Livestock Farming and Its Contribution to Rural Livelihoods

Livestock farming represents a cornerstone of rural economies worldwide, providing essential income, nutrition, and livelihood security for over 1.3 billion people globally. This comprehensive study examines the multifaceted contributions of livestock systems to rural livelihoods, analyzing economic, social, and environmental dimensions across diverse agro-ecological zones. The research demonstrates that livestock farming contributes 30-70% of rural household income in developing countries, while providing crucial services including draft power, manure production, and risk mitigation. However, challenges including climate change, market volatility, and resource constraints threaten the sustainability of livestock-dependent livelihoods. Integrated approaches combining improved genetics, sustainable feeding practices, and value chain development offer promising pathways for enhancing livestock contributions to rural prosperity.