By Suleiman Mbatiah
A transformative initiative aimed at reshaping pastoral market ecosystems across Africa is set to launch this Friday in Nairobi, Kenya. Known as the African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) Platform, the project seeks to address the challenges faced by pastoral communities through innovative, data-driven approaches.
Focusing on the Horn of Africa and Sahel regions, the APMD Platform aims to improve livelihoods, boost economic sustainability, and enhance the resilience of pastoral communities. The initiative is spearheaded by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The platform will address critical gaps in the pastoral economy, including the undervaluation of the informal livestock trade. In 2010, this trade was estimated to be worth USD 1 billion in the Greater Horn of Africa, yet it remains largely neglected and underinvested. By leveraging market-focused interventions, the initiative aims to unlock the untapped potential of this sector.
Pastoralists play a vital role in Africa’s economy, contributing approximately 27 per cent of national GDP and providing 60-80 per cent of the continent’s meat supply. In many regions, they are responsible for up to 50 per cent of meat exports, making the pastoral sector a cornerstone of both domestic and international markets.
The demand for meat and milk in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is projected to surge by over 250 per cent by 2050, driven by population growth, urbanization, and changing dietary preferences. This anticipated growth underscores the urgent need for investments in pastoral systems to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience to meet future demands.
Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, highlighted the platform’s potential during a recent address, stating, “The APMD Platform will help us overcome long-standing barriers. Through collaboration and innovation, we can open up new opportunities for sustainable growth.”
Persistent challenges such as droughts, political instability, and shrinking access to rangelands and water resources have significantly impacted productivity in pastoral regions. These environmental and political shocks have eroded the economic stability of pastoral communities, with many losing their livelihoods to recurrent crises.
According to livestock marketing experts, policy gaps also remain a major obstacle. Existing pastoral frameworks and national adaptation plans have yet to adequately address pastoral-specific challenges or outline clear pathways for sustainable development. The APMD Platform will prioritize evidence-based policy development to ensure the long-term viability of pastoral systems.
The initiative will introduce sustainable business strategies through advanced technology and real-time market insights, empowering pastoralists to make informed decisions. Dr Salih noted that by fostering private sector investment and strengthening policy frameworks, the platform will transform the pastoral sector into a robust regional economic driver.
Ahead of the launch, a Stakeholder Inception Workshop will convene key players in the livestock value chain. Participants include representatives from strategic outreach countries such as Kenya and Nigeria, African Union bodies, regional economic communities like COMESA, IGAD, ECCAS, and ECOWAS, as well as development partners and research institutions.
“The inclusive approach ensures that the platform’s strategies are both practical and reflective of diverse perspectives,” said Prof. Ahmed Elbeltagy, the APMD Platform project…
