Press Release N.021/ 2014

Guiding Group members brainstorm on a Continental Livestock Development Strategy at AU-IBAR, in Nairobi

Addis Ababa, 12 February 2014 – The Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union, Mrs. Rhoda Peace Tumusiime, addressed participants at meeting of the Guiding Group for the formulation of the Continental Livestock Development Strategy held on 7 February 2014 at the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) in Nairobi Kenya.

Commissioner Tumusiime her opening remarks, recalled the decision of the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Livestock regarding the formulation of a Continental Livestock Development Strategy. She outlined the status and challenges of the livestock sector in Africa, which she underlined, justify the need to have a Continental Livestock Development strategy.

The Commissioner also reminded the meeting that 2014 had been declared the year of Agriculture and Food Security and added that the formulation of the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa is; therefore, an important milestone in the sector, and an opportunity work together to make livestock on the continent successful.

The meeting deliberated on the background paper to formulate a long-term Livestock Development Strategy for the continent as well as the Terms of reference of the Guiding Group.

In his closing address, Dr Abebe Haile Gabriel, Director of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) of the African Union, expressed appreciation for the active participation of the Guiding Group meeting and emphasized the need to accomplish directive from Member States to formulate the Livestock strategy. He invited partners to join the commemoration of the year of Agriculture and Food Security.

Participants at the meeting include: the AU PATTEC Coordinator, Dr. Hassane H. Mahamat, Dr. Gift Wiseman Wanda , Dr. Solomon Haile Mariam, staff of AU-IBAR, representatives of the African Union Panafrican Veterinary Vaccine Centre (AU-PANVAC), key stakeholders in the livestock sector on the continent and relevant partner institutions.

Media Contact:
Esther Azaa Tankou, Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission, Tel: +251 911361185, E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org

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