In November 2009, SNV and partners hosted the first global forum on livestock commerce. After three days of intense discussion, participants went home with concrete ideas on how to maximize the potential of the sector. 

Livestock farming is widely practiced across Africa.  In West and Central Africa alone, livestock accounts for 80% of rural farmers’ revenue. Yet, the economic potential of livestock farming remains under-exploited. Livestock farmers have little access to regional or global markets, making them unable to sell their products.

How can livestock farmers gain better access to markets? What economic policies can help the livestock sector better contribute to the national economy? How can livestock farmers use communications technology to their benefit? 

These were some of the questions discussed by the 120 participants who attended the conference in Bamako, from November 25 -28.  Hailing from across the globe; the participants comprised of livestock farmers, public and private sector organisations, researchers, NGOs and government representatives. 

“We are here to debate with, not against each other”, said Niko Pater, Director of SNV Mali and Guinea Bissau during his opening address “Our aim is not to find fault with the practices of the livestock farmers. Rather, we want to encourage global dialogue on how to improve market access for the farmers and increase their revenues”.     

Mrs. Madeline Diallo, the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, applauded the conference’s focus on value chain development and supporting livestock farmers through national economic policy.  “The discussions during the conference are not only useful for the livestock farmers, but also the economic policymakers”, noted Mrs. Diallo.  She stressed the need to increase revenue from meat and milk products, as this could provide farmers a path out of poverty. 

After three days of heated discussions, the participants of the conference were optimistic.  Many looked forward to repeating the experiences of their counterparts.

Norah Ngeny, from the East African office of the World Initiative for Sustainable Pastoralism (WISP) was inspired by the work of Mali’s Pastoralist Federation (FEBEVIM). During the past year, with SNV’s assistance, FEBEVIM led a successful advocacy campaign against illicit border taxes on livestock. Upon her return to Kenya, Ngeny hopes to replicate the West African experience. “We would like to borrow from this idea of creating less hostile borders which pastoralists can use as cattle corridors and market access routes”, said Ngeny. 

Tefaye Dargie, SNV’s Economic Development Advisor for South Sudan was motivated by Benin’s use of community radio to promote livestock production - a strategy employed by the Inter Facultative Centre for Sustainable Development (CIFRED).  Upon his return to Sudan, Dargie is keen to apply the same strategy through his local radio, Kapoeta.

The experiences presented during the conference could not only be repeated in different regions, but also, sectors. “The presentation made by WISP Kenya on niche markets for pastoral products also gave me insight”, reflected Dargie. “We can tap into such markets for our gum acacia products in Sudan”.