International Symposium on Property Rights, Risk, and Livestock Development

Abstract

"Livestock production is one of few options available to millions of impoverished people who live in arid and semi-arid areas of sub-Saharan African (SSA). Livestock are flexible and fungible: they can be moved in response to variable rainfall conditions and can be purchased or sold in response to variable market conditions. Livestock can supply animal traction and play key roles in the transfer and cycling of nutrients for crop production. At the same time, livestock production is often associated with low productivity and low offtake, with land degradation, and with resource conflicts among pastoral groups and between pastoralists and farmers."