Some Aspects of Animal Husbandry in Africa

Abstract

It is emphasized that animal husbandry, which has existed since ancient times in many regions of Africa and is one of the most important areas of human activity, is an integral part of the socio-cultural code of the African population. To date, pastoralism plays an important role not only in the economic, but also in the social sphere of the inhabitants of vast regions of the continent; the size of herds is the main criterion for assessing the property and social status of its owner. Being the subject of trade and direct exchange, cattle bring a significant and stable income to their sellers, while at the same time performing the function of a bride price at the conclusion of marriages. The challenges of our time require a certain degree of flexibility and adaptability from the population of livestock regions, which is associated with inevitable changes in the centuries-old way of life and the system of socio-cultural ties. Attention is drawn to the fact that the tradition of husbandry is influenced by numerous factors of modern development: climate change and epizootics of recent decades have a negative imprint on livestock activities. High losses of livestock, a reduction in their per capita population over time, combined with demographic growth, have had a negative impact on the well-being of pastoralists, significantly increasing their poverty level. The governments of many African countries, in which husbandry plays a leading role, have an interest not only in maintaining existing positions, but also in improving them. In situations of epizootic danger, national livestock health surveillance systems in African countries are approached by international partners, including FAO, WHO, as well as one of the world’s leading organization whose functions include the formation of links in the field of veterinary medicine, ensuring the interaction of national and regional veterinary authorities – the International Epizootic Office (OIE). Continuous field research in livestock regions in a number of African countries provides significant assistance in the fight against livestock diseases. The use of modern information technologies in epizootiological diagnostics is increasingly becoming the basis of anti-epizootic and preventive measures.