Two new Action Networks for the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock

In a previous newsletter we reported that the DSF had become a member of the Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock (http://www.livestockdialogue.org).

The Global Agenda builds knowledge through thematic and regional networks. These Action Networks bring experts from the membership to lead the implementation of activities, develop outputs and draft reports, to provide evidence and information exchange.

Two new Acton Networks have been established that may be of interest to DSF colleagues.

Animal Welfare Action Network

The Animal Welfare Action Network exists to demonstrate and communicate the role of animal welfare in sustainable livestock production and its contribution to the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals, with the objective of promoting the scaling and replication of sustainable livestock models and solutions.  Initially the network will be developing a series of case studies that clearly define (and confirm) the link between good husbandry (welfare) and benefits to the business.

The DSF is actively involved on the Steering Group of this Action Network and will be hoping to generate some excellent and relevant dairy production examples.  If you would like to engage in this network, please do contact the DSF Secretariat.

Livestock for Social Development Action Network

The rational for this Action Network is that stakeholders at all levels struggle to quantify the value of livestock to social development.  An example of one of the challenges is that there is little complete information related to the number of people that depend on livestock for their livelihoods.

This Action Network aims to enhance social development by establishing a more enabling environment and sustainable investments in the livestock sector.  The initiative will initially focus on dairy cows and buffalo to generate the appropriate methodology.

The expected outcomes of this initial piece of work will be an increased awareness of both livestock and non-livestock stakeholders of 1. The importance of livestock in social development and 2. The return on investment by using livestock as a vehicle for social development.

The outcomes will of course be supported by a detailed report and where appropriate, tools and guides to enable the elusive quantification to be calculated on a scientific and consistent basis.

If you have an interest in this area or have previous work that you have undertaken that should be considered in this project, please email the DSF Secretariat or the Project Leader, Ernesto Reyes.