Livestock and food production in africa : challenge and opportunity for the national livestock and veterinary services.

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Summary: The author describes trends and difficulties in livestock production and consumption in Africa. Arguing that this production is less subsistenceoriented than commonly believed, he describes the economic objectives which play an important role in African husbandry. After a comparison of levels of production and performance with those of developed and developing nations, the role of livestock and veterinary services in Africa is examined. Improved disease control, but especially better management practices, and reduced loss and wastage, should be sought in official veterinary activities. The paper ends with a discussion of the role to be played by international organisations such as IBAR, ECA, ILRAD and ILCA.