An ACIAR-supported initiative promoting climate-smart livestock research across Africa and Asia is helping advance regional scientific collaboration.
Officially launched in Brisbane last year, the Africa-Asia Bioscience Challenge Fund (AABCF) is a capacity-strengthening initiative, implemented by the International Livestock Research Institute, and in partnership with the University of Queensland and the University of Melbourne.
The AABCF builds long-term research capacity within national agricultural research and extension systems through competitive fellowships. It recently held major capacity development workshops in Nairobi and Hanoi.
'AABCF is about professional development by equipping scientists with practical, applied skills that respond to climate pressures on livestock production, while strengthening collaboration across regions that face similar risks and opportunities,' said Dr Nasser Yao, Senior Scientist for Partnerships and Impact at ILRI.
'By bringing together African, Asian and Australian partners, the program creates a common platform for learning,' added Dr Yao.
Deputy High Commissioner highlights collaborative approach at workshop in Kenya
January's workshop in Nairobi on climate-smart livestock operations convened researchers, policymakers, universities and development partners from Africa and Southeast Asia to strengthen scientific, institutional and policy responses to climate change in livestock systems.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr Christopher Ellinger, Australia's Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya, emphasised the importance of research partnerships that deliver shared benefits.
Australia's development partnerships are grounded in the belief that strong research collaboration delivers shared prosperity.
Australia's development partnerships are grounded in the belief that strong research collaboration delivers shared prosperity.
Through ACIAR, Australia is working with ILRI and leading Australian universities to support climate-smart livestock research that strengthens food security and resilience in partner countries, while also contributing to global knowledge that benefits Australia, Africa, and Asia.'
Mr Christopher Ellinger,
Australia's Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya
Discussions during the Nairobi workshop focused on aligning research and innovation with national priorities, financing pathways and implementation readiness, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions.
Technical sessions covered climate-resilient livestock genetics, animal health under climate stress, sustainable feeding systems, data-driven productivity measurement, and methane emissions reduction.
Participants also undertook a field visit to ILRI's Kapiti Research Station to observe adaptation and emission practices in operational livestock systems.
Dr Christopher Wanga, Director of Livestock Policy and Research at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Kenya, said hosting the event provided an opportunity to link international science with national systems.
'Workshops like these help ensure that regional research partnerships translate into solutions that can be taken up through existing public institutions,' said Mr Wanga.
'That connection is essential for turning innovation into impactful practices in operational livestock systems.'
Vietnam workshop facilitates knowledge sharing and capacity development
A similar workshop was held in March in Hanoi, Vietnam. The program combined discussions and field visits on climate-smart livestock production across productivity, animal health, genetics, nutrition and low-emission systems.
Notably, participants also joined an Asia-Pacific regional conference on sustainable livestock transformation hosted by ILRI. They were able to engage with more than 150 policymakers, scientists, development and private sector partners on practical approaches to meet rising demand for animal-source foods, while addressing climate and animal health challenges through climate-smart and One Health approaches.
Field visits to Ba Vi Cattle and Forage Research Center and MONCADA Frozen Semen Research and Production Station under the Vietnam Institute of Animal and Veterinary Sciences provided insights into innovations in feed systems and genetic improvement to take back to their home institutions.
'From a funding partner perspective, capacity development delivers the greatest return when it strengthens capabilities within national systems, thereby underpinning the program's long-term value,' said Dr Bosibori Bett, ACIAR's Director, Multilateral & Strategic Partnerships.
'By investing in scientists working within their own institutions and fostering collaboration across Africa, Asia, and Australia, AABCF helps ensure continuity, local ownership, and lasting impact well beyond the life of the fellowship.'
Through the fellowship model, up to 18 scientists from six African and Southeast Asian countries are undertaking research immersion, mentoring and peer learning with ILRI and Australian university partners, contributing to more resilient livestock systems and stronger research leadership across both regions.
