Hides and skins from domestic livestock are potentially valuable agricultural products, especially suited for export. Markets for finished leather products have grown, with much of the impetus coming from the fashion industry. In the rural areas of developing countries, the processing of hides and skins is often neglected or undertaken incorrectly, but can provide much needed employment and extra income – leading to improved livelihoods for rural dwellers. This booklet outlines the opportunities for generating income by producing and trading in hides and skins. It is hoped that it will provide valuable information to people and organizations providing advisory, business and technical support services to farmers and entrepreneurs attempting to exploit the commercial opportunities arising from the better utilization of hides and skins.