The future of livestock in Uganda: Opportunities and challenges in the face of uncertainty

This report provides invaluable insights to decision-makers on actions to take today to make the Ugandan livestock systems more robust and resilient to an uncertain future and sustainable from a social, environmental and public health perspective. It makes a strong case to broaden our perspective and take a forward-looking approach when designing policies and investments targeting dynamic and rapidly changing societies, such as that of Uganda.

The scenarios convincingly show that there will be major business opportunities for the livestock sector to develop and benefit society, including through proving income and livelihoods to farmers and affordably-priced and healthy protein to consumers. However, the also show the likely escalation of many known challenges such as fierce competition for environmental resources, particularly land and water, structural changes in employment and the increased risks of emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases and livestock-driven antimicrobial resistance.

Stakeholders should adopt a One Health approach to appreciate the relevance and efficiency of current policies dealing with priority zoonotic diseases, emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial use and farms in urban and peri-urban areas. Making the current policy framework resilient to these anticipated challenges is a pre-condition for an expansion of the Ugandan cattle and poultry sectors that ensures affordable and healthy milk and meat to the urban population while having minimal negative impact on the environment and public health.