How to maximize veterinary research tailored to Africa's needs

Summary Africa has a population of almost 800 million and nearly half does not have enough to eat. While livestock play an important role as a source of protein in the agricultural economy of most African countries, productivity of bovine meat and small ruminant meat is low, in the region of 15 kg and 4.5 kg per capita per year, respectively, compared to 79 kg and 6.5 kg, respectively, in countries in the North. Veterinary research should be capable of removing this handicap. Unfortunately, the state of veterinary research in Africa is far from bright. The limiting factors are namely: lack of vision and political will, lack of human competencies, lack of funding and absence of appropriate orientation of research.