Focus Area 1

Closing the efficiency gap

Ernesto Reyes, Chair, FA1

Content

1. Introduction

2. Defining the scope

3. Objectives

4. Action plan

1. Introduction

The situation

The growing demand for livestock products will have to be met from an increasingly scarce natural resource base

The challenge

The sector thus has to increase its natural resource use efficiency to meet society’s growing food and environmental needs

What are we facing?

Resource-efficient technologies and management practices exist but a large number of the world producers still rely on practices that can be improved.

Main aim

Facilitate the adoption of existing resource-efficient technologies by less efficient producers, and thus to narrow the gap between the most and the least efficient producers.

1. Introduction – defining the issue

Source: Adapted from FA1 output, Henk, Westhoek

Causal diagram of effects of meat and dairy consumption and points of intervention

Points of intervention EffectsExamples

Housing

Prevention health schemes

Increase convertion ratio

Strategic feeding practices

Grass seasonal utilization

Balancing inventories/forage offer

Strategic cropping

Herd management

2. Defining the scope

The scope of the FA1 when assessing efficiency has been defined as Natural Resource Use (NRU) analysis and evaluation only

Initially

However

Coverage?

If practice change was to be achieved, other issues have to be reflected which seem to be as important as NRU

Economic implications of the technologies and or practices adopted are one example. Social impacts as well as animal welfare considerations are other aspects which should be reflected for sustainable livestock development

3. Objectives

Build up a comprehensive approach for improving efficiency across the livestock sector

Promote regional/local interventions through efficient practices across the livestock sector

Facilitate the exchange of information and linkages between stakeholders, livestock initiatives and projects

2

3

1

4. Action planBuild up a comprehensive approach for improving efficiency across the livestock sector

(Metrics, tools, models)1

Metrics system

• NRU efficiency• Assessment

areas (environmental, economic, social, and A welfare)

Information system

platform• Inputs are

inserted• Harmonizing &

standardizing outputs for comparison

• Analysis

Tools & models

• Selecting alternatives for narrowing the gap

• Modeling• Evaluation

4. Action planBuild up a comprehensive approach for improving efficiency across the livestock sector

(Metrics, tools, models)1Jan - Mar Apr - Jun Jul - Sep Oct - Dec Jan - Mar Apr - Jun Jul - Sep Oct - Dec

1 Build up a comprehensive approach

a) A criteria list for assessment of the gap is provided

Exploring optionsfor models, tools, and LIS 2 2 2 2 Define criteria for assessing the gap 2 2 1 1 Defined a standardised protocol for evaluating the gap 2 1 1 1 1 1

b) A metrics for NRU and efficiency is provided

Define elements for developing a metrics 2 2 2 2 Provide the framework for developing a metrics (efficiency matrix) 2 2 Select a working group for further matrix development 1 A 2 days workshop for the matrix 1 Define and select the information platform 1 Developing the prototype of this information platform 1 The LEAP partnership develops NRU efficiency metrics 1 1

c) An information system platform is provided Explore information systems among the FA1 members 2 2 2 Define elements required for the platform 2 2 2 Select the features and components for the platform 1 Identify main features missing in current information platforms 1

Develop the platform 1

Objectives 2013 2014

Timing

Nairobi MSP

Braunschweigh WS

Rome WS

Promote regional/local interventions through efficient practices across the livestock sector(Piloting, projects, initiatives)2

4. Action plan

Criteria for selecting regions

and prod. systems

• Future demand’s growth

• Higher current production inventories

Exploring and select projects and initiatives

• GLEAM & agri benchmark network as global references

• FA1 partners projects

Piloting

• Selecting projects

• Testing metrics, tools & models

• Start monitoring activities

• Scale up the process

Promote regional/local interventions through efficient practices across the livestock sector(Piloting, projects, initiatives)2

Jan - Mar Apr - Jun Jul - Sep Oct - Dec Jan - Mar Apr - Jun Jul - Sep Oct - Dec

2 Promote regional/local interventions across livestock sector

Explore global approaches and models for defining prod. systems /regions 2 2 2

a) Define criteria list for selecting production systems and regions Define:

Criteria list for selecting livestock projects of which FA1 can be linkedRegions, prod. systems and projects for FA1 actionsMain actions to implement on projects selected

Select one region for testing the NRU efficiency metrics and the information platform 1

Define actions for upscaling of the process 1

b) Define pilot interventions 1

c) Identify and use other livestock initiatives and projects 1

Objectives 2013 2014

Timing

Nairobi MSP

Braunschweigh WS

Rome WS

4. Action plan

Facilitate the exchange of information and linkages between stakeholders, livestock initiatives and projects(Information platform, central portal)3

4. Action plan

Networking activities

• Linkages between experts and projects

• Information exchange center

• Common understanding and agreements

• Promoting NRU efficiency practices

Central portal of

information• Communication platform

• Dissemination platform

Facilitate the exchange of information and linkages between stakeholders, livestock initiatives and projects(Information platform, central portal)3

Jan - Mar Apr - Jun Jul - Sep Oct - Dec Jan - Mar Apr - Jun Jul - Sep Oct - Dec

3

a) Networking activities 1

b) Central portal of information 1

Objectives 2013 2014

Timing

Facilitate exchange of information/linkages between stakeholders, livestock initiatives and projects

4. Action plan

5. Action plan – Some examples

Efficiency matrix and NRU metrics

Status quo – Scenario baseline

Scenario X, Y…Z

Housing

Prevention health schemes

Increase convertion ratio

Strategic feeding practices

Grass seasonal utilization

Balancing inventories/forage offer

Strategic cropping

Herd management

5. Action plan – Some examples

Type of data Productscoverage

Regional coverage

Regional depth

Institution Physical, economic, environm. socio-econ.Cow-calf, beef

finishing, sows, hogs, ewes, lambs, milk cows

Country, regional, continent, global

Region (within a country), country, regional, continent, global

agri benchmarkPhys ica l , animal prod. sys tem

(socio-)economic,envi ronm. (emiss ions )

Al l l i s tedGloba l

29 countriesTypica l farms , country regions , countries ,

regiona l

CIRADFarm accounti ng data

energy ba lance"practices" reunion SSA-WA., Amazonia , Vietnam

Milk, meat Farm cha in

FAO-AGAL Animal prod. sys tem parameters (prod., s tructure, feed,..),envi ronm.

Al l main products Globa l From region to pixel

ILRI Dairy, pig, cattle and smal l ruminant

Sub-Saharan Africa , As ia and Lati n-America . Multiple projects

in many countries

Covers va lue cha ins , diverse prod.systems with emphas is on smal lholder l i vestock

keepers

Producti on data Marketing and farming-dataDairy, catttle. Sheep, pigs , cerea ls and oi l

seedsUK

Commercia l production

Emiss ion factors for intens ive pig and poul try rearing pig and poul try EU UKCommercia l production

PBL - NetherlandsEnvironmental Assessment Agency

Animal prod. sys tem parameters (production, s tructure, feed,..), envi ronm.

Al l main products Globa l From region to pixel

EMBRAPA Brazil

Farm accounti ng data (nutrient ba lance and water footprint) and Animal prod.sys tem parameters

Dairy, pig, cattle and poul try

Brazi l ian States for animal prod.sys tems

(pig, poul try, and da i ry)Typica l farms and country regions

ATB Germany Farm data plant and l ives tock production Dairy, beef cattle globa l farm sca le

Agricultrural HorticulturalDevelopmentBoard (UK)

Livestock information systems

5. Action plan – Some examples

Project Objectives , approach in relation to FA1 Country

Cow-calf, beef finishing, Sheep, goats, Dairy, Pigs,

poultry

Livestock and fish Value chain approach

Uganda, Vietnam Pig

Ethiopia, Mali Sheep and goats

Tanzania, IndiaNicaragua

Dairy

Smallholder livestock competitiveness

Assess productivity, feed and economic effi ciency BotswanaCattleSheep and goat

Assess productivity, feed, animal health and economic effi ciency Tech. interventions: feed, animal disease, breed-genetics levels, and marketing innovations

Current livestock projects for possible FA1 actions

ILRI

Project Objectives , approach in relation to FA1 Country

Cow-calf, beef finishing, Sheep,

goats, Dairy, Pigs, poultry

Dairy Co. Research and development

Establishment of annual average carbon footprint figure for GB milk production United Kingdom Dairy

Improving CO2 F.P method.Water F.P. method.Developing LCA approaches

United Kingdom Livestock farms

AgricultureGreen House Gas Platform

Compilation of data from the livestock industry to perform LCA

Current livestock projects for possible FA1 actions

EBLEX

5. Action plan – Some examples

Project Objectives , approach in relation to FA1 Country

Cow-calf, beef finishing, Sheep,

goats, Dairy, Pigs, poultry

Sustainable poultry program for small holders

Delivers better nutrition & higher family incomeImproves egg and broiler meat productionBetter genetics, animal nutrition and husbandryImproves education and community structure

Brazil Poultry

Comprehensive On-Farm Assessment for Improved Milk Production

Identifying and unlocking milk production bottlenecksOptimizing cow comfort and well-beingImproving productive effi ciencyContributing to sustainability

USA, Canada, China and Mexico

Dairy

Current livestock projects for possible FA1 actions

NOVUS

5. Action plan – Some examples

Project Objectives , approach in relation to FA1 Country

Cow-calf, beef finishing, Sheep,

goats, Dairy, Pigs, poultry

Sustainable Livestock Grazing Systems on Chinese Temperate Grasslands

Monitoring grassland performance used by livestock herdsMeasuring land degradation on livestock farmsImplementing land management practices for improving livestock productivity

China Sheep

Monitoring forage productivity on cattle farms, using GIS programs

Detailed monitoring program on forage productivity at the farm levelForecasting forage productivity at the farm levelBalancing animal stock, according to forage availabilty

Uruguay Beef and Sheep

Improving management practices for a better rearing of cow-calf replacements

Revising and testing female rearing techniquesAdoption of improved fertility practices for herdsImproving the rearing period of cow-calf replacements

Uruguay Cow-calf

Introducing silvopastoral systems on cattle farms for climate change mitigation and poverty reduction

Introduction of silvopastoral systems in tropical regions used by cattle farmsImprove soil fertilityAdoption and adaption of silvopastoral management programs

Colombia Cattle

Livestock farmers mentorship Program in the northern communal areas of Namibia

Adoption of improved husbandry practicesBalancing cattle numbers with grazing land and growth availableAdoption of animal health schemesSelection and acqusition of improved breeding cattle

Namibia Beef and sheep

Current livestock projects for possible FA1 actions

agri benchmark network

5. Action plan – Some examples

To sum up…

The situation

Scarce natural resource base

The challenge

Increase its natural resource use efficiency

What are we facing?Large number of producers still rely on inefficient practices

Main aimAdoption of resource-efficienttechnology & practices

Comprehensive approach

Promote regional / local interventions

Exchange of information and linkages

1

2

3

Metrics, models & tools

Piloting, projects & initiatives

Information platform & central portal

To sum up…

Jan - Mar Apr - Jun Jul - Sep Oct - Dec Jan - Mar Apr - Jun Jul - Sep Oct - Dec

1 Build up a comprehensive approach

a) A criteria list for assessment of the gap is provided

Exploring optionsfor models, tools, and LIS 2 2 2 2 Define criteria for assessing the gap 2 2 1 1 Defined a standardised protocol for evaluating the gap 2 1 1 1 1 1

b) A metrics for NRU and efficiency is provided

Define elements for developing a metrics 2 2 2 2

Provide the framework for developing a metrics (efficiency matrix)

2 2 Select a working group for further matrix development 1 A 2 days workshop for the matrix 1 Define and select the information platform 1 Developing the prototype of this information platform 1 The LEAP partnership develops NRU efficiency metrics 1 1

c) An information system platform is provided Explore information systems among the FA1 members 2 2 2 Define elements required for the platform 2 2 2 Select the features and components for the platform 1 Identify main features missing in current information platforms 1

Develop the platform 1

2 Promote regional/local interventions across livestock sector

Explore global approaches and models for defining prod. systems/regions 2 2

2

a) Define criteria list for selecting production systems and regions

Define:Criteria list for selecting livestock projects of which FA1 can be linkedRegions, prod. systems and projects for FA1 actionsMain actions to implement on projects selected

Select one region for testing the NRU efficiency metrics and the 1

Define actions for upscaling of the process 1

b) Define pilot interventions 1

c) Identify and use other livestock initiatives and projects 1

3

a) Networking activities 1

b) Central portal of information 1

Objectives 2013 2014

Timing

Facilitate exchange of information/linkages between stakeholders, livestock initiatives and projects

Action plan

To sum up…

ILRI Livestock and fish

Uganda, Vietnam Pig

Ethiopia, Mali Sheep and goatsTanzania, India, Nicaragua Dairy

Smallholder livestock competitiveness BotswanaCattleSheep and goat

EBLEX Dairy Co. Research and development United Kingdom Dairy

United Kingdom Livestock farms

Agriculture Green House Gas Platform

NOVUS Sustainable poultry program for small holders Brazil Poultry

Comprehensive On-Farm Assessment for Improved Milk Production

USA, Canada, China and Mexico

Dairy

agri benchmark Sustainable Livestock Grazing Systems on Chinese Temperate Grasslands

China Sheep

Monitoring forage productivity on cattle farms, using GIS programs

Uruguay Beef and Sheep

Improving management practices for a better rearing of cow-calf replacements

Uruguay Cow-calf

Introducing silvopastoral systems on cattle farms for climate change mitigation and poverty reduction

Colombia Cattle

Livestock farmers mentorship Program in the northern communal areas of Namibia

Namibia Beef and sheep

A set of possibilities