Climate Change Threatens African Cattle Production

Dairy Farmers in Northern Kenya Face Challenges Due to Rising Temperatures

Dairy farmers in northern Kenya are experiencing declining livestock productivity due to rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves. Abdi Hassan, a dairy farmer, has seen reduced milk yields, weakened animal health, and increased costs associated with keeping his cattle alive. He is considering selling part of his herd and seeking alternative employment. This situation reflects a broader crisis affecting dairy farmers across Africa’s arid and semi-arid regions, where climate change is impacting livestock.

Heat Stress and Livestock Productivity

Heat stress significantly impacts dairy production. When temperatures exceed an animal’s comfort threshold, energy is diverted from milk production to cooling the body, resulting in lower yields, higher veterinary expenses, and unstable income for farmers. Scientists warn that traditional farming practices may no longer be sufficient to protect livestock-based livelihoods as temperatures continue to rise.

Genome Editing Research Project

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) is addressing this vulnerability through a genome-editing research project focused on heat-tolerant cattle traits, specifically the SLICK gene. The project, which began in 2021, aims to determine if introducing these traits can help cattle maintain milk production, improve resilience, and support farmer livelihoods under climate stress. Initial mating rounds have produced heterozygous animals for performance testing.

Biosafety Oversight and Regulation

Kenya’s biosafety framework reviews genome editing on a case-by-case basis, ensuring safety, ethical considerations, and alignment with national agricultural goals. Josphat Muchiri, Acting Director, Biosafety Research and Compliance at the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), emphasizes that genome editing complements existing agricultural strategies with a more precise breeding tool. It enables the development of livestock better able to withstand climate-related challenges.

Protecting Indigenous Breeds

Safeguards are in place to prevent the loss of indigenous breeds and genetic diversity. The Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC) maintains a national livestock resources gene bank to conserve tissues, DNA, semen, and embryos of all livestock species. This ensures the preservation of indigenous breeds even as improved genetics are introduced.

Continental Trends in Genome Editing

Kenya’s efforts align with a broader trend across Africa. Seven African countries have initiated regulatory processes for genome-edited livestock, with Kenya being the first to issue a regulatory determination for a genome-edited animal. The African Union Policy Framework for Genome Editing Applications aims to harmonize policies across member states, reducing duplication and easing regional trade.