Rangelands, Drylands & Pastoralism

East African pastoral adaptation and vulnerability to climate variability and climate change is assessed, using data from decision making processes and ecological data of the Maasai of Ngorongoro Conservation Area as an example.

The Ethiopian Boran cattle evolved from the Borana pastoralists’ successful breeding strategiesunder the harsh conditions of arid rangelands. At present two types of this breed are known toexist in the Borana rangelands: the Qorti, or the typical Boran, and the Ayuna, its local variantwith smaller body weight and lesser demands on pasture.

Animal genetic resource (AnGR) diversity contributes in many ways to human survival and well-being.

However, 32% of livestock breeds are threatened. Such an irreversible loss of genetic diversity reduces

opportunities to improve food security, reduce poverty and shift towards sustainable agricultural

practices.

This annual report addresses the partnerships that have enhanced ILRI's work at national, regional and international levels, highlighting three particularly inspiring ventures - poverty mapping in East Africa, the Crop-Animal Systems Research Network in Southeast Asia, and development of an improved East Coast fever vaccine, which has engaged researchers from three continents.