Livestock are a key resource for economic growth in many countries, both at national and household level. Animals are important assets and an essential source of income for livestock-keeping households.
Well-managed and utilized livestock can play an important role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The livestock sector plays a crucial role in the social and economic development of a country, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It directly supports the livelihoods of 600 million poor smallholder farmers in the developing world. Livestock are a direct and indirect source of food for rural and urban households. It is estimated that livestock-derived foods, or animal-source foods (ASF), contribute 18% of global food energy consumption and 34% of global protein consumption (FAOSTAT, 2016). ASF are a unique source of high-quality proteins and bioavailable essential vitamins and minerals.
Leveraging the potential of livestock and optimizing efficiency in production systems is now more important than ever before given the current global food security and nutrition situation.
Presented by Romano Pisciotti