World Livestock 2011

Livestock in food security

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Abstract

Although much has been said about livestock’s role in achieving food security, in reality, the subject has been only partially addressed and no current document fully covers the topic. Recognizing that food security is central to international development – and to the mandate of FAO - this report tells the story of livestock and food security from three perspectives.

It begins by presenting a global overview, examining the role that livestock play in human nutrition, the world food supply and access to food particularly for poor families. Next it moves from the global level to a human perspective, examining the way in which livestock contributes to the food security of three different human populations –livestock-dependent societies, small-scale mixed farmers and urban dwellers.

The final part of the report looks to the future. It discusses the expected demand for livestock source food and the way that increased demand can be met with ever more limited resources. It reviews the drivers that led to the livestock revolution, how these have changed and what the implications will be for livestock contributing to resilient food systems of the future.

Table of Contents

Acronym list

Overview

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Livestock and global food security

Measuring food security Six dimensions Measures Livestock food in the diet Nutritional value Livestock products in the diets of the poor Livestock and food supply Supply of animal source foods Livestock contributing to crop production Livestock and the food balance Stability of food supplies Access to food Financial, human and social capital Gender dimensions of access Economic factors affecting choice of livestock source foods Market access and food access Key points on livestock and global food security

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Three human populations – three food security situations

Livestock-dependent societies Contributions and challenges to food security Case study. Mongolia: the limits of the last place on earth Prospects for livestock dependence Small-scale mixed farmers Contribution of livestock to food security Constraints to expansion Case study. Mixed farming in Nepal Prospects for small-scale mixed farmers City populations Livestock products in the urban diet Sources of livestock source food for urban populations Prospects for livestock feeding urban populations Key points on three populations Livestock-dependent societies Small-scale mixed farmers City populations

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Feeding the future

Producing enough food How much livestock source food will be needed Reducing waste Building resilience Water shortage Human and animal health threats Volatile markets for feed and livestock products Building sustainable systems Conclusions Urban consumers Producer–Consumers A regional perspective Who does what?

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References

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ISBN 978-92-5-107013-0

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