Sustainable business investment to advance livestock health and productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa: the African Livestock Productivity & Health Advancement (A.L.P.H.A.) initiative

Abstract

Livestock are an essential asset to rural communities, and the health of livestock is critical for achieving food security in regions where there is exceptionally high incidence of livestock and human disease. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has amongst the highest human population growth rates in the world, with five-fold growth in Tanzania projected by 2100. Livestock productivity therefore must be improved by overcoming existing constraints to the livestock health sector, including: lack of access to quality veterinary medicines and products, poor rural extension services, limited sustainability of diagnostics services, and low education regarding animal health. Zoetis, the global animal health leader, partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through a $14.4M business development grant with a key focus on sustainable improvement of livestock  production in SSA. In the focal countries of Nigeria, Uganda, and now Tanzania and Ethiopia, the African Livestock Health and Productivity Advancement (A.L.P.H.A.) initiative centres around three central pillars namely; Veterinary Medicines & Services, Training & Education, and  Veterinary Laboratory networks. Empowerment of the veterinary profession is a key component of our aim to demonstrate the value of animal  health to farmers, particularly through encouraging business acumen and highlighting the importance of correct and responsible use of veterinary medicines. After successful launch activities in Nigeria and Uganda, we seek to continue our approach in Tanzania to focus on partnerships with important distributors, veterinary laboratories, and other key contributors to the supply chain to work towards common goals engineered for future growth and longevity.

Keywords: Productivity, Sub-Saharan Africa, livestock, sustainability, diagnostics