IYRP: Boosting milk production and pastoral livelihoods through innovation in Sudan

29/06/2026

In the dry rangelands of Sinnar State, livestock is the backbone of pastoralist and agropastoralist livelihoods. Indigenous breeds such as Kenana cattle are well adapted to these environments and rank among the Sudan’s best milk producers. Unfortunately, despite their strong genetic potential, both milk and meat productivity has long remained below capacity due to poor feeding practices, limited access to extension services and underutilization of breeding technologies.

These challenges are closely linked to the condition of rangelands, where degraded pastures and increasing climate pressures reduce feed availability and quality. In the context of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), the “Improvement of Milk Production from Kenana Cattle Breed in the Sudan” project highlights practical solutions that contribute to more sustainable pastoral systems. It addresses these interconnected constraints by linking improved livestock productivity with better rangeland management and strengthened knowledge systems.

Responding to a critical need

Following decades of underinvestment, key livestock infrastructure in the Sudan had deteriorated. The Um Banien Livestock Research Centre, established in 1957 to support the improvement of Kenana cattle, had ceased operations in the early 1990s. At the same time, national efforts to conserve animal genetic resources and improve cattle breeding highlighted the need to combine genetic improvement with better feeding and husbandry practices.

Rebuilding infrastructure and technical capacity

A key component of the project focused on the rehabilitation of the Um Banien Livestock Research Centre in Sinnar State. An artificial insemination laboratory was established in a safer, elevated location as part of efforts to strengthen cattle breeding and research capacity, although it is not yet fully operational, as essential equipment has not yet been delivered. Plans are also in place to establish a liquid nitrogen plant through additional funding support. Once fully equipped and operational, these facilities are expected to strengthen artificial insemination services and support the conservation and improvement of Kenana cattle genetics.

Coordination between national institutions was also strengthened, linking the research centre with the Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer Centre in Khartoum and the Federal Range and Pasture General Directorate, creating a more cohesive system for delivering livestock services.

Another central focus was capacity development. A total of 20 veterinarians and technicians were trained in artificial insemination techniques and improved husbandry practices through intensive sessions. A standardized training curriculum and manual were developed, covering cattle nutrition, health management, calf rearing and heifer production to ensure consistency and continuity in knowledge transfer.

Empowering pastoralists through field-based learning

To reach communities directly, the project adopted the pastoral field school (PFS) approach. Eight PFSs were established across Sinnar State, providing practical, community-based training environments.

Through these schools, 127 dairy producers from five localities were trained in improved feeding, farm management and animal husbandry practices. The participatory approach enabled farmers and pastoralists to test and apply new techniques within their own production systems.

To support wider outreach, seven extension materials were developed and disseminated, covering topics such as low-cost feed formulation, animal health, biosafety, zoonotic disease prevention and sustainable waste management. In addition, 21 awareness sessions were conducted, reinforcing the importance of improved practices for productivity and environmental sustainability.

Delivering results for production and food security

The project achieved tangible results in strengthening local livestock systems as improved feeding and husbandry practices contributed to strengthening livestock management among participating producers. The project also laid the groundwork for future artificial insemination services through investments in infrastructure and capacity development, once the artificial insemination laboratory is fully operational.

This translated into higher incomes and improved self-reliance for small-scale farmers and pastoralists. Increased milk availability also supported more diverse diets, contributing to better household nutrition and the potential reduction of malnutrition among children under five.

Beyond individual households, the project strengthened public extension services and built a network of trained producers and facilitators. The 127 trained farmers are now sharing knowledge within their communities, with many opening their farms as demonstration sites.

Strengthening the link between rangelands and resilience

The project reinforced the critical connection between healthy rangelands and productive livestock systems. Training sessions emphasized sustainable use of pastures, forests and natural resources, helping communities better manage their environments and maintain productivity.

Knowledge sharing and sustainability

Sustainability was embedded through strong knowledge sharing and local ownership. A training-of-trainers approach equipped extension staff and community facilitators to continue capacity-building beyond the project, ensuring skills in feeding, husbandry and artificial insemination remain within local systems.

The eight PFS continue to function as key learning and innovation platforms for pastoralists and agropastoralists. In the spirit of the IYRP, they demonstrate how community-based approaches can strengthen pastoral resilience while supporting sustainable rangeland use.

Recommendations include integrating these field schools into national extension systems and strengthening links with universities and research institutions. Although additional investment is still needed, particularly to provide the equipment required to operationalize the artificial insemination laboratory and to support the planned establishment of a liquid nitrogen plant, the project has built a solid foundation. It shows how improved technologies, stronger institutions and empowered communities can jointly revitalize pastoral livelihoods and rangeland systems.

Looking ahead

The continued strengthening of the Um Banien Livestock Research Centre will support innovation, research, and knowledge transfer across the livestock sector. By connecting research with field-level needs, the Centre will remain a key partner in promoting resilient livestock systems, improving productivity, and enhancing food security for communities in Sinnar State and beyond.