The poorest people in the world live in rural areas of tropical developing countries. Most keep farm animals. Cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry are among the most important assets of the poor and are the mainstays of their farming. Livestock bring the poor income, food and fertiliser. These sustain their livelihoods, assets, health and environments.

Demand for livestock foods in developing countries will more than double over the next twenty years. This ‘livestock revolution’ offers several hundred million people opportunity to raise themselves out of absolute poverty. The skyrocketing demand for milk and meat makes livestock development an imperative for a more equitable and sustainable future.