Livestock across the world: diverse animal species with complex roles in human societies and ecosystem services.

Abstract

It is anticipated that a 50% to 70% increase in food productivity will be needed to feed 9 billion people by 2050. Livestock provide for about 33% of human protein consumption and 17% of total calories (FAO, 2018). The demand for livestock products is estimated to more than double in the next 20 yr, as a result of urbanization, economic growth, and a change in consumption patterns in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The livestock sector represents nearly 1 billion smallholder livestock producers in developing countries and contributes 40% of agricultural Gross Domestic Product and from 2% to over 33% of household incomes. Smallholder livestock production is largely based on family farming and is key to poor rural people’s livelihoods, food security, and employment creation. Livestock provide food for household consumption, products for income generation, and quick cash when emergencies and external shocks occur (i.e., climatic conditions, diseases, and price volatility). Livestock are important assets that respond to the multiple needs of smallholders (e.g., manure, draught, and hauling power), while also having a cultural and spiritual value. Poultry and small ruminants are generally managed by and provide direct benefits to women (Gueye, 2003; FAO, 2020; IFAD, 2020). Humans and our domesticated animals have evolved in unison over the past 11,000 yr, with domestication frequently portrayed as a relationship delivering benefits to both partners, human and domesticate (Zeder, 2012). Domestication sites and traditional production systems have strong links with local agroecological characteristics (Hocquette et al., 2018). Endurance of traditional production systems has also been closely linked with the maintenance of the health of the local environment by Hocquette et al. (2018). Unsustainable and/or inappropriate management of livestock has contributed to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, emerging infectious zoonotic disease, and increased emission of greenhouse gases (van Zanten et al., 2019). These impacts have increased in severity in line with increasing human population, purchasing power, and urbanization since the mid-20th century (Thornton, 2010). This paper provides a high-level overview of the huge array of contributions made by livestock to human society beyond the provision of food and fiber with a focus on terrestrial, vertebrate species. With a focus on LMICs, we stress the significant role of livestock in sustainable development, including: ecosystems services via nature-based livestock production systems; sociocultural and religious roles; and, contributions to human health and well-being beyond animal-source food.