Let’s Give Smallholder Livestock Farmers of the Developing World a Chance

Debate about environmental cost of livestock is legitimate but let’s not lose sight of needs in the developing world-

In developed countries, many people are cutting their meat consumption driven by health or animal welfare concerns or a wish to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

But elsewhere in the world it is a different story. A combination of population growth, urbanization and rising incomes is driving up demand for meat, dairy products and eggs.  An  emerging middle class in developing countries can now afford to consume livestock products on a regular basis for the first time.

There’s a legitimate debate to be had – based on evidence – about the environmental cost of livestock in parts of the world. But we should not lose sight of the basic needs of others with whom we share the planet and that smallholder production can be sustainable.