FAO strengthens animal health and production coordination in Southern Africa

SOUTH AFRICA – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has reinforced its support for livestock development and animal health in Southern Africa, convening the second annual meeting of the Coordinating Unit for Animal Production and Health (CUFAPH) in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

The gathering in July brought together 30 national animal health experts, representatives from regional organisations, and FAO technical staff to review progress and set new priorities for the region.

Established in 2020 under FAO’s Subregional Office for Southern Africa, CUFAPH serves as a platform to promote technical cooperation, harmonise approaches, and strengthen veterinary capacity across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). 

The initiative plays a crucial role in tackling cross-border animal diseases and advancing the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Livestock is central to the region’s food systems and economies, sustaining 42% of the SADC population and contributing up to 40% of agricultural GDP. 

Over 100 million people depend directly on livestock farming for their livelihoods, making effective coordination in animal health vital for food security and poverty reduction.

Transforming livestock systems

In his opening remarks, Dr. Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, praised CUFAPH’s contributions to regional cooperation. 

“Through CUFAPH, we are working to transform livestock systems so they contribute not only to economic growth but also to healthier people, animals, and ecosystems, reflecting the spirit of One Health. This work supports FAO’s aspiration of Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life for all, leaving no one behind,” he said.

Dr. Babagana Ahmadu, FAO Representative in South Africa, stressed the importance of regional partnerships to tackle cross-border animal health threats. 

“We are keen and continue to work closely with our neighbours to improve veterinary services and address transboundary animal diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease, to safeguard livelihoods and ensure food security for all,” he said.

Reviewing progress and setting priorities

The workshop provided an opportunity to take stock of CUFAPH’s achievements and refine its strategies. Discussions focused on adaptive resource mobilisation to secure funding amid a shrinking donor landscape, as well as enhancing collaboration across thematic areas, including livestock production, One Health, laboratory services, disease control, and resilience.

Highlighting CUFAPH’s progress, Dr. Berhanu Bedane, CUFAPH Team Lead, noted: “In the past year, CUFAPH has made tangible contributions to regional animal production and health coordination, from supporting countries to develop national One Health strategies to expanding online training for veterinarians and technicians.

This meeting was an opportunity to build on that momentum and ensure that our work translates into meaningful impact for farmers, animal health workers, and communities.”

A key highlight of the gathering was the progress of the EU-funded STOSAR II Project, which is helping operationalise the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy while supporting animal health activities across the region.

Strategic roadmap for the future

Participants agreed on a set of strategic recommendations to guide CUFAPH’s work in the coming year. 

These include establishing a Laboratory Thematic Working Group, expanding virtual and in-person training opportunities, enhancing communications and visibility, advancing resource mobilisation through high-quality proposals, rebranding the Virtual Learning Centre to increase uptake, and promoting digital tools such as Livestock Information Management Systems and e-certification.

The meeting closed with team-building activities to strengthen collaboration and ensure smooth coordination among member states.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.