increased food production and productivity, providing safe, nutritious and affordable food to the world’s poorest people;
employment opportunities for millions of women and young people in the farming and other related sectors; and
efficient use of scarce natural resources and develop livestock practices which foster climate change mitigation and adaption.
Why is livestock research important?
More than 70% of the milk, meat and eggs in Africa and Asia is produced by smallholder farmers and sold locally.
The livestock sector in Africa and Asia contributes 40% to agricultural Gross Domestic Product, but receives less than 1% of official development assistance.
Demand for livestock-derived foods is increasing especially in Africa and Asia.
The transformation of small-scale livestock farming can help meet growing demand and contribute directly to eight Sustainable Development Goals and indirectly to all.