National Livestock Development Policy.

This National Livestock Development Policy is a nationwide sectoral document aiming at addressing essential issues in the livestock industry crucial to improve the productivity of the livestock industry in line with Vision 2030 which aims at making “Zambia a prosperous middle-income country”. The overall objective of the Policy is, as said, to transform the livestock industry to enhance socio-economic development. The document set out the following Specific Objectives (i) promote sustainable livestock production and productivity; (ii) promote established standards and quality of livestock, livestock products, and by-products; (iii) strengthen livestock research; (iv) promote sustainable management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources; (v) improve the animal welfare and livestock production environment; (vi) improve animal health service delivery; (vii) improve the management of rangelands and livestock water resources; (viii) establish a Livestock Information Management System (LIMS).
To improve livestock production, the following measures need to be taken (i) strengthen extension and advisory services; (ii)adoption of appropriate technologies; (iii) promotion of livestock stocking and re-stocking; (iv) artificial insemination; (v) investment in non-conventional livestock production; (vi) creation of a farm animal genetic resource management database; (vii) conservation of indigenous animal breeds and strains; (viii) development of a genetic resource management system; (ix) routine vaccinations and surveillance of livestock diseases, as well as control and prevention of animal diseases; (x) application of indigenous knowledge and practices in the management of animal diseases; (e) adoption of good animal nutrition practices.
Environmental protection will be ensured through (i) good agricultural, grazing, and manufacturing practices, together with rangeland improvement technologies; (ii) application of indigenous knowledge and practices in rangeland management; (iii) appropriate technologies for forage conservation and utilization; (iv) community participation in establishing watering points for livestock; and (v) collaboration in the development and maintenance of reliable water sources for livestock.
To enhance more inclusive economic and social growth, the Policy suggests (i) promoting the application of grading systems for live animals and livestock products; (ii) strengthening animal identification and traceability system; (iii) strengthening livestock producer organizations, and encouraging the formation of livestock processors organizations; (iv) promote livestock trade, marketing, and agribusiness development; (v) foster investment in processing facilities; and (vi) strengthen research in the livestock sector.
As for Governance, the Government shall put in place an implementation framework based on which the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will collaborate with other line Ministries and stakeholders. Vertical and horizontal coordination among the key players in the livestock sector is essential for the successful implementation of the Policy's targets. Therefore, the Ministry will ensure the effective participation of all stakeholders at all levels.