Chuka University has secured a European research grant worth €9,966.43 from the Welttierschutzstiftung (WTS) to support research aimed at improving animal welfare and climate resilience in dairy goat production in dryland areas.
The funded project, titled “Enhancing Animal Welfare and Climate Resilience for Dairy Goats in Drylands through Agro-Silvopastoral Integration,” will promote sustainable livestock production by integrating trees, crops and livestock within agro-silvopastoral systems.
The initiative seeks to develop practical approaches that can improve the welfare and productivity of dairy goats while enhancing the capacity of livestock production systems to withstand the effects of climate change. It will also contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable management of dryland ecosystems.
The research is being led by Dr. Mary Gichure, Principal Investigator, and Dr. James Kinyua, Co-Principal Investigator, both from the Faculty of Agriculture. The project is expected to generate knowledge and practices that can support farmers in dryland communities to adopt more sustainable and climate-resilient dairy goat production systems.
The grant further strengthens the institutions’ growing portfolio of internationally funded research and reinforces its commitment to research, innovation and partnerships that address pressing challenges in agriculture, animal welfare and climate change.
Chuka University congratulates the research team and its international collaborators on the achievement and looks forward to the project’s contribution to sustainable agriculture, improved livelihoods and climate resilience in dryland communities.
Chuka University is …… Inspiring Environmental Sustainability for Better Life
