Livestock solutions to regenerate soils and landscapes for sustainable agri-food systems transformation in Africa

Birthe K Paul; James K Mutegi; Michael B Wironen; Stephen A Wood; Michael Peters; Sylvia S Nyawira; Michael T Misiko; Sudarshan K Dutta; Shamie Zingore; Thomas Oberthür; An M O Notenbaert; Simon Cook

doi:10.1177/00307270231179747

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Livestock solutions to regenerate soils and landscapes for sustainable agri-food systems transformation in Africa

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Livestock solutions to regenerate soils and landscapes for sustainable agri-food systems transformation in Africa

Birthe K Paul, James K Mutegi, Michael B Wironen, Stephen A Wood, Michael Peters, Sylvia S Nyawira, Michael T Misiko, Sudarshan K Dutta, Shamie Zingore, Thomas Oberthür, …

Outlook on agriculture, Vol.52(2), pp.103-115

2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00307270231179747

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Abstract

Agri-food systems approaches have gained international recognition over the last years. The role of livestock—both in mixed crop-livestock and pastoral systems—in sustainable agri-food systems transformation remains contested. In this review paper we present new analyses of original data from an international livestock expert survey, a quantitative search in Web of Science, and a literature review to unravel the potential for livestock systems to sustainably transform agri-food systems through regenerating soils and restoring degraded landscapes. We (i) illustrate how livestock is important for people and planet alike; (ii) review how to harness livestock's potential for rehabilitation of soils and landscapes; (iii) demonstrate successful case studies of livestock solutions such as improved forages for cut-and-carry systems and grazing management; and (iv) identify four critical steps required for lasting change at continental scale. We conclude that livestock solutions can be key catalysts for sustainable agri-food systems transformation that merit accelerated public and private investments. More research is needed to develop concrete, operational and practical livestock solutions, and measure, monitor and report their contributions and progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Details

Title: Livestock solutions to regenerate soils and landscapes for sustainable agri-food systems transformation in Africa
Authors/Creators: Birthe K Paul - International Center for Tropical Agriculture
James K Mutegi - Plant (United States)
Michael B Wironen - The Nature Conservancy
Stephen A Wood - The Nature Conservancy
Michael Peters - International Center for Tropical Agriculture
Sylvia S Nyawira - International Center for Tropical Agriculture
Michael T Misiko - The Nature Conservancy
Sudarshan K Dutta - Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique
Shamie Zingore - Plant (United States)
Thomas Oberthür - Plant (United States)
An M O Notenbaert - International Center for Tropical Agriculture
Simon Cook - Murdoch University, Food Futures Institute
Publication Details: Outlook on agriculture, Vol.52(2), pp.103-115
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Identifiers: 991005591969307891
Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s)
Murdoch Affiliation: Murdoch University
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Citation topics: 6 Social Sciences; 6.263 Agricultural Policy; 6.263.1720 Dietary Sustainability
Web Of Science research areas: Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
ESI research areas: Agricultural Sciences