Report back: LD4D 2023 Annual Meeting paves the way for new initiatives
This year's meeting highlighted new tools, innovations and approaches for data-informed decision making.
How do we support decision making with data and evidence? This year’s LD4D Annual Meeting promoted a discussion among members on effective approaches for informing decisions. Over two days in November, 160 participants joined from a wide range of organisations working on livestock issues. The meetings featured guest speakers, Chris Janssen (eLengo Academy) and Mario Herrero (Cornell University), and a Share Fair where members presented their data innovations and insights into mobilising livestock data to inform decision making.
New strategic direction
Both meetings were opened with a brief overview of the network’s evolution given by our Director Karen Smyth. Ana Miranda (LD4D Development Manager) presented Solutions Groups, a new collaboration platform which will be piloted by LD4D in 2024. Solutions Groups will bring together members and livestock decision makers to identify key data challenges and co-produce solutions that support decision making. Gareth Salmon (SEBI-L researcher) presented LD4D’s first Solutions Group pilot which will focus on climate finance and is a partnership with the Green Climate Fund. The goal is to produce a series of briefs to assist countries to access finance for livestock projects. The plan is to scale up this new collaboration platform in the future and incorporate other key data challenges facing the livestock sector.
WATCH: LD4D Strategy Update
The meeting also provided an opportunity for members to provide their feedback on the latest LD4D tools and dashboards, namely Livestock Populations Tool, Livestock Project Portal, Environmental Assessment Tool and the Decision Maker Framework.
Watch: LD4D Products Showcase
Keynote speakers
On 14 November, our guest speaker Chris Janssen (eLengo Academy) explored how AI can boost extension services for livestock producers. The abilities of AI-powered Large Language Models (such as ChatGPT) have expanded significantly, allowing them to offer more precise and accurate advice. Chris shared his experience in developing AI-powered tools to provide farmers with a personalised extension worker who can give tailored information to improve their daily farming activities.
WATCH: Chris Janssen on Unlocking the Power of AI - Transforming Advisory Services in Frontier Markets
On 16 November, Prof Mario Herrero of Cornell University gave a presentation on data challenges related to methane emissions from livestock. A key message was that mitigation in food systems is crucial to achieve the 1.5 C climate target. However, reducing emissions intensity will not reduce total emissions if animal numbers continue to grow. The goal must be to have fewer animals coupled with increases in productivity. Improved farm practices and alternative feed sources will play a key role in this.
WATCH: Mario Herrero on Livestock methane - data challenges, misconceptions and solutions
Share Fair – Discover work from LD4D members
The Share Fair featured 16 presenters who explored a wide range of areas where our members have used data innovations to improve decision making. These included Innovations in metrics, mapping and data collection, using data to support livestock keepers and animal health workers, and data innovations from the World Organisation on Animal Health (WOAH). After the sessions, participants had the opportunity to engage in a Q&A discussion with presenters and learn more.
Next Steps
Your feedback from the annual meeting will be used to shape LD4D strategies and activities in 2024. We will also use your suggestions to improve and develop the LD4D tools and dashboards, ensuring that they meet the needs of our members. Members will soon be invited to participate in the Climate Finance Solutions Group as well as other thematic Working Groups. We plan to organise community conversations based on the thematic areas where members felt LD4D could help them to be more impactful. If you haven't already signed up, please join our mailing list to receive regular updates on our activities and find out how you can engage with our network. As always, we encourage you to contact the secretariat with any thoughts or suggestions.