CCAC TEAP Report: Role of Digital (Extension) Services for Livestock on Tackling Methane Emissions

Extension-supported digital services for livestock (DSL) can help reduce methane emissions intensity from the livestock in three ways: i) by improving production efficiency; ii) by providing data to other greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting tools; and iii) by enhancing capacity of decision makers to calculate GHG emissions and develop locally appropriate mitigation options. Due to the variety of DSL archetypes and business models, there is no uniform approach to launching one of these technologies. However, this report closes the gap between knowledge and finance, thereby facilitating multi-level investments involving governments, international finance institutes, public-private partnerships and philanthropy. It also identifies the opportunities and challenges in using DSL, and offers pathways to implementing DSL-led systems through case studies. Finally, it connects to climate policy to demonstrate how DSL can enhance the value of existing extension services, facilitate incorporation of individual mitigation options into national climate targets, and further advance investment opportunities.