Livestock in Africa is currently the focus of eight initiatives (ALive, GFAR, Genetic Resources, GF-TADS, GILSP, GPP, LEAD, and PPLPI) and several programs (e.g. PACE, PRINT).These programs were analysed to identify how ALive can address outstanding needs and efficiently implement recommendations.
Intersections Programs intersect when their purpose, thematic focus, target groups, or linkages cross paths.The purpose of six of the initiatives was poverty reduction through livestock production and four shared a focus on animal health.Several programs targeted a mix of policy makers, veterinary professionals, producers, donors, private institutions, NGOs, and national and sub-regional institutions, in addition to a number of indirect targets.Work on linkages is ongoing, whereby it is fully recognised that ALive will be closely linked to the institutional mandate of CAADP2.
Multiple efforts Overlaps from multiple efforts occur when initiatives coincide.While communication among the livestock specialist is good, and most programs have different objectives, the activities such as communication through websites or ICT, printed materials, workshops, or seminars, and listed training and capacity building as a primary activity, although some focused on individuals and others on groups.Eight were global, while three were specific to Africa, namely ALive, PACE and PRINT.All programs listed training and capacity building as core activities, some of them targetting individuals, others groups and associations.
Differences Each program had unique identity factor, whether broad or specific, which allowed it to target donors and lending agencies.The ALive platform will provide a coordinating platform which recognises these differences while creating synergies between the shared components.
Gaps Among the areas which were included within broader initiatives but were not the subject of specific activities were: animal source foods and human nutrition; marketing; training and education; food safety and standards; urban livestock production; and health.Suggestions for additional topics would be welcomed.
