Africa moves to build common position on nature-positive livestock systems

KENYA – Africa has begun developing a unified continental framework to ensure livestock food systems become central to climate and agricultural policy, in a move designed to reshape the sector’s role in sustainable development. 

The Africa Common Position on Sustainable, Resilient, and Nature-Positive Livestock Food Systems, unveiled at a recent workshop in Naivasha, Kenya, seeks to fill long-standing gaps in national strategies where livestock has been largely overlooked despite its economic weight.

Livestock contributes up to 30 percent of Africa’s agricultural GDP, and in some countries as much as 73 percent, yet biodiversity, gender, and climate finance remain underrepresented in related policies. 

Weak data systems further hinder progress. The new framework will position livestock both as a source of emissions and a pathway to solutions that enhance resilience, food security, and sustainable development.

Livestock as a challenge and an opportunity

In remarks delivered on behalf of the AU-IBAR Director, Dr. Huyam Salih, Dr. Mary Mbole-Kariuki reminded participants that livestock stands at a crossroads. She noted that while the sector contributes significantly to emissions, it sustains millions of livelihoods, provides nutrition, and underpins economic stability.

“Livestock is both a challenge and an opportunity,” she said. “With the right policies, livestock can reduce emissions, restore degraded lands, and conserve biodiversity.”

Dr. Mbole-Kariuki emphasized that the Common Position is crucial for integrating livestock into climate finance and global policy frameworks, thereby strengthening Africa’s bargaining power in international negotiations.

Partnerships and global relevance

Development partners also reaffirmed their support. Representing Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Dr. Stephen Dindy called for unity and coherence across African institutions. 

He said Germany’s support, delivered through GIZ, would focus on African ownership and inclusivity while helping to mobilize resources and build capacity for implementation.

Kenya’s Dr. Maina of the State Department of Livestock Development added that Africa must prepare for the surging global demand for animal-sourced foods expected by 2050. 

“Africa should not remain on the margins of international climate negotiations but must be at the main decision-making table, securing recognition and resources for the livestock sector’s positive contributions,” he said.

New initiatives and findings

The workshop introduced LiveSYS, a continental initiative piloted in Kenya, Zambia, and Nigeria with additional lessons from Mexico. 

LiveSYS aims to build climate-smart livestock systems by promoting resilient and nature-positive practices, strengthening governance, channeling climate finance, and tracking progress through digital dashboards.

Participants also considered establishing an African Livestock Think Tank to provide advocacy, research, and coordination.

A stocktaking of 196 policy frameworks and surveys from 17 countries revealed both progress and gaps. Although numerous policies exist, integration into climate strategies remains weak. 

Biodiversity scored a strikingly low 1.04, while gender considerations were nearly absent. Limited financing, fragmented policies, and high staff turnover also emerged as barriers.

Strengthening Africa’s negotiating power

Experts emphasized the need to upgrade Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems from Tier 1 to Tier 2 to provide more credible data on emissions. Although resource-intensive, this shift was viewed as critical for enhancing Africa’s influence in global climate forums. 

Participants also agreed that adaptation and resilience must be measured alongside mitigation, given the continent’s exposure to climate shocks.

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