Understanding the Livestock Economy in South Sudan

This study was commissioned to help inform contemporary investment choices in the livestock sector

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
31 March 2021
Country:
South Sudan
Document Type:
Research Paper
Theme:
Agriculture, Economic Growth
Authors:
Cullis, A

Abstract

There are many more livestock than people in South Sudan and hence livestock play a central role in the lives and livelihoods of almost all households. Livestock not only provide food and cash, but individual animals typically represent a ‘bundle of rights’ that form the basis of reciprocal social networks that underpin livelihoods and support households through difficult times. The ‘Understanding the Livestock Economy in South Sudan’ study was commissioned to help inform contemporary investment choices in the livestock sector, and structured around 3 themes:

  • The importance of livestock to livelihoods and how this has changed over time

  • The state of livestock markets and how they are changing/ evolving

  • Future prospects for the livestock economy and how these are expected to change

Recommendations are for:

  1. Improved civil society engagement with cattle camp/ militia leaders, cultural prophets, elders and women’s and youth representatives on various livestock and livelihood issues

  2. For the livestock sector to be informed by Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards (LEGS) and local knowledge and experience and lessons learned in the delivery of livestock projects at individual state level

  3. Investment in alternative non-livestock dependent livelihoods including vocational training, vegetable production and marketing as well as the fishing industry and 4) a focus on nutrition informed by the United Nations work in South Sudan.

Citations

  • Cullis, A. (2021). Understanding the livestock economy of South Sudan: Field study findings. Tana Copenhagen

  • Cullis, A et al (2021) Understanding the Livestock Economy of South Sudan Study: Briefing paper Tana Copenhagen

  • Cullis, A (2021) Strengthening South Sudan’s Livestock Sector: Discussion paper. Tana Copenhagen

  • Cullis, A (2021) Food and Nutrition Matters. Discussion paper. Tana Copenhagen

  • Cullis, A (2021) South Sudan’s Lost Decade: Discussion paper. Tana Copenhagen

Published 31 March 2021
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