African Livestock Production Systems: The Past, Present and the Projected Future

Africa is home to diverse livestock genetic resources (AnGR), which have contributed and continue to contribute to the livelihoods of Africans and the economic development of the continent (Section 2.1). Livestock farming engages about 65% of Africans, predominantly rural dwellers, and its evolution is shaped by many factors such as agro-ecological conditions, socio-economic variables, land availability, species, goal of production and technological and institutional factors, among others. Consequently, a wide variety of livestock production systems are practised in Africa, even within the same agro-ecological zones or regions. Depending on the agro-ecological zone and the level of investment/technical know-how, the main livestock production systems range from small-scale subsistence to large-scale extensive and intensive systems (Section 2.3). Generally, African livestock production is dependent on rainfall, and while about three-quarters of Africa’s agricultural land is classified as grassland, over 70% of livestock productivity takes place in the small-scale production systems characterised by low farm size (animal numbers), limited access to adequate nutrition and healthcare and generally low inputs and outputs (Section 2.4). With the rising human population and demand for livestock products, the current level of livestock productivity is not meeting consumer demand, a situation that will worsen in future years. As a remedy, current livestock production systems must be understood as a first step to putting in place more productive systems. This chapter presents the characteristics of present-day African livestock production systems, their challenges, and factors that could shape future more productive livestock production systems.