In some parts of the world, demand for meat, eggs and fish is set to rise at an unprecedented rate over the next few years. Some have predicted a “Livestock Revolution” in response to the rapid growth in population, incomes and urbanisation in parts of Asia and Africa. But what would a Livestock Revolution mean for the environment, and for different groups in society?
This project focuses on one aspect of the global livestock market – poultry production in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Cases
Through case studies in West Africa, in particular in Ghana, we will look at how the idea of a Livestock Revolution is discussed and acted on by people involved in the poultry industry – from regulators, governments and NGOs, to farmers and businesses producing poultry and eggs.
Encouraging dialogue
In looking at the different groups with an interest in poultry production, this project examines the differences in their knowledge and the way they think about the future, and how narratives and different types of knowledge are used to justify certain types of action and policies. We aim to explore the dynamics between the ideas about a Livestock Revolution, the way the poultry production system actually works in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the networks and value chains connected to it.
The project will use these findings to assess different ways of opening up conversations about sustainability in relation to poultry, and what these might mean for policy.
Blog posts
- Supply or demand: what ‘drives’ modern agricultural revolutions? by Jim Sumberg, 26 September 2012
- Ghana: take 70,900 metric tons of frozen chicken, add politics by Jim Sumberg and John Thompson, 28 November 2012
STEPS members working on this project:
- John Thompson – Convenor
- Jim Sumberg – Research Fellow