Within the framework of the VET-GOV programme AU-IBAR supported Madagascar to develop a national Livestock Policy informed by the results of a Value chain analysis to improve competitiveness of Malagasy products of animal origin to international market.A validation workshop of the livestock policy and the results of the value chain study took place from 22-23 March 2017 at Panorama Hotel in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
The overall objective of the 2-day workshop was to validate the developed Livestock Policy including the results of Livestock Value chain study. The specific objectives were the following:
- To validate and adopt the developed livestock policy of the country
- To present the results of the value chain analysis and the main recommendations
- To discuss on the way forward to finalize and to submit the documents.to the government for endorsement.
The workshop brought together the national livestock policy hub members and other stakeholders to discuss and agree on the issues to be included in the Livestock Policy, and the results of the study on livestock value chain including the recommendations. A total of 40 participants attended the workshop.
The meeting was officially opened by, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Mr. Pierrot RANDRIANARITIANA. In his remark he stated that "Today, the African Union through AU-IBAR and COMESA are here to support us, it is up to us Malagasy to seize the opportunities and make optimal use of it". They are here to assist us in formulating the livestock development policy and on the study on the competitiveness of the products of animal origin on the international market. This workshop is therefore timely in order to define the goal to be reached, the path to be taken and the means to achieve it". In his conclusions, he postulated that "The challenge is to make Madagascar the granary of the Indian Ocean and Southern African regions; but also other regions such as Asia, America. The potential is there, but it requires a clear policy, a proactive strategy and a well-crafted action plan".
Opening remarks were also made on behalf of the Director of AU-IBAR, Prof. Ahmed El-Sawalhy and COMESA VET-GOV Coordinator Dr. Yoseph Mamo by Dr. Hiver Boussini who emphasized that “this workshop is to further discuss the strength and weaknesses identified in each value chain and livestock policy and in turn to translate them in the coming days and months into strategies, programs and projects for the effective development of livestock in Madagascar and shared experiences and best practices among the various stakeholders of the NLPH members”.
A total of 8 policy briefs were reviewed and validated, including the study of the value chain. The country has adopted the value chain approach. Thus, seven livestock development policies were developed for the following value chains : dairy, bees, swine, avian, silkworms, bovine, ovine and caprine sectors. The value chain study covered all the above-mentioned sectors and made some relevant recommendations which were adopted by the participants.
The participants recognized and commended COMESA and AU-IBAR through VETGOV program for the support in completing Malagasy Livestock Policy Development process. The COMESA and AU-IBAR representative lauded the commitment of the Republic of Madagascar in translating these policies into concrete program and project in order to boost livestock sector in the coming years.