Experts: African Livestock Industry Needs Youth, Succession Plans
The discussions took place at a side event organized by the African Union's Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
KAMPALA, Uganda — African livestock production faces significant challenges due to inadequate succession planning and limited youth involvement, industry leaders said Tuesday at an African Union event, writes Meclina Chirwa.
"We're failing to implement concrete measures to sustain livestock production in Africa," said Jacqueline Gowe, chairperson of the African Women in Livestock Resources and Agribusiness Network-Zimbabwe.
"Empowering women and youth is crucial to overcoming this challenge."
Gowe, who heads Maungwe Products and works with rural women farmers, called on African governments to increase funding for livestock initiatives that prioritize women and youth participation.
The International Livestock Research Institute questioned the continent's dependence on imported animal products.
"We can't continue depending on imports. It's time to invest more in our own livestock production," said ILRI Director Professor Appolinaire Djikeng.
The discussions took place at a side event organized by the African Union's Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
AWARFA-N, the Zimbabwe chapter of the African Women in Livestock Resources Farming and Agribusiness Network, provides training and market access support to women-led agricultural businesses.
The organization aims to boost food security and reduce poverty through increased participation of women in the livestock sector.