EAC countries told to invest in livestock for export

By Prossy Nandudu

EAC countries must come up with strategic investment plans to address impediments to the productivity of livestock in the region to increase the regions GDP.

Some of the impediments to livestock production include poor access to production resources; Weak and delivery of animal health care systems, inadequate livestock information, Policies irresponsive of development needs in the livestock sub sector; among others.

This is according to the deputy EAC secretary general Jessica Eriyo, who was speaking at a EAC livestock policy meeting in Nairobi. It was organised by the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF).

Eriyo said that Livestock resources contribute to EAC Partner States between 30% and 50% of the agricultural GDP and account for between 10% and 15% of the national GDP.

“This shows the  potential of livestock contribution surpassing 50% of the agricultural GDP, but this will be dependent on increased productivity which currently is too law hence the need for a policy guideline to boost production,” said Eriyo.

Once formulated, the EAC livestock policy will guide farmers on how to increase animal production to produce quality animals and products to match the needs of the increasing population and create surplus for the export market.

It will also spell out guidelines on animal movements to prevent spread of diseases across the region and related epidemics.

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