ADM partners Conservation International to boost livestock nutrition and rangeland health in Africa

AFRICA – ADM has joined forces with Conservation International to enhance animal nutrition and restore rangelands across Africa through the Herding for Health (H4H) program, an innovative initiative that blends traditional herding knowledge with modern conservation practices to support pastoralists, wildlife, and the environment.

The partnership, launched through ADM’s social investment arm, ADM Cares, will help improve livestock health, promote biodiversity, and strengthen rural livelihoods in regions where people and wildlife coexist. 

Implemented in seven African countries, the H4H program, co-led by Conservation International and the Peace Parks Foundation, works at the intersection of sustainable livestock grazing and wildlife conservation, helping communities manage their herds more strategically while restoring degraded rangelands.

Restoring balance between people, livestock, and nature

At the heart of Herding for Health is the belief that healthy rangelands lead to healthy animals and thriving communities. The program operates on four pillars: healthy rangelands, healthy animals, thriving livelihoods, and good governance. 

By promoting rotational grazing, rangeland restoration, veterinary support, and market access, the initiative enables pastoralists to act as stewards of their landscapes.

A recent University of Cape Town study, supported by the H4H program, revealed that traditional herding, an ancient practice dating back over 9,000 years, can reduce livestock losses to predators such as leopards and hyenas by up to fivefold compared to lethal control methods. 

Conducted in South Africa’s Northern Cape province, where farmers often lose around 13% of their herds to predators annually, the research found that shepherding also helps identify other herd health challenges, such as disease and exposure.

These findings underscore H4H’s core philosophy: combining indigenous practices with scientific insights to create sustainable, non-lethal solutions for coexistence between humans and wildlife. 

Moreover, professional herder training under the program has created new employment opportunities and elevated herding into a skilled profession that contributes directly to rural resilience.

ADM brings nutrition expertise to the field

ADM’s contribution goes beyond financial support. In August 2025, its Creative Design & Development (CD&D) team conducted a “train-the-trainer” session for H4H implementation staff, equipping them with knowledge in animal nutrition and management to strengthen the program’s local impact.

“Partnerships are a core driver of Herding for Health’s success. We’re excited to welcome ADM’s expertise to support our field teams, farmers, and herders in meeting animal nutrition needs,” said Corlé Swart, Project Manager for H4H at Conservation International. 

“With ADM’s continued support, Herding for Health is well-positioned to deepen its impact across seven African countries, ensuring healthier rangelands for both people and livestock, and promoting market readiness for the communities we work with.”

Warren de Souza, General Manager at ADM South Africa, emphasised the company’s commitment to sustainability and community development. 

“At ADM, we are committed to advancing sustainable agriculture worldwide and improving animal health and wellbeing, and we believe that advancing sustainable agriculture requires collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve,” he said. 

He added that their partnership with Conservation International and the Herding for Health program is a powerful example of how ADM can work together to address the challenges of environmental conservation, rural livelihoods, and animal health. 

“By sharing our expertise in livestock nutrition and management, we’re not only supporting healthier herds but also helping to build more resilient communities and ecosystems for the future.”

A One Health approach for Africa’s pastoral future

Herding for Health operates under the One Health framework, recognising that human, animal, and ecosystem well-being are interconnected. 

The initiative has drawn support from a diverse network of partners, including the World Wildlife Fund, Mitsubishi, the Green Climate Fund, and the Botswana government, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for integrated solutions to Africa’s environmental and socio-economic challenges.

Through its partnership with Conservation International, ADM is helping expand this impact, ensuring that pastoralists across Africa have the tools, knowledge, and resources to sustain both their herds and the landscapes they depend on. 

In doing so, the collaboration represents a critical step toward a future where productive rangelands, healthy livestock, and vibrant rural communities can thrive together.

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.