National Livestock Policy 2015-2030 and Action Framework

This document is a result of extensive consultations among stakeholders. Meetings and workshops were convened in all six Provinces to collect the information to develop the National Livestock Policy (NLP). The Policy addresses the challenges and shortcomings which livestock farmers and policy makers have struggled with since the country became independent over 35 years ago. The NPL is consistent with current government development policies, namely the Overarching Productive Sector Policy (OPSP) and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) developed of the Government of Vanuatu. It covers a wide range of issues within the livestock sub-sectors including smallholder farming, product hygiene, women and vulnerable groups.The NPL covers key issues relating to: farm animal genetic resources, livestock nutrition, feeds, farm inputs, animal diseases and pests, livestock marketing, food safety, quality assurance, research, extension and food security. We acknowledge that over 90% of Vanuatu’s land area is under customary or indigenous land ownership and that livestock is an integral activity for subsistence living in rural areas and contributing to food security and income generation for families and communities. Livestock farming brings in significant foreign exchange earnings from exported beef meat and other products.This Policy framework recognizes the major stakeholders in the livestock sector and it defines their respective roles. It also recognizes the impact of livestock activities on the environment and the availability of other natural recourses such as land, water, and wildlife/livestock interaction on livestock production.The policy take cognizance of the difficulties of developing this sector due to the geographical spread of the islands and the meagre resources allocated to the sector to develop it into a vibrant and industry.Amongst other issues the Department of Livestock took pride in declaring that this Policy is a milestone to reshape this sector. This Policy recognizes the difficulties the policy team faced to collect everyone’s opinion, comments, analyse them and assemble these into these two documents - the National Livestock Policy and the National Livestock Policy Action Plan, Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.The Policy take cognizance of the potential contribution the sector can contribute to the country’s gross domestic product. It is our expectation that the Policy aspirations envisaged here will revitalize the livestock sector and guarantee the sustainability of livestock farming as a major economic activity in the country and enhance Vanuatu’s position in livestock production within the Pacific region and beyond.The National Livestock Policy Action Plan, Monitoring & Evaluation Framework is also included as an attachment.