Regenerative livestock production practices and animal source foods

Abstract

This review was intended to capture information on regenerative agricultural practices as pertains to Animal source foods. With increasing population growth there is huge demand for food. However, the natural resources (mainly soil) on which food production depend are facing serious degradation (e.g. soil). This poses a threat on sustainability and increment of food production. As such, the biggest challenge will be to raise food production while regenerating the natural resource base. Animal source foods (ASF) are important component of food and nutritional security. Unlike in the past where livestock production is responsible to immense contribution to Green House Gas (GHG) and environmental degradation, the production of ASF should also conform to regenerative practices. Fortunately, practices (cultural as well as new) are available which would enable ASF production while contributing to the sustainability or regeneration of the natural resources. A number of practices fitting the diverse production systems can be considered in designing regenerative livestock and production of animal source foods. Based on the time frame they require, the ease they can be implemented and the environmental footprint they could have, poultry (meat and egg), milk from ruminants, apiculture, and capture fisheries are considered as low hanging animal source foods. Practices to be considered in regenerative agriculture in producing these low hanging ASFs were also identified along with their gender implication. It is hoped that Ethiopian food system transformation will provide the desired guidance, strategic approach and actions in this regard. The current initiative on livestock development i.e “Yalemat Turufat” at small holder family level is also a clear proof of concept that livestock production can be revolutionized if supported with the desired policy, financial and technical support. Aligning the initiatives with regenerative objectives is critical for the sustainability of the impacts.