Livestock management interventions for improving livelihood security and doubling farmer’s income

Abstract

Livestock play a vital role in rural livelihood earnings and indirectly in the economy of developing countries. Along with the suffering of animals themselves, animal diseases wreck the rural area and dent the economical trade. Preventing and controlling diseases grows economies, bolsters local communities, and improves the health of vulnerable populations, especially the young and elderly. Managing the required intensification and the shifts to new value chains is essential to avoid a potential increase in zoonotic, food-borne and other diseases. Securing a safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply at a time of rapidly increasing population depends on healthy, productive animals. Increasing the efficiency of the livestock sector through sustainable intensification practices presents a real opportunity where research and development can contribute to provide more sustainable solutions. New diversification options and improved safety nets will also be essential when intensification is not the primary avenue for developing the livestock sector. These processes will need to be supported by agile and effective public and private institutions.