AU-IBAR Launches Transformative African Pastoral Markets Development Platform
The Mt Kenya Times 
Yoseph Mamo, a senior animal production and health officer from Zambia, issuing his address to the media
By Cynthia Masibo
In a bold move to revolutionize the pastoral market ecosystems across Africa, the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) has launched the African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) Platform.
The launch took place during a Stakeholder Inception Workshop held on Friday bringing together a diverse group of participants at the forefront of livestock development in the continent.
The platform aims to enhance the livelihoods of pastoral communities, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel regions, by addressing systemic challenges in livestock trade. Through innovative business models, robust policy frameworks, and enhanced knowledge-sharing mechanisms, the initiative seeks to bolster sustainable practices and equitable economic growth.
The event convened representatives from Regional Economic Communities (RECs) such as COMESA, IGAD, ECCAS, and ECOWAS. These organizations play a crucial role in shaping the policies and infrastructure necessary for cross-border trade and livestock development. Government officials, financial and development partners, pastoral livestock keepers, traders, and leading research institutions were also in attendance, reflecting the collaborative nature of the initiative.
Among the speakers was Yoseph Mamo, a senior animal production and health officer from Zambia, representing the COMESA region. He emphasized the need to improve livestock and veterinary services across COMESA member states, stating, “The future of pastoral livelihoods hinges on our ability to strengthen veterinary services, enhance disease control, and create robust market linkages.”
The APMD Platform aims to tackle long-standing barriers that have hindered the growth of pastoral markets, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and fragmented policy frameworks. By fostering innovation and regional cooperation, the platform seeks to enable pastoral communities to better access markets, enhance productivity, and withstand climatic shocks that threaten their livelihoods.
During the workshop, discussions centered on innovative approaches to transforming pastoral value chains. Participants explored solutions such as mobile technology for market information, improved animal health services, and capacity-building initiatives for pastoralists and traders.
The Horn of Africa and the Sahel regions were spotlighted as areas of urgent need, given their heavy reliance on pastoralism and vulnerability to climate change. The APMD Platform is expected to play a pivotal role in building resilience among pastoral communities by promoting sustainable practices and diversifying income sources.
Key financial and development partners also pledged their support during the event. “This initiative represents a critical step in addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by millions of pastoralists,” noted one participant from a leading development organization.
As the APMD Platform begins its work, the focus will remain on fostering regional partnerships and ensuring that the voices of pastoralists are central to decision-making processes. Yoseph Mamo’s call to action resonated throughout the workshop, as he urged stakeholders to work collaboratively to deliver tangible benefits to communities that depend on livestock for their survival.
The official launch of the APMD Platform marks the beginning of a transformative journey for Africa’s pastoral market ecosystems. With the collective commitment of governments, organizations, and pastoralists, the initiative has the potential to reshape livelihoods, enhance food security, and drive sustainable economic development across the continent.
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