Moving towards sustainable livestock development in the Pacific Island countries

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Journal Article
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Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies
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2024
Authors
Magiri, Royford
Mocevakaca, Wati
Okello, Walter
Fisher, Andrew D.
Abstract

Agriculture is a vital industry for Pacific Islanders' livelihoods, income, and food security. For example, agriculture contributes between 7% to 10.4% of GDP among the Pacific Island States and territories (PICTs). As an example, in Fiji, agriculture supports the livelihoods of 27% of the people and is the primary source of employment for more than 83% of the country's rural population. Unfortunately, agricultural production has decreased in Fiji in the past decade. Yet, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 of " Zero Hunger" indicates that promoting sustainable agriculture systems is critical for any country in achieving food security and improved nutrition. To meet future demand and lessen reliance on imports of livestock products, the livestock sector in the Pacific islands needs to develop at a faster rate than the present 4% per year. For long-term growth, government assistance and private investment are critical. Small livestock, such as chickens, sheep, and goats, can be incorporated into the farming system to provide additional revenue and food security in the face of changing climatic conditions. Livestock sector development in the Pacific Island countries can support a stable, secure, and prosperous Pacific region by addressing regional development and economic growth challenges. Such investments in the livestock sector can increase global and regional trade, raise finance for other business activities, deepen labour markets that are currently shrinking and create better-quality employment opportunities.

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CC BY 4.0