Pastoral communities in IGAD Member States have been subjected to chronic food insecurity, protracted competition and conflicts over natural resources such as pasture and water for their livestock, occasionally leading to unwarranted loss of human life because of increased frequency of drought brought about by effects of climate change. Additionally, increasing human population results in additional food demand, including for animal source foods, in particular driven by growing urban populations with increasing incomes. However, livestock has been noted as the largest contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agriculture sector in the African continent (accounting for about 9 percent of total emissions in SSA) and have significant potential for contribution to mitigation efforts.
Unsustainable use of natural resources can result in land degradation and water scarcity, jeopardizing the viability of livestock production itself. These vulnerabilities are compounded, not only by the uncertainties of climate change, but also by the potential for shocks and disturbances related to disease spread and price fluctuations. Thus, there is a need to address the growing demand for animal products in a way that supports smallholder livestock-based livelihoods, improves the resilience, and ensures sustainable use of the natural resources. IGAD and World Bank therefore collaborated on the development of regional strategy on resilient and sustainable livestock to effects of climate change.
Data was collected in each IGAD MS, including South Sudan, by national consultants. Collected data focused on national policies, strategies and programs for adaptation and mitigation measures aimed at building resilient and sustainable livestock to the effects of climate change. Validation of South Sudan national report was done on May 5th 2022 in Juba. Augustino Atillio, MoLF, on behalf of the Director of Livestock Production, opened the one-day meeting. Welcome remarks were made by Dr. Pierre Gerber, WBG representative and Dr. Wamalwa Kinyanjui, IGAD/ICPALD representative.
The national data will be integrated in the IGAD regional strategy for resilient and sustainable livestock to effects of climate change. The strategy will be an important tool for coordination of stakeholders, advocacy, resource mobilization, investment and implementation. The meeting was attended by 21 participants from MoLF, FAO, academia and IGAD.
We thank the government of South Sudan for collaborating in the assessment and validation, and World Bank for supporting this action.
