ALO launch conference and farm visits

by Chidike Ude

What an incredibly inspiring week at Reading with the launch of the African Livestock Observatory (ALO)! The conference was a vibrant gathering of researchers, practitioners, and advocates, all united by a shared commitment to the future of livestock in Africa. The sessions brought alive the diversity, resilience, and innovation in African livestock systems. From deep discussions on the 2026 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) to exploring the emerging possibilities of cultivated meat, the conversations reminded us that livestock is about so much more than production, it’s about livelihoods, cultural heritage, and food security across the continent.

One of the highlights of the week was the remarkable keynote from Professor Mizeck Chagunda, whose insights on making African livestock production systems resilient in the face of global challenges were profoundly inspiring. In his words, “Livestock acts as a living bank”. The conference also showcased cutting-edge research on pastoralism, rangeland health, and livestock value chains, connecting local realities to global policy and innovation agendas.

Beyond the sessions, we had the opportunity to visit the Centre for Dairy Research at the University of Reading, where we saw firsthand the innovative work on methane mitigation using the GreenFeed system and experienced how efficiently and productively the farm operates as both a research and commercial facility. We also visited Great Cortmarsh Farm, where the dedication and impact of their work left a lasting impression.

Equally rewarding was the chance to connect with outstanding researchers, including Raheem Olatunji Aminu C-KPI from my alma mater Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta FUNAABNigeria, and Chidinma Ezeh whose brilliant work is equally inspiring.

A very big thank you to Andrew Ainslie for organizing such a phenomenal event. The ALO is now a vital hub and I am excited to see how it will continue to shape research, policy, and advocacy across the continent.