This training manual emphasises an integrated approach to research on small ruminants. Eleven modules cover the topics in an integrated approach to improving small ruminant productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. It starts with describing small ruminants in various agro-ecological zones in sub-Saharan Africa with emphasis on the prevailing production systems. The user is then introduced to the concepts and methodologies of farming systems research to better understand the needs of the smallholder farmer.

This workshop was conducted to assess the development prospects of India's livestock in the context of changing global economic environment and its impact on the rural poor, and to suggest politically feasible and practical strategies and approaches for pro-poor growth in livestock production. An additional aim of the workshop was to explore possibilities of enhanced research collaboration between the national agricultural research systems (NARS) and ILRI.

Smallholder dairy farming is seen as a viable and promising activity to support the livelihoods of cattle keepers in low-income countries. This farming system, characterized by small herds of improved cattle raised under zero-grazing, is proven to lead to better milk yields, but also to require more constant and demanding inputs and resources to sustain production. Moreover, endemic diseases and the poor knowledge on disease control by farmers, along with the limited availability of veterinary services, presents challenges for effective farming.

Ethiopia is home for a large and diverse livestock resources and favourable production environments. The vast majority of the rural population’s livelihood is partly based on livestock production. However, livestock production and productivity and producers’ benefits from livestock production are far below expectations.

This volume contains papers and abstracts of the First Biennial Conference of the African Small Ruminant Network. Ten papers deal with the Small Ruminant Production System and Policy; Eight papers on Small Ruminant Performance and Reproductive Physiology; eleven papers on Small Ruminant Reproductive Wastage and Health. Another nine describe and analyse feeds and feeding systems and there are 11 papers on Small Ruminant Genetic Resources and Breeding. Four papers on Small Ruminant Development in Africa complete this volume.

Pig production is thriving in Uganda and the demand for pork is increasing, therefore offering potential for smallholder farmers for increased income through pig production. A multi-disciplinary value chain assessment conducted by the International Livestock Research Institute aimed to identify constraints and opportunities for pig producers as well as shortcomings in the safety of pork products in three districts in Uganda. Tools from participatory research were used to assess pork consumption habits as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices on pork safety among 295 pig producers.

This volume contains papers and abstracts of the Second Biennial Conference of the African Small Ruminant Network. In addition to the keynote address, there are nine papers on Small Ruminant Production Systems, Economics and Policy, nine papers on Small Ruminant Performance and Reproduction, ten papers on Small Ruminant Health and Reproductive Wastage, eight papers on Small Ruminant Feeds and Feeding Systems and eight papers on Small Ruminant Genetic Resources and Breeding. Ten poster abstracts covering the above topics add to the volume.