APMD Platform Launch Signals New Era for Africa’s Pastoral Livestock Sector

The pastoral livestock sector in Africa has received a transformative boost with the launch of the African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) Platform. This ambitious initiative is designed to address long-standing challenges faced by pastoral communities, particularly in the Horn of Africa and Sahel regions, using data-driven and market-focused strategies.

Spearheaded by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the APMD Platform aims to enhance livelihoods, bolster economic sustainability, and strengthen resilience among Africa’s pastoral communities.

The APMD Platform targets critical gaps in the pastoral economy, such as the undervaluation of informal livestock trade. In 2010, for instance, the informal livestock trade in the Greater Horn of Africa was valued at approximately USD 1 billion but remained largely neglected and underfunded. By introducing market-focused interventions, the platform seeks to unlock the untapped potential of this sector.

Statistics underscore the vital role pastoralists play in Africa's economy. Pastoral systems contribute an estimated 27 percent of the continent's GDP and supply 60-80 percent of its meat. In some regions, pastoralists account for up to 50 percent of meat exports, highlighting the sector’s importance in both domestic and international markets.

With meat and milk demand in sub-Saharan Africa projected to increase by over 250 percent by 2050, driven by population growth, urbanization, and shifting dietary preferences, the need for strategic investments in pastoral systems is more urgent than ever.

Speaking during the platform's launch in Nairobi, Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, described the initiative as a major milestone in advancing sustainable livestock development across Africa.

“Livestock is critical to food and nutrition security, economic growth, and trade on the continent. The launch of this platform is a bold step toward maximizing these contributions,” she said.

Dr. Salih emphasized that the platform aligns with Africa’s livestock development strategy and AU-IBAR’s commitment to transforming the sector by prioritizing pastoralists’ needs, enhancing market linkages, and promoting food security.

Dr. Christopher Wanga, Kenya’s Director of Livestock Policy Research and Regulations, highlighted the platform’s potential to unlock economic growth by streamlining the pastoral livestock subsector. While organized dairy industries exist, he noted that integrating pastoral systems could revolutionize the broader livestock economy.

Similarly, Hon. Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Nigeria’s Minister for Livestock Development, praised the initiative’s focus on empowering women and youth, improving food security, and building resilience to climate change.

  
“The successful implementation of the APMD project will significantly contribute to national economic development and food security across the continent,” he remarked.

Dr. Yoseph Shiferaw Mamo, Senior Livestock and Fisheries Officer at COMESA, stressed the challenges pastoralists face, including climate change, disease outbreaks, and market access issues. He explained that the APMD Platform is designed to create a more market-oriented production system, directly benefiting producers.

Led by project head Professor Ahmed Elbeltagy, the APMD initiative has allocated a significant portion of its budget for the four-year implementation phase. Extensive groundwork has already been laid, with 32 countries assessed for their livestock population, economic contributions, growth potential, and geopolitical stability.

Kenya and Nigeria have been designated as “Lighthouse Countries” due to their strategic importance, while Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger were identified as outreach countries for targeted interventions.

In September 2024, regional consultations mapped the entire pastoral livestock value chain—from production to sales. Kenya led efforts in the Horn of Africa, while Nigeria focused on the Sahel region, offering regional perspectives to shape strategic priorities.

Subsequent workshops in October, November, and December 2024 refined the platform’s action plans, ensuring alignment with market needs and implementation feasibility. These events brought together stakeholders to validate technical plans, identify implementers, and establish timelines for impactful interventions.

The APMD Platform promises a brighter future for Africa’s pastoral communities. By addressing systemic challenges, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and leveraging data-driven solutions, the initiative seeks to transform the livestock sector into a driver of economic growth, food security, and resilience across the continent.