The goal of the project is to contribute to improved livelihoods of smallholder livestock farmers in Uganda.

Uganda’s Parliament has approved a US$99.6mn loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to fund the Resilient Livestock Value Chain Project (ReLiV), aimed at improving the livelihoods of smallholder livestock farmers in 55 districts across the country

The loan request was presented by Henry Musasizi, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), chaired by Speaker Anita Among. Musasizi stated that “the goal of the project is to contribute to improved livelihoods of smallholder livestock farmers in Uganda. The project development objective is to enhance income, nutrition and resilience of smallholder dairy and beef producers.”

He noted that the selected districts fall within Uganda’s cattle corridor, areas marked by high poverty levels, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The project is expected to directly benefit 400,000 households and indirectly reach around 20 million people, with a minimum inclusion target of 40% women and 25% youth.

Despite the approval, the loan faced scrutiny in Parliament. Hon. John Bosco Ikojo, Chairperson of the Committee on National Economy, supported the loan but recommended a renegotiation to reduce funding for administrative and consumptive expenses in favour of inputs, equipment, and services. He highlighted that Shs600 million had been allocated for vehicles, which the committee viewed as an unnecessary cost. He further noted the limited time given to Parliament to properly review the loan documents.

Although the committee acknowledged the highly concessional nature of the loan—offering a 50-year repayment period and 0% interest—they expressed concerns over the distribution of funds. Hon. Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi criticised the allocation of US$59 million to institutions like the National Agricultural Research Organisation and Kawanda Research Institute, questioning the visibility of direct benefits to actual farmers. “You do not see a farmer, you only see government ranches being financed. So, who is benefiting from this loan?” he asked.

Musasizi defended the loan’s structure and urgency, clarifying that the agreement must be signed by 12 September 2025. “This loan has the best terms. The interest rate is zero and the repayment period is 50 years,” he emphasised, urging Parliament to proceed.

Biogas, sustainable farming, renewable energy, livestock farms, manure management, energy efficiency, agricultural sustainability, waste-to-energy, biogas systems, circular economy.

The increasing use of biogas electricity on livestock farms is reshaping how farmers handle manure, turning it into a valuable energy source

Traditionally, manure has been seen as waste, often causing environmental issues like water contamination and air pollution. However, with the growing emphasis on sustainable farming, biogas technology offers a dual solution—effective waste management and renewable energy production.

Biogas is generated through anaerobic digestion, a process that breaks down organic materials, such as manure, in the absence of oxygen. The outcome is methane, which can be converted into electricity or heat. This not only helps manage manure but also provides a clean alternative to traditional fossil fuels and grid electricity, helping farmers reduce energy costs and their environmental footprint.

In addition to environmental benefits, biogas systems offer significant financial advantages. Farmers can sell surplus electricity to the national grid, creating an additional revenue stream. The generated energy can also be used to power on-site operations, such as water pumping and heating systems for barns, reducing utility bills. Furthermore, the remaining digestate, the solid by-product of the biogas process, serves as a high-quality fertiliser, enriching the soil and closing the nutrient cycle.

Biogas is a key part of the broader push for renewable energy within agriculture. As the sector faces increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets, biogas technology presents a cost-effective, scalable solution that supports circular economies. It is particularly beneficial in areas with significant livestock farming, where manure is readily available as a raw material.

Despite its clear advantages, there are challenges to adopting biogas on a large scale. The initial installation costs of biogas systems can be high, and farmers may need technical expertise to operate them. However, government incentives, grants, and technical support are making it easier for farmers to invest in this technology.

In conclusion, biogas offers a promising solution for livestock farmers, transforming waste into valuable energy, lowering operational costs, and creating new income opportunities. As more farmers embrace this technology, biogas has the potential to significantly contribute to the sustainability and profitability of the agricultural sector, ensuring a cleaner, greener future for farming.

This training will help improve livestock productivity in Kogi State while ensuring food safety and safeguarding public health.

To address the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has launched a training programme aimed at educating farmers and stakeholders on the safe use of antibiotics in livestock production

Abdulkabir Otaru, project coordinator, explained that the initiative was designed to equip livestock farmers, veterinarians, doctors, and environmental health professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to adopt safer antibiotic practices.

“This training will help improve livestock productivity in Kogi State while ensuring food safety and safeguarding public health,” Otaru said, emphasising that the initiative would bridge knowledge gaps among farmers regarding antimicrobial drugs and promote best practices to minimise AMR risks.

The project, supported by the World Bank and in collaboration with both federal and state governments, will extend its reach to four additional centres across Kogi State. Each of these centres is expected to train at least 400 participants, with a total of 2,500 farmers set to benefit from the training on AMR prevention and safe livestock production practices.

Otaru also took a moment to acknowledge the continued support of Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, who has facilitated the project through the release of counterpart funding. He encouraged the media to give the project more visibility, emphasising that its impact goes beyond just improving productivity and profits.

“This project is not only about increasing productivity; it is about saving lives,” Otaru added.

Agu Yakubu from the Animal Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development also addressed the growing threat of AMR, warning that it is making the treatment of common infections increasingly difficult. He pointed out that overusing antibiotics, poor infection control, improper drug use, and the lack of new drug development were all contributing factors to the rise of resistance.

Yakubu urged the adoption of a "One Health" approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health sectors to fight AMR. He highlighted that by raising awareness and collaborating across sectors, the negative impact of AMR could be mitigated, ensuring that infections remain treatable.

The training programme is expected to enhance food safety, boost livestock resilience, and strengthen Nigeria’s overall capacity to manage AMR risks, aligning with global health standards.

The project is creating new economic opportunities and empowering local communities.

The Livestock and Fish Farming Value Chain Development Project (PD-CVEP), funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) with €84 million, is transforming fish farming in Cameroon, particularly along the coast and southwestern regions

Implemented by the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, the project is creating new economic opportunities and empowering local communities, with a focus on women and youth.

A key factor in the project’s success is a specially developed strain of African catfish (Clarias) created by the Agricultural Research Institute for Development. This new breed grows faster, has lower fat content, and higher fry survival rates. Farmers can now harvest in five to six months, instead of eight to nine, with survival rates of 80–85%, up from around 60%. Each female can produce 15,000–20,000 fry per cycle, with up to three cycles annually.

During the project’s initial phase, 2,600 broodstock were distributed to 50 pilot hatcheries, producing and selling over 115,000 fry since October 2024. While most hatcheries performed strongly, some broodstock required an additional three months of growth before full use.

Alongside broodstock distribution, 280 fish farmers received training across the entire aquaculture value chain, covering floating cage farming, hatchery management, feed formulation, and business operations. The training aims to improve technical skills, resilience, and product quality.

The project plans to increase Cameroon’s annual fish production by 10,000 tonnes by 2027, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening food security. To expand the gene pool, an AfDB mission in April 2025 recommended adding 12,000 Clarias and 3,000 tilapia broodstock, which are set for delivery under a new agreement.

A collaborative partnership between the Research Institute, the Project, and the Ministry works closely with regional fish farming associations. Regular monitoring, quarterly technical reports, and digital data collection ensure traceability, quality, and consistent performance.

Farmers and vendors are already benefiting. In Douala, the new catfish remains firm and flavoursome, helping sellers earn higher income. Improved market infrastructure—such as hygienic counters, ice access, running water, and better security—is enhancing sales and dignity for vendors.

Overall, PD-CVEP demonstrates a sustainable, inclusive development model that strengthens Cameroon’s rural economy through innovation, capacity building, and modern aquaculture practices.