Catalyzing Transformation towards Sustainable Livestock Systems (LiveSys)

Background

  • Livestock is critical to livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa, supporting 80 percent of poor households in Eastern and Southern Africa and contributing around 40 percent of agricultural GDP.
  • Two-thirds of livestock farmers are women, mostly raising small livestock species.
  • Demand for animal products is expected to double by 2050, driven by population growth, rising incomes and urbanisation.
  • Climate change is reducing animal productivity, forage growth and feed availability, while fuelling conflict over land and water.
  • Livestock also contributes around 15 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and 60–80 percent of agricultural deforestation, though Africa's share remains small.
  • Agricultural and food systems received only 7.2 percent of global climate finance in 2021/22, with little reaching livestock.
  • Sustainable pathways remain open, but weak policy prioritisation and investment overlook livestock's potential for livelihoods, climate action, biodiversity and land restoration.

goat

LiveSys is a five-year initiative (2024–2028) funded by BMZ and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in partnership with ILRI, AU-IBAR, CIAT, AGNES and other partners.
It is designed to strengthen the capacity of key actors, including government officials from African Union member states, regional economic communities, livestock producer organisations, and national focal points for the Rio Conventions, to develop policies and financing mechanisms for climate-resilient, biodiversity-friendly, and gender-responsive livestock systems. 
This initiative reflects a broader understanding that transforming livestock systems requires more than technology. Lasting change requires capable institutions, informed policies, and professionals who can navigate climate science, agricultural practice, finance mechanisms, and social inclusion. 

Project Goal

Our goal: The global project “Catalysing transformation towards sustainable livestock systems (LiveSys)” supports global, regional and national decision-makers in capacity, policy and financing instruments to help protect the climate, biodiversity and land through sustainable livestock systems.
Catalysing Transformation towards Sustainable Livestock Systems (LiveSys

2026
2026

 

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