South-South Cooperation

Embrapa Beef Cattle Launches International Technology Reference Unit in Ethiopia

Adapting Brazilian Tropical Livestock Technologies to the African Context

Initiative strengthens South-South cooperation and envisions the establishment of a technological reference center to adapt production systems to the African context. Researchers from Embrapa Beef Cattle (Campo Grande, MS) are participating in an international technical mission in Ethiopia, from March 30 to April 5, to develop a work plan for the corporation’s first International Technology Reference Unit (URTI). The initiative is part of the agreement signed with the Ethiopian group Kerchanshe, with the aim of validating and adapting Brazilian technologies to production conditions in East Africa.

The action represents a strategic step forward in South-South cooperation, expanding Embrapa’s institutional presence in the African continent and promoting sustainable solutions for animal production systems in tropical and semi-arid environments. Highlights of the schedule include technical meetings, field visits, and the “Brazilian Technology Reference Farm – 1st Working Meeting” on April 2nd, in Adis Abeba, gathering representatives from governments, research institutions and the production sector of both countries.

Technological Transfer and Local Adaptation

Since the mission’s primary focus is to finalize the work plan at Oro Meat Farm, owned by the partner group, technologies aimed at sustainable intensification will be tested. Priority areas include:

• Breeding and genetic improvement of livestock.
• Reproductive biotechnologies and animal nutrition.
• Animal welfare and soil water retention strategies.
• Integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems (ICLFS).

The proposal considers local production systems, predominantly based on smallholdings and heavy reliance on rain. In the Ethiopian Rift Valley, agricultural systems are multifunctional, using cattle for meat production, draft power, income generation, and organic fertilization.

Strategic Partnerships and Global Impact

The workshop on April 2nd brings together around 40 national and international institutions, including the African Union, the World Bank, and CGIAR. According to researcher José Ednilson Miranda, the initiative aims to open doors for the Brazilian private sector to export inputs, machinery, and genetic services. The outcome will serve as a showcase for Embrapa’s technological capabilities in preparation for COP-32, to be held in Ethiopia next year.

Embrapa Technical Delegation

Embrapa Beef Cattle – Press Inquiries

gado-de-corte.imprensa@embrapa.br | Phone: +55 67 3368-2144