| Sumario: | The livestock sector continues to play a major role in the economies of many sub-Saharan African
countries. Predictions indicate that demand for livestock products will increase in the coming
decades due to increasing human population and urbanisation. This calls for enhanced livestock
production and productivity, which will require and will clearly involve increased intensification
while also ensuring that the systems are resource efficient. Livestock diseases and the need for
sustainable natural resource management are among the key challenges that need to be addressed.
Although livestock research has over the years been directed at addressing these issues, little
progress has been made in sub-Saharan Africa. Conversely, the application of biotechnology, for
example in animal health, has significantly benefited developed countries more than African
countries. This paper addresses the apparent gap between research and technology generation
and adoption of the technologies on farms, especially by smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa. It
is argued that science and technology policy if it exists, does not address the constraints faced by
the farmers in a way that would facilitate adoption. The constraints include inadequate
infrastructure, markets, capacity building, extension, credits, tenure system and institutions among
other factors. Governments ought to address these issues at policy level as a way of accelerating
widespread application of livestock biotechnologies particularly for increased productivity and
profitability in the sub-sector. Moreover, concerted efforts from the national and international
community in addressing issues of intellectual property rights, biosafety regulations and rules,
fair trade, as well as effective and open communication between researchers, policymakers and
technology users would be required.
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