ABSTRACT
There are many technologies that are available that can be used to improve livestock production systems. Some of these are being applied in Southern Africa, but, unfortunately, they are not widespread among the smallholders who are the major keepers of livestock. These technologies include enablers (such as information and communications technology, artificial intelligence, data science, etc.) that facilitate information acquisition, management, analysis, dissemination and use. Technologies that can be directly applied to livestock production are designed, mainly to increase productivity through molecular biotechnology techniques (marker-assisted selection, diagnostics, screening for disease resistance traits, etc.), reproduction (e.g., artificial insemination, MOET, etc.) and improvements in feeds and feeding (fodder and forage banks, prebiotics, probiotics, in-feed enzymes, etc.). The problems that are faced by farmers in Southern Africa are multifaceted and cannot be solved by a single “one size fits all” approach. Instead, there is need for creative and differential application of technologies depending on circumstance. The application of technology in livestock production systems is hindered by policy delays, deficits and outright policy dissonance. The envisaged improvement in productivity will positively impact individual farmers, communities and economies. However, there are high costs involved in the implementation, and some of the technologies may lead to a loss of genetic diversity.
