Business
ECOWAS Experts Parley On Livestock Dev
Experts on livestock farming, trade and security have begun a three-day meeting to validate the draft strategic action plan for the development of livestock farming in the ECOWAS region.
The plan seeks transformation and economic value addition to the cattle, meat and dairy sector to provide sustainable food security, reduce poverty and provide acceptable income to the people of the region.
A statement issued by the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja said the meeting was holding in Bamako in response to a mandate by regional ministers responsible for livestock development and trade.
According to the statement, the mandate requires that participants draw up a specific strategy for the development of livestock farming as part of the framework for the implementation of the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP).
It also requires the Commission to carry out the work plan schedule adopted by the ministers in charge of livestock farming.
Part of the schedule is the strategic orientation of the ministerial request, regarded as advocating the promotion of a regional vision of livestock farming.
This is based on certain recommendations, including the need for capacity building of national and regional professional bodies.
It also includes the development of regional dairy organisations and professionals in the sector as well as institutional support for improved management and governance,’’ the release added.
The statement listed some recommendations including the justification for the ministerial mandate and strengthening of public veterinary services for the proper accomplishment of their regulatory mission.
It also pushed for support for the development of private veterinary services as well as the production, gradual processing and intensification of livestock farming systems, including semi-urban production.
The release called for improvement of feeds, health and breeding of West African domestic animals.
The statement said that participants were drawn from relevant ministries and agencies in member states.
Other participants are from NGOs, the African Union International Bureau of Animal Resources, FAO and World Animal Health Organisation.