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Livestock Theme Month

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Livestock production and animal-source food consumption are key components in achieving the U.S. Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS) objectives — which include sustainable, agriculture-led economic growth, strengthened resilience among people and systems, and a well-nourished population. Evidence shows that the livestock sector boosts agriculture gross domestic product (GDP) by an average of 30% in low- and middle-income countries. Rural households are particularly dependent on livestock, with 60% to 80% of households owning livestock to support their livelihoods, and can serve as a savings mechanism. And we know that households, particularly in vulnerable areas, must have access to diverse, nutritious foods. Evidence shows that only 18% of children receive adequately diverse diets in low- and middle-income countries. Animal-source foods, such as milk and eggs, have essential nutrients that play a pivotal role in providing much-needed nutrients for growth and development early in life. Finally, livestock are also a critical asset for households in areas of recurrent crisis, where we’re targeting our efforts to strengthen resilience and help families emerge from poverty, even in the face of shocks and stresses, including climate disasters. 

Yet, many livestock systems are not functioning efficiently and food safety and hygiene can be an issue. The sector contributes approximately 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions each year, although much of that is produced in developed countries. While USAID is not ignoring the livestock sector’s impact on climate change, it is important to remember that the existing evidence indicates that promoting nutrition and food security with sustainable food systems using research for development along with climate-smart approaches can improve efficiency and reduce emission intensities. Feed the Future’s investments in a food systems approach, which includes sustainable livestock production, will drive economic growth, improve nutrition and build resilience. 

  • Posts and Events
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antimicrobial resistance in livestock

Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock: The Invisible Threat

Antimicrobial resistance hinders our ability to prevent and contain livestock disease, increases production costs, decreases market yields and reduces the supply of safe, nutritious food.

Hailey Harroun White

Dec 03, 2021
Agricultural Productivity Food Safety
Transport of Livestock

Safety Practices in Livestock Management Can Improve Nutrition, Health and Economic Growth

To meet the growing demand for animal-sourced foods, Feed the Future Business Drivers for Food Safety has analyzed opportunities for improving food safety across the animal-sourced food system.

Food Enterprise Solutions (FES)

Dec 03, 2021
Food Safety Markets and Trade
A poultry farmer looking after her birds

Implementing Policies for a Sustainable Livestock Sector: Lessons from Africa

Preliminary lessons seven pillars that characterize successful policy implementation:
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Ugo Pica-Ciamarra

Dec 01, 2021
Policy and Governance
tools

Genomic Selection Platform Holds Promise for Breeding Stronger, More Disease-Resilient Indigenous Chickens

Developing a genomic platform for selection and breeding of indigenous chickens in Tanzania and Ghana with improved survival time in the face of deadly Newcastle Disease.
profile image of Huaijun Zhou profile image of IL  GIP

Huaijun Zhou

IL GIP

Nov 30, 2021
Food Safety Nutrition Resilience
Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Animal Health (AHIL)

The Launch of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Animal Health

If you protect cattle health and improve production, families enjoy higher incomes, have better access to education and health, and escape the long-term deleterious consequences of undernutrition.

Joy Wanja Muraya

Josphat Muema

Nov 30, 2021
Agricultural Productivity Education and Extension Nutrition Policy and Governance Resilience
Cattle in a mobile night kraal in Barue, Mozambique.

Mobile Pens Harness Livestock to Improve Farm Systems

In Mozambique, farmers are adopting mobile pens as an improved approach to care for their livestock while promoting a strong and resilient farm system.
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Christina Licari

Nov 30, 2021
Agricultural Productivity Climate and Natural Resources Resilience
A herd of camel calves standing in a field

Addressing Young Stock Mortality in Ethiopia

Up to 40% of young stock born in Ethiopia do not see their first birthday. Implementing good husbandry and health practices can change this and significantly increase survivability.
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Ciara Vance

Nov 26, 2021
Agricultural Productivity
man and livestock

How Animal Source Food Can Improve Household Dietary Security in Developing and Emerging Economies

Case studies in Eswatini and Zimbabwe suggest improving communal natural resources is key in protecting the animal source foods crucial to improving household nutritional security,
profile image of John McCormack profile image of Serena Stepanovic

John McCormack

Serena Stepanovic

Nov 26, 2021
Agricultural Productivity Nutrition
turkey

Giving Thanks for the Agrilinks Livestock Community

Thanksgiving in the United States is a time to reflect on the importance of this annual harvest festival and all those who support our food supply year-round.

Erin Menzies Pluer

Cate Flanley

Nov 23, 2021
Climate and Natural Resources Food Safety
Livestock owners in Karamoja

Intersectional Identities of Livestock Owners in Nepal, Senegal, and Uganda, and How They Matter in Accessing Livestock Vaccines

Vaccination campaigns often treat livestock owners as a homogenous group and fail to consider how intersectional identities, such as gender, ethnicity, or caste, can affect vaccine access and uptake.
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Katie Fiorillo Dowhaniuk

Nov 19, 2021
Agricultural Productivity Gender

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