AU-IBAR ANIMAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is one ofthe specialised technical offices of the African Union (AU) under the Department ofRural Economy and Agriculture (DREA). The new mandate of IBAR recognizes thatanimal resources have to significantly contribute to increased incomes and foodsecurity in rural Africa and emphasizes the need for IBAR to work through theRegional Economic Communities (RECs) and other relevant institutions in memberstates. With the reorganization of AU / IBAR has to align itself to the vision of the AUand the mandate of DREA.The Animal Resource Development Strategy of IBAR outlines common and sharedvision, mission, core functions, strategies and activities that clearly demonstrateorganization's steps towards alignment with the AU vision. To contribute to thevision of AU the institution shall focus on six mandates including 1) control of majortransboundary animal diseases, 2) improvement of animal genetic and feedresources, 3) enhancement of trade and marketing of livestock and livestockproducts, 4) development of livestock information and communication technology, 5)improvement of quality assurance of livestock and products of animal origin, and 6)harmonization of livestock related policies and the legal framework in memberstates.AU-IBAR plans to represent Africa and be a link between international standardssetting institutions, RECs and member states to promote African policies supportiveof the livestock sector. In addition, AU -IBAR plans to use its comparative politicaladvantage to coordinate and oversee adaptation of international standards,equivalents and regulations and documentation of best practices for African realities.