Some of the papers in this report deals with nutrient management; land, soil and water management; grain, fodder and residue management; and technology validation and transfer. The other papers looks into development of coordinated research efforts; distribution and importance of Ethiopian vertisols and locations of study sites; a survey of the farming systems of Vertisol areas of the Ethiopian highlands, and modifying the management of vertisols. The report ends with a discussion on retrospect and prospects of the Joint Project on Vertisols management.

This annual report addresses the partnerships that have enhanced ILRI's work at national, regional and international levels, highlighting three particularly inspiring ventures - poverty mapping in East Africa, the Crop-Animal Systems Research Network in Southeast Asia, and development of an improved East Coast fever vaccine, which has engaged researchers from three continents. The five research themes into which ILRI restructured its research portfolio are also outlined.

ILRI's mandate encompasses international livestock research through the developing world. This report makes the connection between research by ILRI and its partners and the needs of poor farmers in developing countries. The assessment of Asian animal agriculture indicates that the most significant and sustainable increases in livestock production are likely to come from mixed crop-livestock systems in rainfed and irrigated areas in South Asia.

This year's annual report in addition to the 2007 research work also covers key events in the first half of 2008, particularly matters pertaining to the continuing global food price crisis. There is a special section on the record-high food prices; and an introduction to ILRI's 'Improving Market Opportunities' Theme. This annual report comprises three chapters, viz., East Africa; South Asia; and Southern Africa.

The objectives of this consultation are to identify priority requirements for improved livestock productivity and development of the sustainable production systems in the developing regions; to identify cross-regional priorities, major constraints, the researchable areas and issues in livestock production most likely to bring distinct benefits and impacts; and to assist identification of participants and planning for future regional research workshops.

The Ganges Basin Development Challenge (BDC) research program will focus on brackish-water coastal zones in the Ganges Basin, where agricultural lands have a maximum salinity greater than 5 ppt (parts per thousand) in the dry season (salinity is lower in the wet season). The BDC vision of success requires innovations in water governance, improved availability of dry-season water, improved practices for managing salt-affected lands, and intensification and diversification of farm systems.