Alleviating livestock feed shortage in sub-Saharan Africa

Experts highlight hotspots for cattle feed scarcity and suggest solutions to optimise the use of existing supply through evidence-based decision making.

Experts from the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems have analysed satellite images of large regions of Africa, revealing significant livestock feed shortages in parts of Ethiopia and Burkina Faso.

The analysis could aid efforts to address the pressing challenges feed shortages pose for farmers and policymakers in sub-Saharan Africa, the team says.

With the demand for livestock feed expected to rise as the global population grows, assessing feed availability at local, regional and national levels is crucial for effective decision-making.

Feed scarcity

By dividing land captured in satellite images into individual grids and analysing biomass per pixel using data models, the study provides estimates of ruminant livestock feed requirements as well as the available feed resources in each pixel, region and country.

The research team identified critical scarcity hotspots for ruminant feed, most notably located in the highlands of Ethiopia and the Sahelian region of Burkina Faso.

Reliable data

Reliable feed balance data has been lacking for sub-Saharan Africa, as previous estimates often fell short in accurately assessing feed supply and demand.

This study addressed these limitations by parameterising a model sub-national statistics and  globally available livestock population estimates to estimate feed requirements related to maintenance, growth, locomotion, lactation and gestation needs.

Feed biomass production was derived from satellite-based land use, crop type, tree density, biomass burning and above-ground dry matter productivity.  Factors such as seasonal variation, feed utilisation and land use restrictions were also considered to provide a realistic view of feed availability.

Policy implications

To address feed shortages, the research team suggests several policy intervention strategies to optimise supply and demand, which could help improve nutrition and enhance herd productivity.

Securing existing feed resources, developing new sources and incentivising trade are crucial steps to take advantage of the existing feed supply, the research team says.

Such interventions aim to optimise livestock productivity, reduce vulnerability to climatic shocks and minimise greenhouse gas emissions.

For instance, crop residue such as corn stalks could be better used to feed cattle if effectively stored and treated, helping to maximise the quantity and quality of feed.

This study was carried out in collaboration with colleagues from Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Kenya and the US. It was supported by the CGIAR Research Programme on Livestock and a TRAIN@ED fellowship to the lead author funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. The study was published in animal, the international journal of animal biosciences.

This work highlights the importance of improving the availability of input data on feed utilisation and energy concentration. Reducing uncertainties around these estimates will support more accurate decision-making and guide targeted interventions.

Prof Alan Duncan Professor of Livestock & Development
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