Madagascar recently participated in the "DialogueNEXT Africa" summit, an international gathering organized by the World Food Prize Foundation in partnership with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Kenya. A delegation led by the Minister of Livestock, Riana Nantenaina Randrianomenjanahary, represented the country at this major event. The theme discussed by all stakeholders focused on "Born to Feed the Future." Ministers responsible for Agriculture and Livestock from several African countries, scientists, research institutions, private sector members, farmers' organizations, international development agencies, and technical and financial partners actively participated.
Technological Innovations
Discussions centered on accelerating the adoption and transfer of technological innovations and research by directly connecting international research centers with the private sector and governments. Strengthening livestock farmers' resilience to climate change impacts and implementing a "One Health" approach to combat zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance were also key topics. Additionally, the private sector was encouraged to establish viable commercial links with smallholder producers while structuring value chains to facilitate access to both national and international markets. Facilitating access to technologies, training, and financing for young agripreneurs, including women, remained a priority.
Madagascar's Vision
Minister Riana Nantenaina Randrianomenjanahary presented Madagascar's vision for modernizing the livestock sector. Strengthening animal health, implementing a modern system for livestock identification and traceability, genetic improvement, and developing animal feed, along with integrating research and technological innovations in livestock production and processing, are among national priorities. However, increasing production, improving quality, and connecting livestock farmers to existing markets remain major challenges.
Stakeholder Involvement
The Malagasy delegation conducted technical visits to Kenyan companies and research centers, including InsectiPro, which transforms organic waste into animal feed protein and organic fertilizer using black soldier flies (BSF), and Bio Foods Products, which operates an efficient milk collection system for smallholder farmers. KenMeat, ABF United, and the Kenya Pastoral Markets Development Programme (KPMD) demonstrated proven livestock traceability models. Research on the "One Health" approach was observed at KALRO, which houses multiple laboratories and research centers. This confirms that stakeholder involvement is crucial to modernizing the livestock sector.