The beef industry in southern Africa has been a stalwart of economic development, but new conditions of trade, market access and disease dynamics, particularly of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), mean a major rethink is required. Our research addresses key policy options to allow southern Africa to benefit from the global ‘livestock revolution’. It explores what options exist for trade, given changes in demand patterns, global competition and market access conditions, and asks who are the winners and losers of different scenarios for the future.

South Africa has great potential for livestock production for both export and for its domestic market, where demand for livestock products is high. Although generally a net importer of beef, South Africa has invested considerable resources in control measures for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). This investment is not only – and perhaps not even – primarily with an eye to beef exports, but for the protection of the dairy industry in particular.

This is one of a series of briefings on our Veterinary Science project.