The roles of livestock in developing countries

Livestock play a significant role in rural livelihoods and the economies of developing countries. They are providers of income and employment for producers and others working in, sometimes complex, value chains. They are a crucial asset and safety net for the poor, especially for women and pastoralist groups, and they provide an important source of nourishment for billions of rural and urban households. These socio-economic roles and others are increasing in importance as the sector grows because of increasing human populations, incomes and urbanisation rates. To provide these benefits, the sector uses a significant amount of land, water, biomass and other resources and emits a considerable quantity of…

• WH
  World Health Organization
• SR
  Sight Research UK

  Awards: NE/J001570/1, NE/J001422/1
• NE
  Natural Environment Research Council

  Awards: NE/J001570/1, NE/J001422/1