Meat, milk and more: Policy innovations to shepherd inclusive and sustainable livestock systems in Africa

Abstract

Overarching policy frameworks: Given the duality of livestock production in many countries, with large market-oriented producers operating alongside small and subsistence producers, and formal markets operating alongside informal markets, an overarching policy framework is needed to create an inclusive, holistic, innovative, productive, and profi table livestock sector, that is also environmentally sustainable and promotes further involvement of women and youth. Dedicated departments for livestock can ensure that the sector is funded better, and that there is clear oversight of livestock activities, while crossdepartmental committees composed of representatives from livestock, agriculture, environment, health and fi nance ministries would ensure that cross-cutting themes receive the attention and coordination they require. 2 Regulation: A nimble but clear and health conscious regulatory environment will be critical to ensure that a fl ourishing livestock sector maintains high safety, quality, and welfare standards, produces nutritious food, preserves environmental sustainability, and protects producers' and consumers' health. Domestic regulations for input and output markets need to be harmonized and simplifi ed, while strengthened services are needed to support such regulations. Property rights of herders need to be recognized. 3 Private sector-led development: A viable private sector, including farmer and herder organizations, will facilitate increased investments, and drive growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship in the livestock sector. Dedicated investments in infrastructure-such as provision of electricity, cooling facilities, and transport-could signifi cantly reduce market transaction costs and improve the effi ciency of value chains through innovations as well as the safety and production of animal-sourced products, and make the commercialization of livestock production more feasible. The feed sector needs to expand based on sound investment for stable supplies and innovation in pasture grassland quality. 4 Finance and livestock assets: Despite its signifi cant contribution to agricultural and national gross domestic product (GDP), the livestock sector in most African countries remains heavily underfunded. Financing common goods such as animal health, animal improvement, and research creates a strong foundation upon which both market-oriented and subsistence livestock sectors can prosper. Financial services must be (re-)designed to cater for the unique circumstances of livestock producers, such as the need for different loan sizes and duration of borrowing, alternative forms of collateral, seasonality of production, and other inherent risks. Livestock insurance also provides a vital source of fi nancial support, particularly during and following emergencies. Livestock distribution programs to smallholders can be considered at greater scale when combined with services. 5 6 Data and research: Availability and access to comprehensive and good quality information and data on all aspects of the livestock s...

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