Louis Schwarze

Biography

Louis Schwarze holds a B.Sc. in Agricultural Science from University of Kassel and a M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from Hohenheim University. As part of his studies he investigated the integration of biodigesters into mixed farming systems in Mexico and governance challenges of pesticides in Zambia. After completing his B.Sc., Louis worked as a development advisor for Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Western Kenya where he supported Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) in the establishment of sweet potato seed systems and advisory services.

PhD research Project: Fostering innovations to reduce livestock’s long shadow in Kenya

Africa is currently undergoing a livestock revolution as demand for livestock products soars due to rapid population growth, rising incomes and urbanization. For example, the demand for meat is projected to quadruple between 2010 and 2050 in Africa. This creates opportunities to enhance livelihoods of millions of livestock keepers as well as reducing pervasive nutritional deficiencies. However, livestock production is known for its “long shadow” – its many negative effects through contribution to climate change, degradation of natural resources and biodiversity, and zoonotic diseases. The project explores how sustainability of livestock value chains and food systems can be enhanced through technical and institutional innovations. Therefore, it investigates how the design of innovation systems that support dissemination of innovations can be optimized.