program for enhancing the health and productivity of livestock
Aluna Chawala
Aluna is investigating farmer-led breeding goals and strategies in smalholder dairy farming systems to cope with variation in feed sources and quality
About me
Aluna is a PhD student at the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, UK, since March, 2016. He obtained his Master’s degree in Animal Science in 2011 at Massey University, New Zealand. Before joining the PhD programme he worked as Livestock Scientist at the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute, Mpwapwa, Tanzania.
Investigation of farmer-led breeding goals and strategies in smallholder dairy farming systems to cope with variation in feed sources and quality
Thesis Research Project
Aluna's PhD research involves identifying dairy cow traits for Sub-Saharan Africa production environment. The study will combine qualitative data collected through surveys, observations and quantitative animal performance data in order to get a balanced view of the required breeding goals and strategies. The aim is to create practical breeding goals and strategies suitable for African dairy production systems.
The information from this study will be used by various stakeholders including farmers, breeding companies and policy makers in planning sustainable breeding programmes. The research will contribute to improve the livelihood of smallholder dairy farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.