Sustainable, Healthy and Resilient Animal Source Food Systems in Southern Africa (AFS-SA)

This synthesis team will map the animal source food systems in South Africa, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, identifying leverage points for improving resilience.

Southern Africa’s food systems, including small and large-scale livestock producers, play a vital role in food security, employment, and agricultural GDP. As climate change intensifies,  global advocacy to reduce animal source food consumption—primarily to lower agricultural emissions—frequently disregards the unique contexts of African nations. Many African countries face severe food insecurity and malnutrition. For 61% of Africans, particularly women and rural communities, animal source foods remain essential sources of nutrition, as they provide highly bioavailable nutrients and micronutrients critical for children and pregnant women. Livestock also serve as a safety net for small-scale farmers, providing food, income, and support for crop production through manure and draught power, contributing to household resilience in the face of climate-related shocks.

Animal food systems are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, with existing challenges like food insecurity, inequality, and zoonotic diseases expected to worsen. By using systems mapping and expert input, the project seeks to provide actionable recommendations to enhance the resilience and sustainability of animal source food systems across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in response to climate variability. By addressing the complex interplay between climate change, nutrition, and livelihoods, this initiative aims to contribute to a more secure, equitable, and sustainable future for animal source food systems in Southern Africa.

Project Team:

• Michelle North – University of KwaZulu-Natal
• Liveness Banda – Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Barbara Häsler – Royal Veterinary College
• Andrew Arlington – Regenerative Agriculture Association of Southern Africa
• Andrew Bennie – Institute of Economic Justice
• Bettie Kawonga – Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Julius Musevenzi – University of Zimbabwe
• Kevin Queenan – Royal Veterinary College
• Mjabu Ngidi – University of KwaZulu-Natal
• Rebone Moerane – University of Pretoria
• Scott Drimie – University of Stellenbosch
• Vincent Henwood – Department of Agriculture, South Africa
• Wilson Nandolo – Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources