Animal Production Unit

The main focus of the Animal Production Unit is to improve animal nutrition, fodder development, genetics livestock management systems and livestock-wildlife - environment interaction and that include developing new project proposals. It also serves as UNCCD Focal Point for Thematic Programme Network 3 (TPN3) and retains the editorial role of the AU-IBAR scientific journal.

Main activities in animal production include:

1. Establish data banks on feed resources and agro-industrial by-products. A lot of work has been accomplished by AUIBAR in the area of agro industrial byproducts. A desk review of available information should be carried out during the first year.

2. Document experiences and best practices from the animal production programme and elsewhere and establish a data base and inventory of animal and feed resources.

3. Promote the harmonisation of activities concerning Animals and the environment.

4. Develop a project on Dry land Livestock and Wildlife Environment Interface.

5. Promote farmer field schools, using lessons learnt from the Farming in Tsetse Controlled Areas (FITCA) Project in Central and East Africa.

Two projects are currently undergoing under the animal resources units:

1. A UNEP-GEF funded Medium Size Project (Dryland Livestock Wildlife Environment Interface Project -DLWEIP) implemented in two countries (Kenya and Burkina Faso)

2. A USAID funded project( North Eastern Pastoral Development Programme) implemented in

Genetic Resources

The activities under animal genetic resources are:

1. Conserve and utilise African animal genetic resources in order to protect animal genetic resources and promote their utilisation.

2. Collate and analyse data on animal genetic resources from national and regional institutions, establish data banks and disseminate information

3. Develop guidelines for the protection and promotion of endangered animal breeds

4. Facilitate and coordinate the setting up and maintenance of gene banks BAHPA. The AU-IBAR scientific journal “Bulletin for Animal Health and Production in Africa” (BAHPA) will continue to be published on a regular basis and arrangements are being made to make the journal available online through Africa Journals Online (AJOL).