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Voluntary guidance tool for the sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity – Need, scope, nature, and development process

In March 2022, the first session of the Committee on Agriculture (COAG) Sub-Committee on Livestock “requested FAO to organize further consultations on the need, scope, nature, and process for the development of a dedicated voluntary guidance tool for the sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity.”

In response to this request, FAO is undertaking a wide ranging, inclusive and multistakeholder consultation process, under the overall direction and guidance of the Bureau of the COAG Sub-Committee on Livestock. The main findings of the consultations will be submitted to the Second Session of the COAG Sub-Committee on Livestock, scheduled to take place in May 2024.

In April-May 2023, FAO conducted the Global Survey “Need for a Dedicated Voluntary Guidance Tool for the Sustainable Enhancement of Small-Scale Livestock Productivity”. As outlined in the background document available here, the Global Survey confirmed that a global voluntary guidance tool would be useful, and this e-consultation is based on that assumption.

Objectives of this e-consultation

Based on the findings of the Global Survey, a FAO task force drafted the potential objectives, scope and nature, and process for the development of a dedicated voluntary guidance tool for the sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity.

With this e-consultation, FAO is seeking the feedback from key partners and stakeholders, including national governments and institutions, small-scale producer organizations, civil society organizations, global and regional development organizations, research organizations and academia, and other global and regional organizations on the following guiding issues:

A
Please provide your suggestions and views on the proposed objectives, scope and nature of a dedicated voluntary guidance tool for the sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity as outlined below.
Are the proposed objectives, scope and nature of a dedicated voluntary guidance tool for the sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity relevant and sufficiently comprehensive?
Are there any major gaps or omissions?
B
Please share good practices, successful experiences and suggestions on the process for the development of voluntary guidance tools.
Overviews of good practices and successful experiences together with a hyperlink or citation for each contribution would be appreciated.
 

PROPOSED OBJECTIVES, NATURE AND SCOPE, AND PROCESS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A DEDICATED VOLUNTARY GUIDANCE TOOL FOR THE SUSTAINABLE ENHANCEMENT OF SMALL-SCALE LIVESTOCK PRODUCTIVITY

Objectives

The voluntary guidance tool could help to improve sustainable small-scale livestock productivity by:

  • Raising the profile and understanding of the contributions of small-scale livestock producers;
  • Suggesting how common constraints to improved small-scale livestock productivity might be overcome;
  • Identifying actions and practices that small-scale livestock producers and allied value chain actors could implement or advocate for;
  • Identifying themes that would benefit from multi stakeholder engagement at national, regional and/or global levels.

Nature and scope

The tool could be global in scope but focus on low- and middle-income countries, where small-scale livestock production is most important and productivity is reported to be lower.

The potential voluntary guidance tool would provide governments and other stakeholders of the small-scale livestock subsector (including producers and their organizations, civil society organizations and the private sector) with internationally recognized, locally and nationally adaptable guidance and principles that they can voluntarily use as a basis for updating or strengthening of their national strategies, policies, legislation, programmes, investment plans and activities for the sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity. The guidance and principles would be presented in the same format employed in other voluntary guidance tools developed by FAO.

Given the great diversity of small-scale production systems and that there is no single, agreed definition of the subsector, the voluntary guidance tool would not prescribe a definition of small-scale livestock producers and would focus on farmers and pastoralists, who, at the national level have limited resource endowments, relative to other livestock keepers in the sector. It would focus on production systems that rely mainly on the family labour of both women and men and are integral to household livelihoods and consider both pastoralists and small-scale intensive and extensive farmers.

Process

What would the process for preparing the voluntary guidance tool look like?

The voluntary guidance tool would be developed through an inclusive and participatory process under the overall direction and guidance of the Bureau of the COAG Sub-Committee on Livestock. FAO would play a facilitator role and organize, depending on the funds available: in-person or virtual global and/or regional multi-stakeholder consultation workshops and e-consultations. The draft of the voluntary guidance tool would be submitted to the 3rd Session of the COAG Sub-Committee on Livestock for review and feedback.

Who would participate in the preparation of the voluntary guidance tool?

The consultations would involve representatives of governments, small-scale livestock producers and their organizations, researchers, civil society, development partners, and other relevant private- and public-sector actors. Consultations would be carried out in line with relevant FAO guidelines and strategies, such as the Guidelines for Ensuring Balanced Representation of Civil Society in FAO Meetings and Processes.

 

 

The outputs of this online consultation will contribute to the inclusive multistakeholder consultation process, requested by the COAG Sub-Committee on Livestock.

The comments are welcome in English, French and Spanish. To take part in this online consultation, please register to the FSN Forum, if you are not yet a member, or “sign in” to your account. You can insert your comment in the below box “Post your contribution” on this webpage. 

The consultation is open until 8 January 2024.

We thank in advance all the contributors for reading, commenting and providing inputs and look forward to your active participation in this consultation process!

Co-Facilitators:

Badi Besbes, Senior Animal Production Officer, Animal Production and Health Division (NSA), FAO

Giacomo de’ Besi, Animal Production Officer, NSA, FAO

Robyn Alders, Senior Consultant, FAO

 

REFERENCES:

  1. Report based on the outcomes of the Global Survey “Need for a Dedicated Voluntary Guidance Tool for the Sustainable Enhancement of Small-Scale Livestock Productivity” (available in English, French and Spanish).
  2. Supplementary material: Respondents and detailed results of the global survey (available in English).

Topics

This activity is now closed. Please contact [email protected] for any further information.

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Mr. Basiru Darboe

MINISTRY OF FISHERIES WATER RESOURCES AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MATTERS
Gambia

Small-scale livestock farming involves various components and forces that contribute to its development. these include access to land, water, and other resources availability of inputs such as feed and veterinary services, market access, and supportive policies and regulation. 

Agricultural cooperatives and partnerships also play a crucial role in promoting small-scale livestock farming by providing farmers with access to markets, inputs, and technical assistance.

policy strategies that support small-scale livestock farming include measures to improve access to credit, extension services, and market information. government can also provide incentives for the development of small-scale livestock farming, such as tax breaks and subsidies for inputs and equipment. in addition, policies that promote sustainable land use and conservation can help to ensure the long-term viability of small-scale livestock farming 

agricultural cooperatives and partnerships can help small-scale livestock farmers overcome some of the challenges they face, such as limited access to the market and inputs. By pooling resources and sharing knowledge and expertise, farmers can improve their productivity and profitability cooperation can also provide a platform for farmers to advocate for their interests and influence policy decisions that affect their livelihoods.

in summary, the components and forces involved in the development of small-scale livestock farming include access to resources, supportive policies and regulations, and the role of agricultural cooperation and partnership. by addressing these factors, governments and other factors,  government and other stakeholders can help to promote the growth and sustainability of small-scale livestock farming 

 

L'élaboration d'un outil d'orientation facultatif dédié à l'amélioration de la productivité du petit élevage est important voir indispensable pour les pays en développement  parce que les états comptent sur leur production pour nourrir la population et vendre le surplus à l'étranger. Dans les pays comme la Cameroun, le secteur de l'agriculture occupe d'ailleurs 70 % de la population en zone rurale d'où la nécessité des stratégies ou politiques d'encadrement et d'orientation des petites unités familiales.

Notre contribution participe à l'atteinte des objectifs 2 et 3

En effet, si le problème de matériel biologique est de plus en plus maîtrisé surtout avec l'implication des états pour ce qui est de certaines espèces comme le porc, les poulets, les bovins et les petits ruminants, il reste l'épineux problème de l'alimentation. L'alimentation reste le poste budgétaire le plus important dans le fonctionnement d'une ferme animale. Pour les petites exploitations commerciales dont le mode est semi-intensif voir intensif, les bêtes vivent en claustration totale ou partielle et il faut leur apporter un aliment de qualité.

C'est une contrainte majeure quand on connait les conflits entre agriculteurs et éleveurs, l'augmentation irréversible du prix des intrants, la compétition entre l'alimentation animale et humaine, les difficultés à produire avec les variations du climat.

Nous avions pensé à une alimentation alternative avec le sorgho, le mucuna pruriens, le moringa et réfléchissons sur d'autres intrants.

Sur le plan nutritionnel, le maïs et le sorgho ont les mêmes nutriments avec une meilleure proportion dans le sorgho. Le sorgho n'entre pas dans l'alimentation humaine dans le grand sud Cameroun ce qui en fait un intrant de choix pour les aliments du bétail.

Sur le plan agronomique, le sorgho n'est pas exigent en engrais et en eau et permet la remontée en surface des éléments nutritifs. Il peut être cultivé en saison dites sèches dans le grand sud et les bêtes consomment ses tiges, ses feuilles (fourrage), ses graines avec une possibilité de repousser. Son rendement est plus stable comparé à celui du maïs (Cf. pièce jointe)

Le mucuna pruriens est une légumineuse qui peut servir de plante de couverture. Il enrichit le sol et peut servir à l'alimentation animale en le substituant au soja qui est très coûteux et exige une transformation en tourteaux. Le mucuna contient un facteur anti-nutritionnel ( la dopamine) qui peut être éliminée par torréfaction ou mieux par trempage dans l'eau. Dans certaines régions du monde, il est consommé comme du café et n'entre pas dans l'alimentation humaine. Il est adaptée à une gamme variée de sol et peut être utilisé comme engrais vert.

Le moringa est réputée être riche en vitamines et autres éléments nutritifs.

Nous pensons que des chercheurs devraient s'impliquer dans la recherche des intrants alternatifs et accessibles aux petits éleveurs. Il s'agit de trouver des plantes qui évitent la compétition avec l'alimentation humaine et qui améliorent la productivité avec un taux d'incorporation maîtrisé dans un contexte de changement climatique. Cela participe aussi à la préservation de la biodiversité. 

Enfin, nous pensons que les fruits de la recherche doivent toujours atteindre leur cible c'est pourquoi les outils modernes de communication doivent être mobilisés en plus des politiques publiques mais aussi d'autres acteurs du développement.

 

See the attachments:

1. Voluntary guidance tool for the sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity – Need, scope, nature, and development process is a welcome step

2. Considering samll scale livestock production,particularly small ruminaants & backyard poulty production is mostly in the hands of women-the tasks like cleaning of sheds, feeding/tending of animals including fodder gahtering but limited access to marketing opportunities.Women often dont own the livestock resources  with limited rights on earnings from livestock.

3. Social norms in many developing countries often limit their reach to formal sources of information like extension & advisory services.Women have less access to rural advisory and extension services, and those they can access are often not well adapted to their needs and realities reducing their productivity and associated incomes.

I am currently working on a CGIAR Gender Platform supported HER+ project, Bundling socio-technical innovations to empower women as partners and drivers of climate change solutions.The CGIAR Initiative on Gender Equality (HER+: Harnessing Gender and Social Equality for Resilience in Agri-food systems) aims to achieve climate resilience by strengthening gender equality and social inclusion across food systems in the Global South. Under this, we are trying to bundle social innovations alongside technical innovation while communicating livestock innovations to women groups belonging to marginalized sections of society in India.

Various such initiatives can help develop Voluntary guidance tool for the sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity.

  1. General Feedback:

    • The inclusive and multistakeholder consultation process is a positive approach, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered during the development of the guidance tool.

  2. Relevance and Scope:

    •  The emphasis on raising awareness, addressing common constraints, and fostering multi-stakeholder engagement reflects a holistic approach to enhancing small-scale livestock productivity.
    • The global scope with a focus on low- and middle-income countries is appropriate, given the significance of small-scale livestock production in these regions.

  3. Potential Gaps or Omissions:

    • The document does not explicitly mention the incorporation of innovative technologies or digital solutions. Considering the role of technology in modern agriculture, exploring how digital tools can be integrated into the guidance tool could enhance its effectiveness.
    • Development Process:
      • The inclusive and participatory approach to developing the guidance tool is crucial for its success. I

  4. In summary, the proposed objectives, scope, and nature of the voluntary guidance tool for small-scale livestock productivity seem well-conceived. Addressing potential gaps will further strengthen the development process and the impact of the guidance tool.

 

Collegues, it is time now more than ever the urgent time to offer the diverse studies of Nutritional Diversity concepts, to enhance the health and productivity on this planet both ecologically, mentally and communally, using team efforts to conduct these operations! See more on institutional and governmental redirection potenitals here.

Benefits of Animal Implementation into "Guerilla Permaculture Systems"

Having diverse alternative agriculture trails can offer several benefits to animals, particularly in terms of their feeding habits and overall well-being. Here are some potential advantages:

Cable systems can contain animals efficiently and to the potential appeasement of concerned parties, keep animals (such as goats) from eating the entire area; cable systems can slowly move animals like that of a ski lift, at ski resorts. Solar power is recommended, animal harness not a collar to be used if this case is implemented. Corrals with small roofs for younger and during storm weather should be established along the trail of this type, and programs can be used to return animals to corrals during storms.

  1. Nutritional Diversity: Different agricultural practices may produce a variety of crops and plants. This diversity can provide animals with a range of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for their health. Foraging across diverse landscapes allows animals to meet their nutritional needs more effectively.

  2. Adaptability: Animals that have access to diverse agriculture trails are likely to develop a higher level of adaptability. They can learn to navigate various environments and food sources, which can be crucial for their survival in changing conditions, such as seasonal fluctuations or environmental shifts.

  3. Reduced Competition: A variety of agriculture trails can distribute food resources more widely, reducing competition among animal populations. This can lead to a more balanced ecosystem, preventing overgrazing or overconsumption of specific plant species, which, in turn, supports the overall health of the ecosystem.

  4. Resilience to Environmental Changes: Diversity in agricultural practices can create resilient ecosystems. If a particular crop or plant species fails due to disease, pests, or environmental changes, animals that have access to alternative trails can still find sustenance, minimizing the impact of such events on the local wildlife.

  5. Enhanced Biodiversity: Diverse agriculture trails contribute to overall biodiversity by supporting a variety of plant and animal species. This biodiversity is crucial for the stability and health of ecosystems, as each species plays a unique role in maintaining ecological balance. Animal waste and its presence stimulate food growth in a natural format. 

  6. Behavioral Enrichment: Access to diverse agriculture trails encourages natural foraging behaviors in animals. Foraging is not just about finding food; it also involves problem-solving, exploration, and mental stimulation. This behavioral enrichment contributes to the overall well-being and cognitive health of the animals.

  7. Migration and Genetic Diversity: Some animals rely on migration patterns to find food and suitable habitats. Diverse agriculture trails can provide stopover points and varied resources during these migrations, supporting genetic diversity within populations and reducing the risk of inbreeding.

  8. Ecosystem Services: Animals contribute to ecosystem services such as pollination and seed dispersal; and waste fertilization. Diverse agriculture trails enhance these services, benefiting both the agricultural landscape and the natural environment by promoting plant reproduction and growth.

In summary, diverse alternative agriculture trails can positively impact animals by offering nutritional diversity, promoting adaptability, reducing competition, enhancing resilience to environmental changes, supporting biodiversity, providing behavioral enrichment, facilitating migration, and contributing to essential ecosystem services. This diversity is key to the sustainability and health of both animal populations and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Please see more about developing the most appropriate, most powerful alternative agriculture, and productivity to your life!

Suggestions for FAO Consultation on the Development of a Voluntary Guidance Tool for Small-Scale Livestock Productivity

Dear FAO Consultation Team,

I am writing to provide my suggestions and views on the proposed objectives, scope, nature, and process for the development of a dedicated voluntary guidance tool for the sustainable enhancement of small-scale livestock productivity. With my background in sustainable family farming development in Brazil, focusing on socio-economy and gender in agriculture, I believe there are crucial considerations to ensure the effectiveness and inclusivity of such a tool.

Objectives:

  • Inclusivity and Equity: The primary objective should be to address the unique challenges faced by small-scale livestock farmers, emphasizing inclusivity and gender equity in access to resources and benefits.
  • Sustainability: Promote sustainable practices that respect the environment and enhance biodiversity while meeting the livelihood needs of small-scale farmers.
  • Technology Integration: Acknowledge the challenges small-scale farmers face in integrating technology into their practices. Emphasize the development of appropriate, farmer-friendly technologies that align with sustainable principles.

Scope and Nature:

  • Holistic Approach: Take a holistic approach that considers not only production but also socio-economic factors, community well-being, and gender dynamics. This should include a recognition of traditional knowledge and practices.
  • Capacity Building: Include provisions for capacity-building programs that empower small-scale farmers, particularly women, with the skills needed to adopt sustainable and technology-integrated livestock practices.
  • Market Access: Address the issue of market access by integrating strategies for connecting small-scale farmers to markets, ensuring fair prices, and reducing intermediaries.

Challenges of Technology Integration:

  • Systemic Approach: Advocate for a systemic approach in technology development that incorporates traditional knowledge. Small-scale farmers possess valuable insights into their local ecosystems, and this knowledge should be integrated into the design of technologies.
  • Educational Support: Promote educational initiatives that provide training and support for small-scale farmers in adopting and adapting technology. Public and private institutions should collaborate to offer targeted training programs.
  • Policy Advocacy: Encourage policies that incentivize the development of technologies aligned with small-scale and sustainable principles. This may involve creating a supportive regulatory environment and financial incentives for sustainable technology initiatives.

Process for Development:

  • Participatory Approach: Adopt a participatory approach involving small-scale farmers in the decision-making process. Their involvement ensures that the guidance tool is practical, culturally sensitive, and responsive to their needs.
  • Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration between public and private institutions, NGOs, and local communities. A multi-stakeholder approach ensures diverse perspectives and resources are considered.
  • Pilot Programs: Before full-scale implementation, conduct pilot programs to test the effectiveness of the guidance tool in different contexts. This allows for adjustments based on real-world feedback.

Economic Importance Recognition: 

  • Small-scale farmers often sell their livestock to larger processing plants, contributing significantly to the overall economy. The guidance tool should emphasize the economic importance of these transactions and advocate for accurate measurement methodologies that reflect the true value generated by small-scale production.
  • Policy Advocacy for Recognition: Encourage policy changes that recognize the economic contributions of small-scale livestock farmers, even when their products enter larger processing plants. This recognition is essential for justifying increased support, investment, and tailored policies to address the unique challenges faced by small-scale producers.
  • Capacity Building for Record-Keeping: Promote capacity-building programs that empower small-scale farmers with the skills needed for effective record-keeping. This includes educating them on the importance of documenting sales, transactions, and production data to ensure accurate representation of their economic contributions.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration between small-scale farmers, processing plants, and relevant governmental agencies to establish transparent and standardized reporting mechanisms. This collaborative approach ensures that data on small-scale production is accurately captured and contributes to informed decision-making.
  • Public Awareness: Advocate for public awareness campaigns to highlight the economic significance of small-scale livestock production. By educating the public and policymakers, the tool can contribute to a greater understanding of the role played by small-scale farmers in the overall agricultural landscape.

Role of AI and Big Data Analysis:

Furthermore, it is imperative to recognize the potential role of AI and big data analysis in gaining insights from different stakeholders. These technologies can facilitate the collection and analysis of diverse perspectives, helping to produce valuable insights on viable paths forward. Incorporating data-driven decision-making processes will enhance the adaptability and efficiency of the guidance tool.

In conclusion, the development of a dedicated voluntary guidance tool for small-scale livestock productivity should be comprehensive, inclusive, and responsive to the specific needs of these farmers. By addressing the challenges of technology integration, incorporating traditional knowledge, and leveraging AI and big data analysis, we can create a tool that truly enhances sustainability and livelihoods.

Best regards,

Monica Nunes Dantas, PhD.