Although livestock’s share of agricultural GDP is generally higher in rich countries than in poor, the livestock share of agricultural GDP will grow in developing countries. While this growth will generally benefit livestock producers, they face risks. One is that small- and medium-scale producers will be confined to local and informal markets while commercial producers benefit most from the growth in larger, more integrated markets. Another risk is that, depending on a given pathway of livestock development, environmental hazards and resource degradation may occur.
While the private sector can capitalize by investing in this livestock growth, public investments are needed in market infrastructure and public-private-partnership mechanisms. In addition, policy support and investments are necessary to drive technologies and strategies that increase livestock resource efficiency and mitigate environmental threats.
