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Research Needs for Inclusive Livestock Markets in Developing Countries
The global population is predicted to reach 9.6 billion by 2050. Nearly all of future population growth will be in urban areas with some 50% of the developing world’s population will be living in over 425 cities with one million residents or more. Urban families in developing countries, with higher average incomes, generally consume diets higher in animal-source foods (ASF) than rural families. ASFs in developing countries reach consumers through various market value chains, often with weak enforcement of public health regulation. Disease hazards and risks inherent in traditional ASF food marketing systems are not well-understood. These challenges along with complex trade pathways will make traceability by developing world livestock producers difficult and prevent engagement in the growing global trade in ASFs. Increasingly consumers across the globe are linking their food choices to environmental and social equity attributes and, specifically with respect to ASFs, assurance of humane treatment of animals at farm level through to harvest. End market intermediaries often enforce private standards that associate their ASFs with a range of best management practices or adhere to accepted global standards. USAID’s Feed the Future Initiative seeks to link smallholder and pastoralist livestock producers to increasing local, regional and global ASF demand. Research supported by Feed the Future will enable increased competitiveness and market linkage through new technologies and improved management practices of herds and flocks that incorporate environmental standards, reduce greenhouse gas generation and eliminate health hazards and risks all along ASF value chains.
Keywords: animal source food (ASF), Feed the Future, USAID