Most of the networks ILCA sponsored before 1989 were information-sharing rather than research collaboration networks.
As the subject features prominently in the programme activities of ILCA the Director, Dr. Brumby, expressed interest in collaborating with FAO in organizing such an Expert Consultation at ILCA Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
At ILCA, the work has been part of the Animal Traction Thrust, since the major input of animals in managing Vertisols is draught energy.
The research in The Gambia and Senegal focuses on nutrition, reproduction and milk extraction, and is done by scientists from ILCA, the International Trypanotolerance Centre (ITC) and the Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agronomiques (ISRA).
This study was designed to determine if the size of ILCA on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlated with final pathology.
The NLPU and ILCA developed a farmer centre, credit scheme, veterinary services, bore wells, experimented with pasture improvement and developed a smallholder dairy scheme supplying supplementary cattle feed on credit.
At ILCA, the mechanism found to be suitable is that of 'in-trust' funding - the mobilisation of funds on behalf of the collaborating partners.
The West and Central African Feed Network WECAFNETT) was established in Avetonou, Togo, in 1989, by West and central African NARS, ILCA, the Institut d'élevage et de médicine vétérinaire des pays tropicaux (IEMVT) of France and the Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT).
Thus, the partnership proposition is at the very heart of ILCA's operational strategies.
