of Cow Eartags in Livestock Management

Why Cow Eartags Matter

Effective livestock management relies heavily on proper identification and record-keeping. One of the simplest yet most essential tools in this process is the cow eartag. These small plastic identification tags, attached to a cow’s ear, serve multiple purposes that help farmers and ranchers improve efficiency, ensure traceability, and comply with industry regulations.

Whether you manage a small farm or a large-scale ranch, cow eartags are a valuable investment that simplifies livestock tracking, health management, and breeding programs. This article explores the significance of cow eartags, their different types, and where you can purchase them in Kenya.

1. Key Purposes of Cow Eartags

a) Identification

Each cow eartag contains a unique number or code, allowing farmers to distinguish one animal from another. This unique identification is crucial for:

Keeping accurate health records for each cow

Tracking breeding and reproductive history

Preventing confusion or mix-ups within the herd

Meeting regulatory requirements for animal identification

By using eartags, farmers can quickly and easily identify individual cows, improving herd management and reducing errors.

b) Traceability

Cow eartags play a major role in tracking a cow’s movements throughout its life. This traceability is important for:

Food safety – Ensuring that milk and meat products come from properly monitored animals

Disease control – Helping authorities trace and contain outbreaks such as foot-and-mouth disease

Export compliance – Many international markets require clear livestock identification before accepting imports

With proper eartagging, a farmer can provide a complete record of an animal’s history, including vaccinations, medical treatments, and movements between farms.

c) Farm Management & Record-Keeping

Beyond identification, cow eartags can include additional information, such as: ✅ Birthdate – Helps in tracking age and productivity levels ✅ Breed type – Useful for selective breeding programs ✅ Health status – Quick access to medical history and vaccinations ✅ Ownership details – Prevents theft and disputes over livestock ownership

By using eartags effectively, farmers can make data-driven decisions about feeding, reproduction, disease prevention, and marketing strategies.

Conclusion: Invest in the Right Identification System

Cow eartags are an essential tool for modern livestock farming. They provide accurate identification, ensure traceability, and improve overall farm management. Whether you need basic plastic tags or advanced RFID eartags, choosing the right identification system will help you maintain a well-organized and productive herd.

Get your 100PCS pack of cow eartags today and improve your livestock management with reliable identification solutions!

[cannonmedicalblog]

EIGHT IMPORTANT BENEFITS OF VEGAN DIETS IN KENYA

Adopting a vegan diet is not just a choice; it's a powerful way to contribute to a healthier planet and a more compassionate world. By eliminating animal-based products, we reduce the environmental impact associated with livestock farming

A vegan diet is an eating pattern based solely on plant foods and avoids all foods from animal sources,  many people care deeply about the welfare of animals. The potential health benefits alone inspire many to switch. Each day, more Kenyan people are embracing a vegan, or plant-based, dietA vegan diet may confer health benefits to Kenyans such as weight management, improved blood sugar…

[farmerstrend]

Challenges Facing Kenya's Livestock Feed Industry: High Costs, Limited Raw Materials, and Regulatory Gaps

Kenya has extended the implementation of regulations that allow the country, and others in East Africa, to continue importing duty-free raw materials for feed manufacturing from within the region as the government attempts to address the high feed prices and stabilize the nearly $230 million industry. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u said in June that the Kenyan government will…

[cognitivejustice]

Two books that inspire knowledge—and action

Book reviews in the link

Food is much more than what we eat; it is a complex system that intertwines the environment, economy, society, and culture. Understanding and interpreting this intricate yet fascinating system can be challenging, but books serve as valuable guides. Today, we recommend two insightful reads that highlight the stories of innovative chefs and sustainable livestock farming practices. Marianne Landzettel’s The Sustainable Meat Challenge explores how quality meat production can go hand in hand with environmental and animal welfare. Meanwhile, Carole Counihan and Susanne Højlund’s Chefs, Restaurants, and Culinary Sustainability provides an overview of sustainable practices embraced by key figures in the restaurant industry. Notably, this book includes a chapter on the Slow Food Cooks’ Alliance in Kenya—a compelling story of collective commitment and activism, as narrated by Michele Fontefrancesco and Dauro Mattia Zocchi, researchers at the University of Gastronomic Sciences.

[netpen-info]

[ad_1] KENYA – The Board of the Kenya Tea Improvement Company (KTDA) has reappointed Enos Njiru Njeru as its nationwide chairman, for a three-year time period. Enos Njeru, was first appointed as chairman on July 17, 2023. Eric Chepkwony was elected because the Vice-chairman of the Board. Enos Njeru is a consultant of the Embu Tea Zone whereas Eric Chepkwony is a consultant of the Bomet Tea Zone. The elections had been witnessed by Agriculture and Livestock Improvement Cupboard Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja and Tea Board of Kenya Chairman Jacob Kahiu. “The main target of the board can be on the implementation of the Tea Act which can present a powerful authorized framework for our operations and safeguard the pursuits of all stakeholders. It will allow us to work in direction of increasing our market attain whereas on the identical time selling a powerful tea consumption tradition inside our nation” Njeru stated. “By increasing our market attain we are going to cut back the volumes of unsold teas, thereby enhancing the monetary well being of KTDA and its affiliated factories.” The board stated it goals to deal with Championing Tea Consumption Tradition, Enhancing Tea High quality, Product Diversification, Institution of a Frequent Person Facility, and Broadening the Tea Market. In the meantime, KTDA Administration Companies (KTDA MS) has introduced it has imported 97,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer for the 2024/2025 season, a rise from the 88,000 metric tonnes procured final 12 months. The rise says KTDA, displays the growth of smallholder tea acreage and a rising desire amongst organizations and people exterior the KTDA community to position their orders by way of the Company. The NPK 26:5:5 chemically compounded fertilizer was sourced immediately from Russia. Will probably be bagged on the port and distributed to farmers by way of their respective factories, guaranteeing environment friendly and well timed supply for farm software. Collins Bett, the Managing Director of KTDA MS famous that the ultimate price of a 50kg bag of fertilizer can be decided by a number of elements. This contains the price of pure gasoline (a key part in manufacturing NPK fertilizer), change charges, cargo prices, marine and overland insurance coverage prices in addition to clearing and transportation prices to the respective tea factories. [ad_2]

[jobskenyaplace]

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR LAND COMMERCIALIZATION INITIATIVE MASINGA FARM

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT TENDERS OCTOBER 2024  EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR LAND COMMERCIALIZATION INITIATIVE MASINGA FARM TENDER NO. MOALD/SDA/LCI/EOI/01/2024-2025 1. BACKGROUND The Government of Kenya through the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS 2019 – 2029) seeks to transform underutilized land into productive commercial agricultural…

[agrinextcon]

Empowering Women in Agriculture: Catalysts for Global Change

For centuries, agriculture has been seen as a male-dominated field, but this narrative is swiftly changing. Women are emerging as key players in the global agricultural landscape, driving food security, economic growth, and sustainable development.

The Vital Role of Women in Agriculture

Women account for about 43% of the agricultural labour force in developing countries, with this figure rising to as much as 70% in some  parts of sub-Saharan Africa. They shoulder essential tasks like planting, weeding, harvesting, and processing crops. Additionally, they manage livestock care, food preservation, and small-scale farms. Despite these significant contributions, women in agriculture face numerous challenges, including limited access to land, credit, training, and technology.

BreakingBarriers:Education and Training

Empowering women through education and training is crucial for enhancing their productivity and ensuring their equal participation in agriculture. Various programs and initiatives have been launched to provide women with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt modern farming practices, improve crop yields, and manage their farms more effectively.

For example, the Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) In India,has trained over 50,000 women farmers, equipping them with modern farming techniques and facilitating access to credit and markets.

Similarly, the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) program has been working to strengthen the research and leadership skills of African women scientists, ensuring they can contribute to the continent’s agricultural growth.

Spotlight on Influential Women in Agriculture

 Dr. Vandana Shiva (India)

Dr. Vandana Shiva has tirelessly advocated for sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty in India, founding    Navdanya,, a national movement to protect indigenous seeds and promote organic farming.Her work has empowered countless women farmers in India to reclaim their rights over seeds and promote organic farming.

Wanjira Mathai (Kenya)

Wanjira Mathai, the daughter of Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, continues her mother’s legacy through her work in environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture. As the chair of the Green Belt Movement, she has been instrumental in advocating for agroforestry and empowering women in rural Kenya to plant trees and grow food sustainably. Mathai's work has not only improved food security but also addressed climate change and land degradation. 

Leah Penniman (United States)

Leah Penniman is the co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, an Afro-Indigenous centred community farm in New York. She is a leader in the food justice movement and has dedicated her life to ending racism in the food system. Penniman’s work focuses on training the next generation of Black and Brown farmers, promoting regenerative farming practices, and advocating for policies that support small-scale farmers of colour.

Fatou Batta (Burkina Faso)

Fatou Batta is a leading advocate for women’s rights in agriculture and a prominent figure in promoting sustainable agriculture in West Africa. As a key partner with Groundswell International, she has dedicated her efforts to empowering rural women through education, access to credit, and the adoption of ecological farming practices. Batta’s work has significantly improved the lives of thousands of women farmers in Burkina Faso and beyond, helping them to increase their agricultural productivity and achieve greater financial independence.

Women’s Cooperatives: A Path to Economic Empowerment

Women's cooperatives have become a powerful tool for economic empowerment in agriculture. By pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and collectively negotiating prices, these cooperatives allow women to overcome the barriers they face individually. Cooperatives also provide a platform for women to participate in decision-making and leadership roles.

In Kenya, the Kilimanjaro Women Coffee Growers Cooperative has transformed the lives of over 500 women, increasing their income by 40% and reinvesting profits into essential community projects like schools and healthcare.

The Future of Women in Agriculture

The future of agriculture, and indeed the sustainability of our planet, depends on the full inclusion of women. As global challenges like climate change, food insecurity, and population growth intensify, women’s participation in agriculture will be pivotal in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. To make this a reality, organizations and governments must prioritize policies that promote gender equality in agriculture. This includes ensuring women have equal access to land and resources, providing tailored agricultural extension services, and creating environments where women can thrive as leaders and innovators.

Conclusion

Women are the backbone of agriculture, yet their contributions often go unrecognized. By breaking down the barriers they face and empowering them with the tools and opportunities they need, we can ensure that women continue to drive agricultural growth and development worldwide. The future of global food security depends on harnessing the full potential of women in agriculture.

Spotlight on Women in Agricultural Technology at AgriNext Awards,Conference & Expo 2024

At the upcoming AgriNext Awards, Conference & Expo 2024, the spotlight will shine on 'Women in Agricultural Technology,' where industry leaders will showcase their groundbreaking innovations that are revolutionizing the future of farming.

Women Leading the Charge in Agri-Tech

AgriNext Awards, Conference & Expo 2024 has curated an impressive lineup of women who are at the forefront of technological advancements in agriculture. 

Meet some of the leaders who are pushing the boundaries in their respective fields and inspiring others through their commitment to innovation and sustainable practices:

Gilwoo Lee (South Korea) - CEO of Zordi

Nadine Benchaffai - Venture Builder Director at Dana Global

Dr. Hansa Shingrakhia (India) - Co-Founder of AgriGuru Online

Dr. Christina Timi Igono (Nigeria) - Founder and CEO of Eight Orbit Urban Farms

The "Women in Agricultural Technology" session at AgriNext 2024 is a testament to the growing influence of women in the agri-tech sector. As Gilwoo Lee, Nadine Benchaffi, and other trailblazers take the stage, they will not only share their groundbreaking work but also pave the way for a future where agriculture is more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable.

[creativeera]

Swine Fever Vaccine: A Potential Lifesaver for Pigs Around the World

Origins and Spread of Swine Fever African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a large DNA virus that was first identified in the early 20th century in Kenya. It is highly contagious among pigs and wild boar. The disease has since spread to many sub-Saharan African countries as well as parts of Europe and Asia. In recent years, ASFV has caused severe outbreaks and significant economic losses in Eastern Europe and China. Its ability to survive for long periods in uncooked pork products has aided its transmission over long distances. With globalization and increased movement of people and goods, the threat of ASFV spread to other pig-raising regions remains high. Challenges of Developing an Effective Vaccine Developing a vaccine against Swine Fever Vaccine has proven exceptionally challenging for several reasons. First, ASFV is a very large and complex virus unlike other common livestock pathogens. This complex structure makes it difficult for the immune system to generate protective antibodies against it. Second, there are no cell culture systems or small animal models available for consistent vaccine testing. Researchers must rely on infected pig trials for efficacy evaluations. These limitations have hindered traditional vaccine approaches using killed or attenuated virus versions. Novel vaccine strategies targeting specific ASFV genes are now being explored but require extensive safety testing before use in massive pig populations. Considerable resources and time are needed for vaccine development, testing, and regulatory approval. Promising New Vaccine Candidates Emerging In recent years, advances in viral genomics and gene-editing technologies have provided new opportunities for ASFV vaccine research. Chinese and European scientists have identified particular ASFV genes responsible for virulence. By deleting these genes, they have generated attenuated live vaccine candidates that induce protective immunity without disease in pig trials. Separately, researchers at the University of Florida developed a subunit vaccine containing a key ASFV protein formulated with an oil-based adjuvant. In preliminary tests, this synthetic vaccine demonstrated the ability to protect 100% of immunized pigs against lethal challenge. While more studies are still required, these modified live and subunit vaccine approaches show the most promising results to date. Large-Scale Production Challenges Ahead Even if an effective swine fever vaccine is proven through extensive field trials, major challenges remain for its widespread adoption and use in practice. Mass production under stringent quality control will need to meet the enormous demand from huge swine industries, especially in China and Europe. Ensuring proper cold chain management during transport and storage will be critically important for temperature-sensitive live vaccines. Achieving widespread coverage through multiple immunizations will pose logistical difficulties. Farmers may be reluctant to adopt an unproven new vaccine in places currently unaffected by the disease. Establishing an affordable pricing structure acceptable to different countries and farm sizes will also take rigorous economic modeling and negotiation with manufacturers. Overcoming these challenges will likely require unprecedented international cooperation between researchers, industry partners, and regulatory bodies. Widespread Immunization - The Ultimate Goal Ideally, an effective and affordable Swine Fever Vaccine distributed on a global scale could significantly curb the devastating impacts of this swine fever. With sufficient population immunity established through immunization programs, outbreaks may become more localized and amenable to control through quarantine and culling practices.

Get more insights on Swine Fever Vaccine

Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement.

(LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-pandey-8417a8173/)

[tuogee]

The Importance of Cow Eartags in Livestock Management

Why Cow Eartags Matter

Effective livestock management relies heavily on proper identification and record-keeping. One of the simplest yet most essential tools in this process is the cow eartag. These small plastic identification tags, attached to a cow’s ear, serve multiple purposes that help farmers and ranchers improve efficiency, ensure traceability, and comply with industry regulations.

Whether you manage a small farm or a large-scale ranch, cow eartags are a valuable investment that simplifies livestock tracking, health management, and breeding programs. This article explores the significance of cow eartags, their different types, and where you can purchase them in Kenya.

1. Key Purposes of Cow Eartags

a) Identification

Each cow eartag contains a unique number or code, allowing farmers to distinguish one animal from another. This unique identification is crucial for:

Keeping accurate health records for each cow

Tracking breeding and reproductive history

Preventing confusion or mix-ups within the herd

Meeting regulatory requirements for animal identification

By using eartags, farmers can quickly and easily identify individual cows, improving herd management and reducing errors.

b) Traceability

Cow eartags play a major role in tracking a cow’s movements throughout its life. This traceability is important for:

Food safety – Ensuring that milk and meat products come from properly monitored animals

Disease control – Helping authorities trace and contain outbreaks such as foot-and-mouth disease

Export compliance – Many international markets require clear livestock identification before accepting imports

With proper eartagging, a farmer can provide a complete record of an animal’s history, including vaccinations, medical treatments, and movements between farms.

c) Farm Management & Record-Keeping

Beyond identification, cow eartags can include additional information, such as: ✅ Birthdate – Helps in tracking age and productivity levels ✅ Breed type – Useful for selective breeding programs ✅ Health status – Quick access to medical history and vaccinations ✅ Ownership details – Prevents theft and disputes over livestock ownership

By using eartags effectively, farmers can make data-driven decisions about feeding, reproduction, disease prevention, and marketing strategies.