The State of Food and Agriculture 2009 FAO

In this new FAO release of the World State of Food and Agriculture sent by one of our Blog readers, the livestock global evolution is analyzed. Livestock contribute 40 percent of the global value of agricultural output and support the livelihoods and food security of almost a billion people. Rapidly rising incomes and urbanization, combined with underlying population growth,are driving demand for meat and other animal products in many developing countries.

Main conclusions were

• The livestock sector is expanding rapidly, driven by population growth, rising affluence and urbanization.

• Decisive action is required if increasing demand is to be met in ways that are environmentally sustainable and contribute to poverty alleviation and improved human health.

• The contribution of the livestock sector to poverty alleviation should be enhanced through appropriate policy reform and investments within a framework of broader rural development policies.

• Governance of the livestock sector should be strengthened to ensure that its development is environmentally sustainable and that it both adapts to and contributes to mitigating climate change.

• The neglect of animal-health systems in many parts of the world must be redressed, and producers at every level must be involved in the development of animal-disease and food-safety programmes.

For the complete report click here