An ambitious initiative aimed at addressing key challenges and promoting sustainable livestock development across Africa and bringing about positive changes in the agricultural landscape is closing its operations in the continent.
Launched in 2017 in a bid to boost livestock production, trade, and economic growth, the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) launched the Live2Africa project alongside the European Union as a donor partner.
Livestock farming plays a pivotal role in all the fifty-four (54) states’ economies in Africa, providing income, food security, and employment opportunities for millions of people.
According to Dr Nick Nwankpa, the Acting Director, of AU-IBAR, targeted interventions such as selective breeding programs and promoting high-quality animal feed, the initiative worked towards enhancing livestock productivity and resilience.
“This not only benefits farmers by increasing their income potential but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices, fostering environmental conservation and resource management.” He stated.
Recognizing the significance of this sector, the project focused majorly on enhancing livestock value chains through capacity building, technical assistance, and policy support.
Throughout the implementation phase, by collaborating with governments, research institutions, think tanks, farmers, and private sector actors, Live2Africa adopted a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted issues surrounding livestock development.
A progress report by the AU indicated that livestock is a largely untapped sector, where appropriate investment could deliver substantive results for realizing the desired accelerated transformation of the Agricultural Sector in Africa.
According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the African market for animal-source foods, estimated at US$ 51 billion annually in 2005-07 (FAOSTAT farmgate prices) is expected to triple by 2050 to more than US$ 151 billion annually.
This drove a team of experts within Live2Africa to focus on improving animal health services.
By strengthening veterinary systems, providing training, and increasing access to quality animal healthcare, the project aimed to combat the devastating impact of diseases on livestock productivity.
Consequently, by mitigating the risk of outbreaks and improving the overall health of livestock, Live2Africa empowered farmers to secure their livelihoods and contribute to the continent’s food security.
Beneficiaries of the initiative’s initial objectives benefited greatly from its emphasis on animal health, breed improvement, and fodder production.
The African Union Commissioner, Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, H. E Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko said that by supporting market access and value addition, Live2Africa created opportunities for smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs to improve their income and expand their businesses.
He stated that the project strived to improve infrastructure, efficient transportation, and market linkages to ensure that livestock products reach consumers in a timely manner while maintaining high-quality standards.
“The positive impact of Live2Africa extends beyond individual farmers and businesses. By promoting livestock development at a continental level, the project contributes to poverty reduction, rural development, and economic growth.” He affirmed.
Towards the project’s completion, the focus was aimed at strengthening most livestock value chains in countries that embraced the galvanization process.
Report by FAO titled ‘Livestock:
Decent Urban Employment’, indicated that livestock-related industries, such as meat processing, dairy production, and leather manufacturing, experience growth and generate employment opportunities and actively drive economic progress in both rural and urban areas.
Such are the reasons that contributed to Live2Africa’s success that aligned with broader initiatives and programs supporting agricultural development.
By collaborating with various organizations like FAO, ILRI, and regional bodies such as ECOWAS and the East African Community (EAC), it leveraged expertise, resources, and knowledge-sharing platforms to maximize its impact and reach.
As the Live2Africa project comes to a close, it holds the promise of transforming livestock production and trade in Africa.
Through its comprehensive approach, focused interventions, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, more initiatives are expected to kick off through continued partnerships with other intergovernmental bodies and non-governmental agencies.
“We are poised to bring about lasting positive change. By improving animal health, increasing productivity, and expanding market access, this initiative has not only empowered farmers but also contributed to food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable economic growth across the continent,” said Dr. Nick Nwankpa.
The Live2Africa project is among the several initiatives under the African Union Commission with Pan-African support by other organizations that played a key role with African governments to represent a significant stride towards unlocking the full potential of the continent’s livestock sector.
With its multifaceted approach and emphasis on sustainability, the project is driving positive change in livestock production, trade, and livelihoods.
As the project continues to make remarkable progress, it is evident that Live2Africa is a catalyst for transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape and ensuring a brighter future for the continent’s farmers and communities.
