A study by Paul, et al., (2023) titled “Livestock solutions to regenerate soils and landscapes for sustainable agri-food systems transformation in Africa” published in Outlook on Agriculture by Sage Publication shows that livestock systems are vital for food security, nutrition, and livelihoods in Africa, but they also have a large environmental footprint and face multiple challenges from climate change, land degradation, and population growth.
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Livestock systems in Africa offer pathways to sustainability, balancing environmental challenges with soil regeneration, landscape restoration, and climate resilience– Paul, et al., 2023
This article explores the role of livestock systems in regenerating soils and landscapes for sustainable agri-food systems transformation in Africa. The study posits that livestock can contribute to soil health, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and livelihoods. The study also presents three case studies of livestock interventions in Kenya, east Africa, and southern Africa, and identifies four critical steps for achieving lasting change at a continental scale. Examples of livestock solutions include improved forages, manure management, grazing management, and agroforestry, which can deliver multiple benefits for people and the planet, such as increased productivity, income, resilience, and ecosystem services. Four critical steps are required for scaling up livestock solutions in Africa, namely: (1) establishing a shared vision among stakeholders; (2) prioritizing context-specific entry points; (3) fostering synergies between technical and social gains; and (4) building long-term institutions for sustained impact. The authors also delve into the challenges and opportunities for scaling up livestock solutions and conclude that livestock solutions can be key catalysts for sustainable agri-food systems transformation that merit accelerated public and private investments.
Challenges and Opportunities Associated with Scaling up Livestock Solutions for Soil Health and Landscape Restoration in Africa
Challenges:
Environmental Footprint: Livestock systems have a significant environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, and water use. Balancing livestock production with environmental sustainability is a challenge.
Climate Change Resilience: Climate change poses risks to livestock systems through extreme weather events, changing rainfall patterns, and heat stress. Adapting livestock practices to withstand these challenges is crucial.
Land Degradation: Overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion contribute to land degradation. Managing livestock grazing and restoring degraded lands require innovative approaches.
Biodiversity Loss: Intensive livestock production can harm local ecosystems and biodiversity. Ensuring livestock practices coexist with wildlife and natural habitats is essential.
Social Equity: Livestock ownership and benefits are not evenly distributed. Addressing social inequities and empowering smallholders are critical for sustainable livestock solutions.
Opportunities:
Carbon Sequestration: Livestock systems can sequester carbon through improved grazing management, agroforestry, and soil conservation practices. This contributes to climate change mitigation.
Soil Health: Livestock manure enriches soil nutrients, enhancing crop productivity. Integrating livestock and crop systems can improve soil health.
Agroecological Approaches: Promoting agroecology, where livestock and crops complement each other, fosters sustainable practices. Crop residues as livestock feed and manure as soil amendments are examples.
Livelihood Diversification: Livestock provide income diversification for rural communities. Supporting livestock-based livelihoods can reduce poverty and enhance resilience.
Knowledge Sharing: Platforms for knowledge exchange, farmer-to-farmer learning, and research collaboration can accelerate adoption of best practices.
How the Study was Conducted
The authors employed a combination of new analyses of original data, a quantitative search in Web of Science, and literature review to explore the role of livestock systems in sustainable agri-food systems transformation in Africa. The authors conducted an international livestock expert survey in 2019 with 94 experts from policy, research, and development with work expertise from Africa, to assess the importance, challenges, and opportunities of livestock systems in Africa. The authors also performed a quantitative literature search on the Web of Science to examine the research interest and investment in Africa, livestock, and environmental issues between 1945 and 2018, using specific search strings for each environmental dimension. The authors further reviewed the existing literature on the potential of livestock solutions to regenerate soils and restore degraded landscapes, such as improved forages, grazing management, and agroforestry systems. In addition, the authors presented case studies of successful livestock solutions from different regions of Africa, such as the Northern Rangelands Trust in Kenya, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT in east Africa, and the EverGreen Agriculture Partnership in west Africa.
What the Authors Found
The authors found that livestock systems are vital for food security, nutrition, and livelihoods in Africa, but they also have a large environmental footprint and face multiple challenges from climate change, land degradation, and population growth. The authors further posit that livestock solutions can regenerate soils and restore degraded landscapes, by increasing carbon sequestration, improving soil health, enhancing water use efficiency, and supporting biodiversity conservation.
Why is this Important
Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: The study highlights the critical role of livestock systems in achieving sustainable agri-food systems. Livestock contribute significantly to food security, nutrition, and livelihoods in Africa. Understanding how to harness their potential while minimizing negative environmental impacts is crucial for long-term sustainability.
Soil Regeneration and Landscape Restoration: Livestock solutions can play a pivotal role in regenerating soils and restoring degraded landscapes. By improving soil health, enhancing carbon sequestration, and supporting biodiversity conservation, livestock systems contribute to ecosystem resilience and productivity.
Climate Change Mitigation: As the world faces the challenges of climate change, finding ways to mitigate its impact is essential. Livestock solutions that enhance carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions can contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.
Livelihoods and Resilience: Livestock systems provide livelihoods for millions of people in Africa. By promoting sustainable practices, we can enhance the resilience of communities, improve income opportunities, and ensure food security.
Scalability and Investment: The study identifies critical steps for scaling up livestock solutions across the continent. Accelerated public and private investments in livestock systems can drive lasting change, benefiting both people and the environment.
Strategies for Livestock-Centric Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: Recommendations for Policy, Practice, and Collaboration
- Establish a shared vision among stakeholders to recognize the role of livestock in sustainable agri-food systems transformation and align policies and investments accordingly.
- Prioritize critical entry points for livestock solutions, such as improved forages, grazing management, and manure management, that can deliver multiple benefits for productivity, resource use efficiency, and ecosystem services.
- Foster synergies between technical and social gains, such as increased income, food security, nutrition, and social inclusion, that can motivate adoption and scaling of livestock solutions.
- Build long-term institutions for sustained impact, such as partnerships, platforms, and networks, that can facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, and innovation.
In conclusion, the study underscores the pivotal role of livestock systems in Africa’s journey towards sustainable agri-food systems. Despite facing environmental challenges, livestock solutions offer a pathway to soil regeneration, landscape restoration, and climate resilience. By prioritizing collaboration, innovation, and investment, we can harness the potential of livestock to not only enhance food security and livelihoods but also preserve ecosystems for generations to come. Embracing sustainable practices and fostering inclusive partnerships are key to realizing a future where agriculture thrives harmoniously with nature, ensuring prosperity for both people and the planet.
Cite this article as (APA format):
AR Managing Editor (2024). Livestock Solutions for Sustainable Agri-Food Systems Transformation in Africa: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/livestock-solutions-for-sustainable-agri-food-systems-transformation-in-africa-challenges-opportunities-and-strategies/
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
