AU-IBAR Repository

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The African Union - Inter-African Bureau on Animal Resources (AU IBAR) Repository acquires processes and preserves materials of enduring value to the organization, produced by the African Union, researchers, AU constituents such as Regional Offices as well as collaborating partners.

The Common Repository collects all official documents of the Inter-African Bureau on Animal Resources including, but not limited to, conferences working documents, reports, departmental reports, AU commissioned studies as well as correspondences.

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Rapport de l’ Atelier régional de formation sur la manipulation, le traitement et la conservation des poulpes dans l’océan Indien occidental (OIO) pour un meilleur accès au marché aux fins de la conservation de la biodiversité aquatique et de la gestion environnementale
(AU-IBAR, 2026-03-24) AU-IBAR
Le présent rapport rend compte de l’atelier régional de formation consacré à la manipulation, au traitement et à la conservation des poulpes dans l’océan Indien occidental (OIO), organisé dans le but de renforcer les capacités des acteurs de la chaîne de valeur et de favoriser un meilleur accès aux marchés. La qualité des produits halieutiques, leur sécurité sanitaire, leur durée de conservation et leur valeur commerciale dépendent largement des pratiques appliquées depuis la capture jusqu’à la commercialisation. L’atelier a permis de renforcer les connaissances et les compétences des participants en matière de bonnes pratiques de manipulation, de traitement, de conditionnement, de stockage et de conservation des poulpes, tout en mettant l’accent sur les exigences de qualité et de sécurité des marchés. Les échanges ont également porté sur les principaux facteurs susceptibles d’entraîner des pertes post-capture, une dégradation de la qualité des produits et une diminution de leur valeur économique, ainsi que sur les mesures permettant de réduire ces pertes. Au-delà des aspects techniques, la formation a favorisé le partage d’expériences et de connaissances entre les différents acteurs de la région de l’OIO et a souligné l’importance d’une approche intégrée reliant amélioration de la qualité, développement des moyens de subsistance, accès aux marchés et utilisation durable des ressources marines. L’amélioration des pratiques de manipulation et de conservation peut contribuer à accroître la valeur des captures tout en réduisant les pertes et la pression exercée sur les ressources. Le rapport présente les principaux enseignements de l’atelier, les pratiques recommandées, les expériences partagées par les participants ainsi que les actions prioritaires identifiées pour renforcer les capacités régionales. Il met en évidence la nécessité de poursuivre la formation, d’améliorer la diffusion des bonnes pratiques et de renforcer la collaboration entre les communautés de pêcheurs, les autorités compétentes, les opérateurs de la chaîne de valeur et les partenaires techniques. Ces efforts contribuent à promouvoir une exploitation responsable des poulpes, à soutenir la conservation de la biodiversité aquatique et à renforcer la gestion environnementale dans l’océan Indien occidental.
A Community Training Workshop on Nature-based solutions for Conserving and Restoring Freshwater Ecosystems and Fish Stocks in the Lower Zambezi River
(AU-IBAR, 2026-07-20) Mulongwe, Lishomwa
The Lower Zambezi River is a vital freshwater ecosystem that supports aquatic biodiversity, fisheries, livelihoods, food security, and the cultural well-being of communities living along its banks. However, increasing pressures from habitat degradation, unsustainable fishing practices, climate variability, pollution, altered river flows, and other human activities are affecting the health and productivity of freshwater ecosystems and fish stocks. Addressing these challenges requires locally appropriate, practical, and participatory approaches that integrate ecosystem conservation with community needs and livelihoods. This book, A Community Training Workshop on Nature-Based Solutions for Conserving and Restoring Freshwater Ecosystems and Fish Stocks in the Lower Zambezi River, provides a practical training resource for communities, fisheries stakeholders, local institutions, conservation practitioners, and other actors engaged in freshwater ecosystem management. It introduces the principles and applications of nature-based solutions (NbS) as approaches that work with natural processes to address environmental challenges while generating ecological, social, and livelihood benefits. The training materials focus on strengthening participants’ understanding of freshwater ecosystem functions, fish habitats and stocks, ecosystem degradation, climate-related pressures, and sustainable fisheries management. Particular attention is given to practical nature-based approaches such as restoration and protection of riparian vegetation, rehabilitation of aquatic and fish habitats, sustainable floodplain management, protection of spawning and nursery areas, community-based conservation, and restoration of ecological connectivity. The workshop also emphasizes local knowledge, community participation, gender and social inclusion, monitoring, adaptive management, and collaboration among stakeholders. By combining technical knowledge with participatory learning, practical exercises, case-based discussions, and locally relevant conservation actions, the workshop seeks to enhance the capacity of communities and institutions to identify ecosystem challenges and develop feasible nature-based responses. Ultimately, the book aims to support stronger community stewardship, healthier freshwater ecosystems, resilient fish stocks, and sustainable livelihoods in the Lower Zambezi River landscape.
Policy Brief: Strengthening Ecosystem Management for Climate-Resilient Fisheries and Livelihoods in the Lower Zambezi, Zambia – A baseline assessment and community orientation on Nature-based Solutions
(AU-IBAR, 2026) Phir, Dr. Harris; Mulongwe, Lishomwa
The Lower Zambezi ecosystem in Zambia supports fisheries, food security, household incomes, and the livelihoods of communities that depend directly on aquatic and surrounding natural resources. However, increasing pressures from climate variability, habitat degradation, unsustainable fishing practices, and changing socioeconomic conditions are placing growing stress on both ecosystem health and community livelihoods. This policy brief presents a baseline assessment and community orientation aimed at strengthening ecosystem management for climate-resilient fisheries and sustainable livelihoods in the Lower Zambezi. The assessment examines the ecological, socioeconomic, and institutional conditions influencing fisheries and resource-dependent communities, while documenting local perceptions, knowledge, practices, and priorities related to climate change and ecosystem management. Community orientation activities provide an important platform for raising awareness, strengthening participation, and fostering shared understanding of the links between healthy ecosystems, resilient fisheries, and sustainable livelihoods. Findings from the baseline highlight the importance of integrated, participatory, and locally informed approaches to ecosystem management. Strengthening community engagement, fisheries governance, climate adaptation capacity, sustainable resource-use practices, and collaboration among relevant stakeholders is essential for improving resilience. The brief provides a foundation for measuring future changes and informing interventions that promote healthy aquatic ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, and improved livelihood outcomes in the Lower Zambezi. It further emphasizes the need to incorporate local knowledge and community priorities into decision-making to support equitable and climate-resilient management of fisheries and natural resources.
Study Tour Report Regional Exchange on Sustainable Octopus Fisheries and Inclusive Value Chains in the Western Indian Ocean
(AU-IBAR, 2026-05-15) Achieng, Stephanie
The Regional Exchange on Sustainable Octopus Fisheries and Inclusive Value Chains in the Western Indian Ocean was undertaken to facilitate knowledge sharing, peer learning, and exchange of practical experiences among fisheries stakeholders on the sustainable management and development of octopus fisheries. The study tour brought together representatives from relevant government institutions, fisheries organizations, research institutions, private-sector actors, and coastal communities to examine approaches for improving fisheries governance, strengthening inclusive value chains, enhancing post-harvest handling, and increasing the socio-economic benefits derived from octopus fisheries. The exchange focused on key aspects of octopus fisheries management, including community-based fisheries governance, sustainable harvesting practices, seasonal closures and other management measures, monitoring and compliance, value addition, market access, traceability, and participation of small-scale fishers and other value-chain actors. Particular attention was given to experiences that promote the inclusion of women, youth, and coastal communities in fisheries-related enterprises and decision-making processes. The study tour provided participants with opportunities to observe practical initiatives, interact with local stakeholders, and identify lessons that could be adapted to different contexts across the Western Indian Ocean region. The exchange highlighted the importance of collaborative governance, evidence-based management, strong fisher organizations, effective market linkages, responsible private-sector engagement, and inclusive approaches to value-chain development. The report documents the activities undertaken, experiences shared, key lessons learned, challenges identified, and opportunities for strengthening sustainable octopus fisheries and inclusive value chains in the region. It further provides recommendations to support regional collaboration, knowledge transfer, and the application of proven approaches for improving the sustainability, resilience, and economic contribution of octopus fisheries while promoting the livelihoods and well-being of coastal communities.
Introduction to a New Narrative for Livestock and Biodiversity
(African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and SNV, 2024-10) African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and SNV
This brief argues that livestock must be recognised as part of the solution to sustainably managing global biodiversity. Livestock production occupies over a quarter of the world’s land surface, contributes 40 per cent of agricultural output and underpins the food security, nutrition, culture and livelihoods of 1.3 billion people, predominantly in the Global South. While unsustainable management and feed production have contributed to all the key drivers of biodiversity loss, the brief emphasises that context matters, and that well-managed mixed, semi-intensive, pastoral and extensive systems can restore ecosystems rather than degrade them. Six key messages are set out: sustainable livestock management can restore ecosystems; wildlife and livestock can coexist productively; genetic diversity in livestock and forage species sustains resilience and adaptation; animal health is integral to ecosystem health; participation and inclusion are central to sustainable management; and the pastoral livestock sector needs support to serve biodiversity conservation and dryland and savanna economies. Each message is mapped to entry points in the Global Biodiversity Framework. The brief concludes with six recommendations, including incorporating farm animal biodiversity and silvopastoral systems into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, aligning these with Nationally Determined Contributions, establishing a multilateral system for Digital Sequence Information with independent technology transfer and capacity building, and embedding policies that support pastoral mobility. It is a preview of a fuller forthcoming report, issued in the context of CBD COP 16.