Promoting pearl millet

ASARECA supported scientists from Eritrea, Madagascar, Kenya, Sudan and Tanzania to develop a cropping system and value chain to enhance the production of pearl millet in the arid and semi-arid lands of the sub-region. This investment boosted the capacity of the Institution to enhance its genetic resources and address post-harvest losses, input delivery and marketing constraints. Following the successful implementation of the project, researchers in ASARECA countries endorsed pearl millet as the crop that is most suitable for semi-arid areas.

Controlling tick-borne diseases

ASARECA supported experts in tick-borne disease control from six countries (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan and Madagascar) to develop, validate and promote appropriate technologies to control tick and tick-borne diseases in pastoral and agro-pastoral farming systems. The experts conducted epidemiological studies; identified management options for different livestock production systems; and documented best-bet practices for disease control. Thirty-five (30 male; 5 female) veterinarians and technicians were trained in tick ecology, data collection, sample preservation and proper use of acaricides, among others. In addition, 120 farmers were trained in disease diagnosis and the use of acaricides. As a result, farmers in the intervention areas registered an unprecedented reduction in tick-borne infestation, leading to increased dairy and meat production.