A high-level regional forum focusing on sustainable livestock transformation and the pivotal role of camelids in Africa officially kicked off in Nairobi on Monday, June 10, bringing together key policymakers, livestock experts, and development partners. The three-day event, running until June 12, is co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
Held under the theme “Sustainable livestock systems; food security; improved livelihoods; and One Health,” the forum aims to promote livestock systems that are not only resilient to climate change but also enhance food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods across the continent.
The event aligns with the observance of the International Year of Camelids and seeks to raise awareness of the vital role these animals, especially dromedary camels, play in sustaining communities in arid and semi-arid regions. With climate change and land degradation increasingly threatening traditional agricultural systems, camelids are being recognized for their unique resilience and value in dryland economies.
Key speakers at the forum include Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Mutahi Kagwe, African Union Commissioner for Agriculture Moses Vilakati, AU-IBAR Director Huyam Salih, FAO Director of Animal Production and Health Division Thanawat Tiensin, and FAO Assistant Director-General Abebe Haile-Gabriel. Their discussions are expected to reinforce commitments to the Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Livestock Transformation.
Running parallel to the forum is an exhibition highlighting the International Year of Camelids, showcasing indigenous knowledge, innovations, and experiences from camel-keeping communities across Africa.
Participants are addressing a range of pressing challenges faced by livestock keepers, particularly camel herders, such as limited veterinary services, poor market access, and inadequate policy support. The forum also provides a platform to strategize on leveraging sustainable livestock development to drive inclusive economic growth, end hunger, reduce poverty, and build climate resilience.
The Nairobi forum builds on the momentum generated by the 2023 Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation and is expected to shape regional policy dialogues and investments in sustainable animal agriculture.
