Prospect for Utilization of Modern Technologies for Small Ruminant and Pig Improvement in African Input Systems: Case Studies

Small ruminants and pig production are crucial elements of the agricultural value chain. Several innovative technologies have been developed globally since the 1980s to improve the animal resources sector’s efficiency, productivity, and profitability. However, the diverse mixed farming systems and their limitations in Africa are very poignant, and the continent has yet to tap into its animal agriculture technology use, including digitization to reach optimal production and satisfy its markets. Modern biotechnologies are used to very limited extent, especially in sheep and goat systems that are dominated by local breeds reared in extensive or semi-intensive production systems. On the other hand, the high prolificacy of pigs and the relatively higher profitability of pig farming create more interest in intensive commercial production systems. Furthermore, the current reliance on pig production, mostly on imported or exotic breeds, motivates the introduction of various innovative technologies to enhance animal welfare and sustainable productivity. There is significant oppotunity for African smallholder farmers to harness available modern technologies to improve reproduction, production, farm management, or environmental monitoring. These technologies have great potential to transform livestock operations to become more profitable and improve livelihood and social conditions of the people. This chapter explores the prospects of utilizing these technologies in African small ruminants and pig farms for sustainable production, including genetic resource conservation.