UN Reveals Livestock as Unexpected Climate Champions – A Game-Changer for Africa’s Future?

Understanding Livestock’s Role in Africa

In Africa, livestock are pivotal to both the food system and rural livelihoods. With approximately 400 million cattle, the sector contributes a substantial 30 to 40 percent of the continent’s agricultural GDP. Animals provide essential nutrition and income, particularly where other resources are scarce.

The environmental view of livestock as problematic—linked to habitat loss, emissions, and land degradation—overlooks their broader potential. This misperception hinders investment. As global climate conferences approach, it is crucial to re-evaluate livestock’s role and recognize their potential for positive environmental impact.

Animals like cows and goats should be seen as “solutions with legs,” capable of addressing environmental crises. For countries such as Kenya, where livestock are deeply intertwined with culture and livelihoods, international bodies must understand and support these perspectives.

Correctly managed, livestock can significantly contribute to biodiversity conservation. Grazing systems maintain ecosystems, regulate invasive species, and promote native plant recovery. Kenyan communities have long used livestock to balance ecosystems while also producing nearly 20 percent of the nation’s milk.

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Livestock in Climate Action

Despite being framed as methane emitters, livestock have a broader role in climate solutions, especially in Africa. Improved rangeland management and climate-smart practices can substantially reduce emissions. Integrating resilient forages enhances both productivity and environmental outcomes.

Furthermore, sustainable grazing practices contribute to carbon sequestration, lowering the emissions intensity of meat and dairy. Rangelands, often overlooked, are significant carbon sinks. Effective management could contribute as much as 20.92 gigatons of mitigation by 2050.

Livestock are vital for communities facing climate variability, particularly in arid regions. By moving livestock based on rainfall, pastoralists manage resources and prevent overgrazing. Adaptive mobility and indigenous breeds offer crucial resilience against climate stresses.

• Index-based livestock insurance provides financial security.
• East African Zebu cattle thrive on limited forage.
• Adaptive breeds are key to climate resilience.

Restoration Through Sustainable Practices

The global land degradation crisis highlights the need for sustainable livestock management in land rehabilitation. Around 25 to 35 percent of rangelands are degraded. Livestock systems can reverse this trend by enhancing soil health and rejuvenating landscapes.

Practices like rotational grazing allow grasslands to recover, improving soil fertility and water retention. These approaches support a diverse plant species, protect watersheds, and bolster overall ecosystem resilience.

Given livestock’s critical role, the question remains: why does the sector receive so little funding? Climate finance should prioritize sustainable livestock systems, acknowledging their unique capacity to address environmental challenges while fostering food security and economic growth.

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Livestock are not adversaries in the environmental battle. Instead, they are integral to solutions, particularly in regions where communities depend on them for survival. Recognizing this could transform funding priorities and support sustainable development.