On August 27, 2024, the Livestock Systems Innovation Lab hosted an event in Washington, D.C. called “Animal Source Foods for Change: Cognition, Climate, and Capacity.” The convening brought together experts from various fields to discuss future research for development priorities for strengthening livestock systems and promoting animal source foods consumption in lower and middle-income countries.
Speakers at the event included Ann Vaughan, Deputy Assistant to the Administrator, USAID; Rob Bertram, Chief Scientist, USAID; Scott Angle, Provost, University of Florida; Jemal Yousef Hassen, President, Haramaya University; and Iain Wright, Emeritus Fellow, International Livestock Research Institute.
Steering through transitions: USAID’s evolution
Dr. Robert Bertram provided a comprehensive overview of the agency’s transitions over the years. Since 2015, the Bureau for Food Security has transitioned into the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security and, more recently, to the Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security. These changes reflect USAID’s dynamic approach to addressing global challenges and incorporating greater environmental considerations into its mission.
A decade of research: The Livestock Systems Innovation Lab’s contributions
Dr. Geoff Dahl, the Lab’s director, framed the event’s discussions by reflecting on the Lab’s extensive research for development contributions over nearly a decade. He emphasized that while LSIL focuses on livestock systems, the broader venture involves working with livestock owners—families who often manage a variety of livestock species and cultivate crops on small plots of land. Achieving sustainable changes in household nutrition for the most vulnerable, within the context of a changing climate, will require new ways of working within existing systems. Continued improvements in livestock sector productivity and system resilience as well as facilitation of social and behavioral change are necessary to further increase access to animal source foods (ASF), and improve well-being and livelihoods, especially among vulnerable groups. Those increases must be supported by sustainable approaches, including localized affordable innovations, that are ideally led by local actors to remain viable.
He also pointed out key aspects of a highly cited 2020 LSIL publication, “Animal source foods: sustainability problem or sustainability and malnutrition solution? Perspective matters.” The publication delves into the complex relationship between animal-source foods and sustainability, challenging the view that livestock production and consumption of animal-sourced foods need to be drastically reduced to mitigate climate effects. Done right, livestock systems are a key component of sustainable food systems, and animal source foods are critical components of a healthy diet. He said that while the general understanding of the benefits of ASF is becoming more widespread, perspective still matters!
Cognition: Beyond stunting
The first session, led by Dr. Sarah McKune, was an engaging exploration of the importance of ASF consumption for cognitive development and human wellbeing. Moving beyond traditional measures such as stunting, Dr. McKune advocated for a more comprehensive view of malnutrition, which she argued is a multi-causal outcome influenced by diet, water and sanitation hygiene (WASH), health-seeking behavior, caregiving practices, and more.
One of the key takeaways from this session was Dr. McKune’s question to the audience: Do we agree that ASF is required to achieve full human potential? The consensus was yes. However, she emphasized the need for further research in several areas, including behavioral change, the specific types and amounts of ASF needed, and food safety. It was clear from the discussions that while ASF offers immense benefits, understanding the nuanced contexts of their benefits remains essential.
Climate: Impacts of climate change on Livestock Systems:
Dr. Clarisse Umutoni, a crop-livestock scientist at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), took the lead on the climate discussion. She illustrated how collaboration with local actors has led to identifying game-changing solutions for building climate-resilient livestock value chains, even in challenging contexts like Niger. Dr. Umutoni argued for a holistic understanding of the complex environment and systems before trying to develop effective strategies. She emphasized treating farmers as key partners rather than mere beneficiaries and recommended shifting the power balance in favor of farmers over researchers and project staff. This inclusive approach ensures that solutions are not only practical but also accepted and scaled locally.
Capacity, collaboration, and coordination:
Dr. Jessica Bagdonis from USAID opened this session with an important semantic shift: moving from capacity strengthening to capacity sharing. This change reflects a more sustainable and empowering approach, where local actors are appreciated for the capacity they already have and taking on a leading role in driving solutions forward. Signaling a more sustainable approach to empowering local actors. Dr. Bagdonis and Dr. Jemal Yousef, from Haramaya University, spoke about the importance of building equitable partnerships based on mutual respect and trust. They stressed that such relationships allow local and international actors to co-create and scale impactful solutions.
Scaling & Partnerships:
The final session focused on scaling innovations and partnerships with representatives from various funding agencies. It was clear from the discussions that while developing new solutions is critical, ensuring those innovations are used by the people and organizations who need them most is just as essential. The panel emphasized that prioritizing scalability and forging strong partnerships are key strategies for maximizing the impact of research and development.
Moving Forward
The “Animal Source Foods for Change” event resulted in a rich exchange of ideas, challenges, and potential solutions. As the Livestock Systems Innovation Lab continues to lead the way in livestock systems research, the insights gained from this event will shape future priorities and guide efforts to improve global health, nutrition, and resilience. The day concluded with a sense of optimism and motivation, as participants left with new strategies and a shared commitment to advancing livestock systems and ASF consumption worldwide.
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