CALL FOR RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS

RAINFED LIVESTOCK NETWORK (RLN) is a national coalition of organizations and individuals attempting to build a macro-economic case for better targeted public investments and policies in support of non-dairy, low-input and diverse livestock production systems in arid and semi-arid India. This objective of the network derives from a number of localized understandings and experiences that point to the crucial role played by these neglected livestock production systems in sustaining low-income households. Yet, such animal husbandry remains peripheral to mainstream livestock policies and government investments.

RLN is exploring the case that a reorientation in public policies and investments with a focus on these marginal livestock production systems can contribute substantially to the growth of the livestock sector, poverty reduction more generally and to ecological restoration.

RLN invites applications to undertake applied research in support of building the case for such a reorientation in livestock policy.  Within this broad framework, studies may focus on issues such as mapping the spatial distribution of such systems across the country, profiling the contribution of these livestock systems to the GDP and people dependent on them, analysis of production systems and the natural resource base of such systems and demographic and spatial trends over time.

Interested researchers should send resumes with 3 references, 2 sample publications and a brief expression of interest to Coordinator, Rainfed Livestock Network (RLN) (E-mail: rainfedlivestocknetwork@gmail.com). RLN will be looking for research support on an ongoing basis. 

The Rainfed Livestock Network is funded by the Ford Foundation, New Delhi and is anchored by Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), PB No. 29, At: Jehangirpura, P.O. Gopalpura, Vadod-388 370, Anand District, Gujarat, Tel. No. (02692) 264120, Website: www.fes.org.in