Why livestock matter – share your project change story

People in developing countries know that livestock are critical for sustainable development. The world’s cows, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry and other farm animals are the mainstay of livelihoods across the developing world. And the energy and nutrient-dense milk, meat and eggs these animals produce provide people with basic livelihoods, incomes, food and nutrition.

Yet, it is difficult to successfully make the case for greater investment in sustainable livestock. People worry that livestock are bad for our health and environment. Investors say they don’t see enough convincing evidence and data that demonstrates the returns livestock interventions offer. Hard evidence is scattered and recommendations are complex due to the multiple roles livestock play in development.

The whylivestockmatter web site brings together evidence showing why increased and improved investments in sustainable livestock development are necessary. As we compiled this evidence, we observed that  many rich experiences and lessons from practice are not captured very well. They are difficult to find and use to make stronger cases for sustainable livestock.

The International Livestock Research Institute (www.ilri.org) invites you to help us fill this gap by sharing change stories from your work that show how livestock interventions, initiatives and investments make a positive difference to the lives and livelihoods of people and communities in developing countries.

We have set up a call for ‘change stories’ to identify why livestock matters in developing countries – in terms of  people’s welfare, incomes, health, nutrition or their environment.

Follow this link (https://whylivestockmatter.org/stories/) to submit your story.

We look forward to being inspired by your stories!