The Livestock Industry in Africa has enormous potential for transformation despite facing significant challenges. During the inaugural Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research ( CGIAR ) science week held in Nairobi, Professor Mizeck Chagunda, together with Professors Raphael Mrode and Appolinaire Djikeng, spoke on how the African Animal Breeding Network (AABNet) is strengthening partnerships for the sector's sustainable transformation. Global estimates show that 25% of the African population faces food insecurity, while 60% experience moderate to severe levels. These figures are expected to get even worse. By 2070, projections show that 80% of the world's population will be in Africa and Asia, with 75% living in urban areas. This shows just how urgent it is to implement measures for food production.

Central to meeting this challenge is Genetics, over the years the livestock sector in Africa has relied on imported breeds and crossbreeding without putting much emphasis on long term sustainability, Professor Chagunda noted that the “ one breed fits all” approach has proved unsuccessful as wrong genetics is costly even more than the cost of feeds. Designed to support genetic improvement in Africa, AABNet, through its core values, is addressing these challenges. Professor Chagunda also discussed the dangers of neglecting selecting breeding, including erosion of livestock biodiversity and food insecurity, noting that the transformation of livestock systems in Africa is based on genetics, data, innovative technologies, and collaboration.

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