Sustainable African Animal Agriculture: Challenges and Future Prospects

We are thrilled to announce a Special Issue focusing on innovative solutions for sustainable animal agriculture in Africa. The Editor-in-Chief, Andre M. de Almeida and the Lead Guest Editor Cuthbert Banga invite you to submit your research and contribute to this important discourse.

The African continent is currently facing unprecedented challenges in its food production systems, with particular emphasis on animal agriculture. Climate change, compounded by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, has placed immense pressure on the already existing challenges of animal diseases, human-wildlife conflicts, cross-border diseases, long droughts, market limitations, under-funded research, and a lack of viable extension services. These factors have collectively weakened Africa's food production capacity and threatened its food security.

Furthermore, emerging challenges such as the de-campaigning of meat production by environmentalists and the reduction of red meat consumption based on greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants have significantly impacted African animal agriculture. Addressing these challenges requires consistent research and evidence-based solutions from both African and international scientists to support our farmers.

The lack of inter-African trade in animal products, goods, and services has further undermined food security in the continent. Additionally, the long-standing problem of localized cattle rustling, which has largely evaded the attention of researchers and scientists, has the potential to fuel civil strife among communities, trigger diplomatic disputes, and facilitate disease spread.

In a partnership with the 8th All Africa Conference in Animal Agriculture, we aim to bring together scientists from Africa and abroad to share and discuss research results, experiences, and other relevant information that can transform the challenges of African animal agriculture into opportunities.

We invite researchers and scholars engaged in animal science and related disciplines to submit their original research articles, review articles, case studies, or short communications that address the challenges outlined above and propose innovative sustainable solutions for African animal agriculture. Possible topics of interest include but are not limited to:

- Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in animal agriculture

- Innovative approaches to combat animal diseases and parasites

- Resolving human-wildlife conflicts and their impact on livestock production

- Enhancing inter-African trade in animal products, goods, and services

- Strategies for addressing the challenges of localized cattle rustling

- Novel technologies and management practices for sustainable livestock production

- Effective extension services and capacity building for farmers

- Socio-economic impacts of environmental campaigns on meat production

All submissions will undergo a peer-review process to ensure the highest scientific standards and impact. Manuscripts should follow the journal’s guidelines that can be found here: https://www.springer.com/journal/11250/submission-guidelines

We believe that your contributions will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by African animal agriculture and transforming them into opportunities for sustainable growth. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the livelihoods of farmers and the food security of our continent.