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Livestock policies in sub-Saharan Africa: trade-offs and implications for pastoralists livelihoods
Author
Yameogo, GV
Kariuki, J
Oguche, M
Daum, T
Birner, R
Chagunda, M
Publisher
XII International Rangeland Congress
Publication Year
2025
Body

The livestock revolution offers significant opportunities to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Africa while improving nutrition and food security. In Sub-Saharan Africa, pastoralists play a crucial role in driving this transformation. However, current policies often fail to adequately support pastoralist livelihoods. This paper aims to analyze livestock policies in selected Anglophone and Francophone countries in Africa, examining the extent to which they integrate rangeland management and the interests of pastoralists. The study employs content analysis of livestock policies from 23 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using a set of indicators from the Sustainable Assessment of Food and Agriculture (SAFA) framework of the FAO, the paper analyzes current policy objectives and strategies, and their social, environmental, and economic trade-offs, particularly with respect to pastoralists, rangelands and pastoral livelihoods. The data indicates that while pastoralists and rangeland management are re cognized in livestock policies, policies may not always be conducive to pastoral livelihoods. Furthermore, policies that overlook environmental trade-offs could jeopardize pastoralist livelihoods, which heavily depend on natural resources such as water and pastures. Current policies need adjustments to accommodate the needs of pastoralists while fostering livestock growth and development.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Additional Information
This paper is part of the larger XII International Rangelands Congress Proceedings. Page Numbers: 1624-1627. Theme: Theme 6 / Livestock systems around the world
ISSN
978-0-646-72121-7
Conference Name
International Rangeland Congress
Collection
International Rangelands Congress
Keywords
livestock
policy
trade-offs
pastoralists
rangelands