Livestock play an indispensable role in societies worldwide, supporting the livelihoods of about 1.3 billion people globally and comprising 40 percent of the world’s agricultural GDP.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
This critical sector was the focus of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO’) second Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation, which opened on Monday 29 September at FAO headquarters in Rome.
The Vital Role of Livestock
The livestock sector serves as far more than food production. For many in low- and middle-income countries, livestock represent a primary source of income and act as a critical financial safety net, providing savings and insurance against economic shocks. The sector contributes significantly to global food security and nutrition, providing approximately one-third of the global protein intake through animal-source foods.
Science continues to affirm the nutritional value of livestock products, with milk, eggs and meat recognised as essential components of balanced diets, particularly for children and vulnerable populations. Beyond nutrition, livestock create vital income and employment opportunities for youth and women, offering critical resilience for vulnerable households during times of crisis while contributing to soil fertility and supporting ecosystems.
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Conference Focus: From Dialogue to Action
“Experience shows that the adoption of good practices can make livestock systems truly sustainable,” said FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu as he opened the conference, which runs until Wednesday 1 October.
Building on the outcomes of the historic first Global Conference in 2023 and subsequent regional forums, this second Global Conference shifts focus from dialogue to action. Under the theme “Fostering Change, Scaling Innovations, Driving Solutions”, the agenda highlights livestock’s critical role in transforming global agrifood systems and ensuring the Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all.
The conference convenes FAO members, policymakers, farmers, private companies, industry associations, civil society representatives, NGOs, researchers and development agencies to share experiences and showcase actionable solutions for sustainable livestock sector transformation. More than 1 000 stakeholders are expected to participate in the conference and the upcoming Global Forum for Animal Feed and Feed Regulators.
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Addressing Challenges with Solutions
While acknowledging that the sector faces considerable challenges, including environmental impact, public health risks and animal welfare concerns, Director-General Qu emphasised available solutions.
“But we also have the solutions,” he said, citing examples of farms worldwide where manure is converted into clean energy, by-products are repurposed into new materials and animals are raised in healthy, humane conditions.
“The lesson is clear – and science confirms it: When good practices are adopted, livestock systems can be truly sustainable,” Qu stated.
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Why This Conference Matters
The Director-General outlined three key reasons for the conference’s significance:
- Collaboration requirements: Sustainable livestock transformation demands collaboration and shared commitment among diverse stakeholders.
- Critical crossroads: The sector stands at an important juncture where advances in science, digital technologies and sustainable practices present previously unimaginable opportunities.
- Practical focus: The Global Conference emphasises practical solutions and action over theory.
The three-day conference features plenary discussions, expert panels, pitch sessions and thematic forums focused on climate change mitigation, low-emission livestock systems, animal health and welfare, sustainable feeding and breeding, food security and innovation’s role in sector transformation.
A dedicated exhibition runs alongside the conference, featuring concrete solutions, technologies and initiatives supporting livestock systems transformation. It highlights examples from countries and private sector and research institutions, offering participants opportunities to explore innovations and best practices for building more sustainable and resilient livestock systems.
Monday’s high-level ministerial session included interventions from Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh, India’s Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; Abderahim Awat Atteib, Chad’s Minister of Livestock and Animal Production; and Hassan Hussein Mohamed, Somalia’s Minister of Livestock, Forestry and Range.
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FAO’s Continued Support
As FAO marks its 80th anniversary, the organisation continues delivering tangible ground-level results. FAO supports countries in mobilising long-term investments through the FAO Investment Centre, Global Environment Facility, Green Climate Fund, Pandemic Fund, FAO Hand-in-Hand Initiative, South-South Cooperation and other key partnerships.
The organisation supports members implementing One Health in agrifood systems, delivering pandemic prevention, tackling antimicrobial resistance and helping countries address zoonotic diseases threatening both animal and human health.
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Recent initiatives include the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (2024–2033), accelerated efforts to eradicate Peste des Petits Ruminants by 2030 and advancement of a Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Livestock Transformation.
As transboundary animal disease risks continue growing, FAO will launch the Global Challenge Programme for Transboundary Animal Diseases – a bold initiative to protect animal health, strengthen livestock production and safeguard livelihoods worldwide.
“This event will demonstrate how the commitments we made in 2023 have been translated into real action on the ground – action that is improving lives and livelihoods, protecting our environment and building resilience in every country and every region,” Qu concluded.
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