Aerial view of the University of Limpopo campus
University of Limpopo · South Africa

Advancing African animal genetic resources through innovation

The African Animal Genetic Resources and Innovation (A-AGRI) Research Group integrates animal breeding and genetics with artificial intelligence, genomics, advanced statistics and farmer-centred approaches.

Animal breeding & genetics AI & machine learning Community-based breeding
2019
Research group founded
109+
Students trained & mentored
5
PhD graduates
13
Current PhD candidates
Welcome to A-AGRI

Sustainable livestock production, rooted in African genetic resources

A-AGRI is a research group based at the University of Limpopo, South Africa, dedicated to advancing sustainable livestock production through animal genetic resources, genetic improvement and innovative technologies.

We focus on African animal genetic resources (AnGR), integrating animal breeding and genetics with artificial intelligence, machine learning, genomics, advanced statistics and farmer-centred approaches.

  • Characterisation of indigenous animal populations
  • Conservation and sustainable utilisation of AnGR
  • Genetic improvement of livestock with farming communities
Meet the Principal Investigator
Research group members Group members during field work Est. 2019
Group highlights

Latest from the group

  • Ms Makwela (1st place) and Ms Mahlo (2nd place) received SAES awards at the Faculty of Science and Agriculture Research Day.

  • Dr Mathapo and Ms Makgopa received a scholarship to visit Japan for a staff/student exchange programme.

  • Ms Hlokoe received the prestigious DSTI–Prof Keolebogile Motaung Doctoral Fellowship from SAWiSA (South African Women in Science Awards).

  • Dr Tyasi advanced to Full Professor in Animal Breeding and Genetics at the University of Limpopo.

  • Ms Molabe and Ms Rashijane graduated with their PhDs.

  • Ms Mothiba received an Erasmus scholarship to visit the University of Malaga, Spain.

All news & awards
Group members celebrating awards Award ceremony
In the news

A-AGRI in the media

Recognition, graduations and international visits.

Dr Tyasi on the news as the Best Mid-career Animal Scientist in South Africa, 2024

Dr Tyasi visits the Simmental Breeding Center, BPTU-HPT Padang Mengatas, West Sumatra, Indonesia, 2025

Dr Tyasi receives the Best Overall Researcher award at the University of Limpopo, 2023

Dr Tyasi reads the citation for his PhD student, Mr Lubabalo Bila, at the University of South Africa, 2024

Dr Tyasi reads the citation for his PhD students, Mr Cyril Mathapo and Mr Thabang Sako, at the University of Limpopo, 2025

Graduation celebrations

Celebrating our graduates

Honours, Masters and PhD graduates from the A-AGRI research group.

Meet the team
Get involved

Study, research or partner with A-AGRI

We welcome Honours, Masters and PhD students, self-motivated postdoctoral researchers, and partners in animal breeding, genetics, genomics, AI and sustainable livestock production.

Contact

Visit or contact us

We are based in F-Block at the University of Limpopo, Turfloop campus, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Office

F-Block, No. 0008
University of Limpopo

Laboratory

F-Block, No. 0004
University of Limpopo

Telephone

015 268 2803