In April of 2010, Drs. Mario Herrero and Philip Thornton of the International Livestock Research Institute contracted with Drs. Boone and Conant to create a global rangeland model of moderate complexity. Boone was funded for a 50 day effort, and Conant for ca. 40 days.
This paper explores the potential benefits of working to improve the resilience of complex adaptive systems in agriculture and aquaculture through engaging in diverse partnerships among different types of research and development institutions, and the people in those institutions.
Climate related shocks are among the leading cause of
production and efficiency losses in smallholder crop and
livestock production in rural Africa. Consequently, the
identification of tools to help manage the risks associated
with climactic extremities is increasingly considered to be
among the key pillars of any agenda to enhance agricultural
Bhutan is least developed, mountainous and landlocked country in the eastern Himalayan range with a population of over 600,000. However its population and ecosystems are vulnerable to climate change. Despite a high level of environmental protection and awareness, Bhutan has become a victim of the global impacts of climate change caused by emissions in other countries.
This review outlines livestock's major emission pathways and production trends, and explores the challenges and options for livestock in addressing and coping with climate change. Ruminant production is, and will continue to be, the chief source of the livestock sector's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mainly as a result of deforestation, land degradation and enteric fermentation.
Modern agriculture has increased food production, improved food security and reduced poverty, but farming has also caused a considerable decrease in biodiversity, primarily through land-use intensification and overexploitation, along with excessive pesticide and water use, nutrient loading and pollution.
