Unlocking Africa's Animal Resources

Unlocking Africa’s animal resource potential presents a strategic opportunity for achieving food security, poverty alleviation, and inclusive economic growth across the continent. With over 60% of rural populations relying on livestock for their livelihoods and a growing demand for animal products, the sector offers tremendous potential for value addition, employment—particularly for women and youth—and income generation. However, realizing this potential requires transitioning from informal, low-productivity systems to more integrated, resilient, and market-driven value chains. The AU-IBAR Strategic Plan 2024–2028 provides a continentally coordinated framework to lead this transformation by aligning policy, investment, and innovation efforts with Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Despite these opportunities, the sector faces significant structural and systemic challenges that hinder sustainable growth and development. Weak governance, limited surveillance systems for animal diseases, underutilized genetic resources, and fragmented markets all contribute to low productivity and vulnerability to shocks such as climate change and transboundary animal diseases. Inadequate infrastructure, poor access to quality inputs, and low investment in veterinary and production services exacerbate these issues. Additionally, harmonization gaps in trade regulations and SPS compliance restrict intra-African trade and reduce Africa’s competitiveness in global markets. AU-IBAR’s strategic pillars aim to confront these constraints through institutional capacity building, policy coherence, disease prevention, and climate-smart animal production systems.

To address these challenges and build resilient systems, AU-IBAR advocates for a One Health and One Welfare approach, improved governance, and inclusive innovation. The strategy emphasizes the need to strengthen animal health systems, conserve animal genetic diversity, and enhance productivity through climate-resilient and nature-positive solutions. AU-IBAR also seeks to operationalize regional gene banks, expand feed and fodder value chains, and promote the use of the Animal Resources Information System (ARIS) to support evidence-based decision-making. Investments in digital tools, public-private partnerships, and improved market access will help unlock the full potential of Africa’s livestock, fisheries, and wildlife sectors, especially in the face of climate variability.

A unified African position on animal resource development, as laid out in the AU-IBAR Strategic Plan 2024–2028, calls for collective action among AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and development partners. This common vision prioritizes the transformation of the animal resources sector into a driver of sustainable development, health security, and economic prosperity. Through harmonized frameworks and coordinated implementation, AU-IBAR aims to boost productivity, facilitate cross-border trade, reduce malnutrition, and enhance the continent’s resilience. With strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and a shared commitment to innovation and inclusivity, Africa can fully leverage its animal resources to deliver long-term benefits for its people and environment.