Resilient African Feed & Fodder Systems (RAFFS) Project

Research and Data

PUBLIC PROFILE

Insights into the needs for the RAFFS project

Livestock plays a vital role in ensuring food security, livelihoods, and incomes in Africa. It contributes 24% of the continent's agricultural GDP and up to 50-73% in certain countries. About 70% of those employed in the livestock sector are women. The triple C crises are having a significant impact on Africa's livestock sector, which sustains over a third of the population. These crises have severely disrupted Africa's feed and fodder input and supply chains, resulting in shortages. This has significant implications for development objectives, livelihoods, food security, and nutrition.

In order to address these shortages, multi-stakeholder actions, coordination, and investments are required. Existing efforts are fragmented, and critical gaps exist in data, efficiency, coordination, and reforms. The African Union recognises the importance of food and nutrition security and has prioritised strengthening agro-food systems, health, and social protection for accelerated development.