West Africa

This policy report provides insights into the current and projected dynamics of urbanisation and food systems in West and East Africa and assesses the potential impacts on rural livelihoods. The increasing urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa is an important driver of change in the production, trade, processing and consumption of food. Urbanisation also affects rural livelihoods in several ways. »

The aim of this study is to inventory medicinal plants in cattle husbandry in Burkina Faso. The results showed that 26 medicinal plants for veterinary use. The findings will contribute to integrate the local knowledge of communities into appropriate proposals to preserve veterinary medicinal plants. »

This review reflects on several questions and looks at means of improving smallholder inclusiveness in palm oil production. Palm oil is a commodity that causes controversy due to its impacts on smallholder livelihoods, local communities, biodiversity, land productivity and climate change. »

This article examines the role of animal sourced foods (ASF) in stunting prevention and the effectiveness of programmes aiming to increase ASF consumption. A study across 46 countries find different patterns of consumption between regions and countries. Costs showed to be the biggest barrier of ASF consumption. »

This review synthesises findings from discussions on approaches to support pastoral livelihoods during and after conflict. In order to be successful in unstable environments, development initiatives (including livelihoods support) should be both stabilisation-oriented (providing better access to physical and livelihood security for populations) and conflict-sensitive. Poorly designed pastoral development interventions that do not fully take the drivers of conflict and violence into account can create more instability and exacerbate conflicts. »

The synthesis report reflects on the seed industry’s progress and the remaining challenges over this reporting period, against a changing global backdrop. The 2019 index demonstrates that seed companies continue to invest in providing access to seeds for smallholder farmers in index regions, through differing business models and approaches, providing increased evidence of their practices. »