ILRI, CDA partner to tackle climate risks in livestock sector
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has intensified efforts to address the growing climatic risks posed by climate change, which is increasingly disrupting Nigeria’s farming systems.
Speaking during a workshop held on Wednesday at Bayero University Kano’s Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Anthony Whitbread, Program Leader for Sustainable Livestock Systems, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to mitigating these risks.
SolaceBase reports that the event, with the theme “Promoting Risk Management Solutions in Fragile Settings,” was organized in collaboration with the CDA and brought together stakeholders from across northern Nigeria.
Whitbread noted that the workshop focused on developing practical approaches to manage risks in agricultural and pastoral systems, especially those linked to livestock value chains.
He stated “We’re working to understand the specific risks pastoralists and smallholder farmers face, particularly those connected to climate, security, and markets.
“Delayed rains, prolonged dry spells, and other climatic challenges are becoming more frequent and causing significant distress,” he said.
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He further explained that these climatic disruptions are compounded by security issues, including herder-farmer conflicts.
“Pastoralists are moving into areas traditionally dominated by crop farming, which has led to increased tensions and conflicts. Addressing these risks is critical,” Whitbread added.
Banerjee Rupsha, a Senior Scientist at ILRI, highlighted the workshop’s goal of enhancing risk awareness and exploring innovative management solutions, such as livestock insurance.
“We aim to improve understanding of existing risks and gather insights from local communities to design effective and sustainable solutions,” she stated during her presentation.
CDA Director , Professor Jibril Muhammad Jibril, emphasized the workshop’s relevance in tackling challenges within fragile environments.
“This workshop is a collaboration between ILRI and CDA to identify strategies for mitigating risks in livestock production, especially in fragile settings,” Jibril said.
He added that the CDA has been instrumental in building capacity and fostering community engagement to improve livelihoods in dryland regions, which are vital for livestock production.
“Our centre trains students from across Africa at various levels—MSc, PhD, and short courses—while actively engaging with communities to promote solutions that enhance productivity and resilience in drylands,” he noted.
The workshop underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges of climate change and security risks, ensuring sustainable farming and livestock practices in Nigeria.
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