Feeding the World in 2050: Trade-offs, synergies and tough choices for the livestock sector

Abstract

Feeding the World in 2050 is a major challenge at the forefront of the global development agenda. The importance of agriculture in addressing this challenge has re-emerged in recent years as food security issues are considered in a more holistic manner. The role of livestock as part of the solution is, however, often not considered. This article presents a brief overview of the global food security challenge, and considers the increased focus on holistic food systems. It con-tends that animal agriculture is relevant to this complex, multifaceted and dynamic global challenge. However, if live-stock-based solutions are to become a reality, a number of partial truths and trade-offs often associated with livestock and food need to be addressed. The role of livestock systems in future food security is considered in relation to differ-ent potential development trajectories of the sector, highlighting opportunities to ensure that livestock's contribution to global food security is a positive one, which also addresses concerns of environment, equity and human health.