Africa’s livestock sector, a cornerstone of its agricultural economy, faces rising demand for animal-sourced foods, driven by population growth and urbanization. Experts at a webinar — organized by TAB Group as a prelude to the ‘Future Food, Livestock, and Poultry Expo (FLIP 2025)’ — delved into sustainable practices, health innovations, and public-private partnerships needed to support this critical industry.
FLIP will be held on 19-20 February 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Livestock: A Pillar of Africa’s Economy
Africa is home to one-third of the global livestock population, contributing 40% of the continent’s agricultural GDP. With rising population, urbanization, and incomes, demand for animal-sourced foods is set to double by 2050. Current annual per capita consumption of 14 kg of meat and 30 liters of milk is expected to rise to 26 kg and 64 liters, respectively, necessitating strategic investments in livestock health, nutrition, and management.
To address the challenges and opportunities presented by this growing demand, the webinar featured a panel of experts who explored strategies for enhancing livestock health, nutrition, and management across Africa. Panelists included Joseph Kagoro Ruhinda, CEO of Uganda Meat Producers Co-operative Union; Abdikadir Mohamed, CEO of Kenya Livestock Marketing Council; Dr. Ruphline Margaret Anyango, Deputy County Veterinary Officer, Kenya Veterinary Association; and Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman of the Compound Feed Manufacturers Association of India (CLFMA). The session was moderated by Surender Kumar Dhaleta, Editor of Agrotech Space.
Health and Nutrition: Key to Productivity
Joseph Kagoro Ruhinda highlighted advancements in disease control, prevention and diagnostic capabilities as pivotal for boosting livestock productivity. He stressed the importance of preventive measures such as vaccinations and periodic treatments for chronic conditions. Proper nutrition, he added, enhances immunity and reduces vulnerability to diseases, ultimately increasing yields in meat, milk and eggs.
“Healthy animals grow faster and produce more,” Ruhinda stated, emphasizing the economic benefits of improving herd-level productivity through health and nutritional investments.
Veterinary Innovations and Their Role
Dr. Ruphline Margaret Anyango discussed the latest developments in veterinary healthcare for livestock in Africa, emphasizing advancements in vaccinations and diagnostics. She highlighted that the demand for animal source proteins is expected to rise over the next 30 to 50 years due to population growth, urbanization, and increasing demand, creating a gap that encourages investment in the sector. Key factors driving the industry include the availability of inputs like feed, which are essential for livestock health and productivity.
In terms of veterinary advancements, Dr. Anyango pointed out that vaccines have evolved from single-dose to combination types. For example, quadrivalent vaccines for foot-and-mouth disease can handle multiple virus strains and remain stable even in high-temperature environments, which is particularly beneficial for Africa’s arid regions.
Additionally, diagnostic tools have seen significant improvements. Rapid testing technologies, such as field diagnostic strips, enable quick disease detection and treatment, reducing the delays previously associated with laboratory testing. This advancement improves animal health management by facilitating faster responses to diseases.
Public-Private Partnerships
Drawing from India’s experience, Divya Kumar Gulati emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) in strengthening the livestock sector, drawing from India’s experience. He highlighted that collaboration between government and private entities is crucial for shared research, infrastructure improvement, and policy development. The government’s scientific research capabilities, combined with private-sector innovation, can drive advancements in areas like genomics, AI, and precision farming.
Gulati also pointed out that private companies can invest in infrastructure, while the government provides land, tax breaks, and favorable regulations. This partnership helps enhance market access and facilitates policy development, such as feed regulations, where both sectors play a key role in setting standards. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of educational outreach to attract talent to the sector, with industry leaders actively engaging in academic institutions to foster knowledge and collaboration.
The Case for Sustainable Practices
Panelists highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable livestock management practices, such as rotational grazing, improved manure management, and balanced feeding regimens. These practices not only enhance productivity but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Joseph Kagoro Ruhinda elaborated on advancements in animal nutrition and health, emphasizing improved reproductive performance, the use of technology like sensors to monitor animal health, and forage preservation methods like silage and hay. These innovations optimize feed efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and improve animal welfare.
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The economic benefits of sustainable practices include increased productivity, reduced feed costs, and better market access, such as the potential to export beef to the European Union once disease control is improved. Sustainable practices also reduce disease incidence, improve soil health, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability. Overall, sustainable livestock management strengthens rural economies by improving livelihoods, creating employment, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Advancing Disease Control
Dr. Anyango spotlighted key livestock diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, lumpy skin disease, and peste des petits ruminants (PPR). Effective control strategies involve regular vaccination schedules, intensive surveillance, and biosecurity measures to prevent pathogen entry.
“Preventive vaccination, conducted semi-annually, is the most effective strategy against viral diseases,” Dr. Anyango explained. Surveillance and early intervention further ensure containment of outbreaks.
Technological Innovations in Livestock Care
Emerging technologies, such as sensors and chips for health monitoring, were highlighted as transformative tools. These devices enable real-time tracking of animal welfare and environmental conditions, ensuring timely interventions. Preservation techniques like silage and haymaking are improving feed efficiency, while balanced rations tailored to individual animals optimize digestion and productivity.
Economic and Social Impacts
Sustainable livestock practices not only improve yields but also open access to premium international markets. Kagoro Ruhinda cited the example of Uganda, where inadequate disease control restricts beef exports to the European Union. Addressing such gaps could unlock new economic opportunities.
Environmentally, reduced methane emissions and improved soil health from sustainable grazing and fertilization practices contribute to long-term agricultural viability. Socially, enhanced productivity and market access strengthen rural livelihoods by creating income and employment opportunities.
A Path Forward
As Africa’s livestock sector faces growing demand, integrating health, nutrition, and sustainable practices will be vital. Collaboration between stakeholders—farmers, industry players and policymakers—can address challenges and ensure that the continent’s livestock ecosystem thrives in the coming decades.
The discussions offered a roadmap for achieving this vision, highlighting the importance of innovation, partnerships, and community centric approaches in shaping a robust agricultural future for Africa.
