Availability of and accessibility to data and information on and in Africa is limited as most is hosted outside the continent. Animal resource knowledge is important in designing and implementing development activities to inform and influence policy making, monitor the impact of interventions, capacity building, management and decision making in animal resource interventions. Knowledge management is also important for internal learning and capacity development. A lot of data and information has been generated in AU-IBAR through projects and activities, and needs to be transformed into knowledge.

Data and information needs not necessarily be only about Africa since there is also global information that may be relevant for Africa. The current AU-IBAR network that mainly collects animal health data and information through the African chief veterinary officers envisages expansion to include trade, marketing and production data by incorporating relevant stakeholders in Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and AU member states as well as private sector institutions. Best practices are sourced from relevant partners through information sharing platforms, fora and networks as well as through partnerships with other institutions involved in data collection and sharing such as FAO, OIE, WHO, World Bank, African Union Commission’s African Statistics and ILRI.

The available data, information and knowledge is disseminated through the internet portal: raw data on animal health, SPS, trade and marketing, and production as well as other relevant databases, policy briefs, best practices and internet fora and e-discussions. Paper publications such as bulletins, the animal yearbook, policy briefs and best practices are also employed as are consultation fora, discussion groups and round tables, and peer learning.