Seven ways to sustainably transform livestock systems in Africa

For the first time, the spotlight shone on livestock at the Africa’s Food Systems Forum (AGRF) 2023 Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Shifting from its traditional crop-centered focus, AGRF embraced a more holistic approach under the theme, ‘Recover, Regenerate, Act: Africa’s Solutions to Food Systems Transformation.’ The livestock sector, long overlooked, now stands as a key player offering sustainable solutions for transforming food systems in Africa. By strengthening diverse, local livestock systems, we can efficiently produce more nutritious, environmentally-friendly animal-source foods that are resilient to shocks and disruptions.

At the AGRF session, 'Sustainable Livestock and Pastoralism,' stakeholders engaged in dialogues on livestock innovations and pathways for food system transformation in Africa.

Shirley Tarawali, chair of the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock and deputy director general at ILRI, shared the multisectoral contributions needed to sustainably develop the livestock sector in Africa:

We need technology but technology alone is not sufficient. We need market and input access and investments in infrastructure. We are embarking on how we can stimulate young people and women as entrepreneurs in this space, which means mentoring, coaching and providing business skills to build vibrant, sustainable business ecosystems. You need to bring all the pieces together. Let's work together in a business environment.

Hon Abdallah Ulega, minister of Livestock and Fisheries for the United Republic of Tanzania, further emphasised the need to create an enabling environment for new technology to reach livestock farmers:

We have research and technology. For example, scientists have identified more productive breeds. Ten improved cows can exceed 100 cows in terms of dairy production, but who is ready to buy these breeds? We still have a lot of work to do across sectors for scaling up and building capacity for new technology.

Seven key insights from the event include:

1. Collaborating across sectors

Sustainable livestock systems require a multisectoral approach. Collaboration among government agencies, producer organizations, research institutions, development agencies, civil society, and the private sector is essential. By working together, we can address the complex challenges facing livestock systems, from One Health to entrepreneurship.

2. Scaling successful models

Identifying and scaling successful models is vital for sustainable transformation. Genetic selection programs and mobile applications for livestock management have shown promise. Replicating these models, alongside capacity building, can amplify their impact. Multisectoral collaboration and favourable policies are necessary to attract public and private sector investment in these innovations.

3. Enhancing climate resilience

Innovative solutions are key to reducing the carbon footprint of livestock systems. Encouraging climate-smart technologies and practices can improve productivity, reduce emissions and enhance resilience in the face of climate change.

4. Increasing investment

The livestock sector in the global South has been underinvested. Unlocking investments can lead to the adoption of new technologies, research funding, empowerment of women and youth and infrastructure development, resulting in more efficient value chains.

5. Influencing policymakers

Effective policies play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of livestock systems. Policymakers must understand the benefits of sustainable livestock practices and create an enabling environment for private sector investment.

6. Empowering women

Empowering women in the livestock sector is essential for transformation. Providing access to financial resources, training, and decision-making opportunities enhances their contributions to the sector and leads to improved animal husbandry and sustainability.

7. Engaging youth in agribusiness

The future of the livestock sector depends on engaging young people in agribusiness. Initiatives supporting young entrepreneurs, such as mentorship and training, are crucial for ensuring the sector's vitality and fostering innovation.

Looking ahead

The livestock sector plays a pivotal role in Africa's food system transformation. Collaboration, scaling, climate-smart innovations, increased investment, inclusive policies and empowering women and youth are all vital components of achieving sustainable livestock systems. With these efforts, we can ensure food security, reduce environmental impact and strengthen resilient local livestock systems.

Read the full article on whylivestockmatter.org.