AU-IBAR ANIMAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is one of the specialised technical offices of the African Union (AU) under the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA). The new mandate of IBAR recognizes that animal resources have to significantly contribute to increased incomes and food security in rural Africa and emphasizes the need for IBAR to work through the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other relevant institutions in member states. With the reorganization of AU / IBAR has to align itself to the vision of the AU and the mandate of DREA. The Animal Resource Development Strategy of IBAR outlines common and shared vision, mission, core functions, strategies and activities that clearly demonstrate organization's steps towards alignment with the AU vision. To contribute to the vision of AU the institution shall focus on six mandates including 1) control of major transboundary animal diseases, 2) improvement of animal genetic and feed resources, 3) enhancement of trade and marketing of livestock and livestock products, 4) development of livestock information and communication technology, 5) improvement of quality assurance of livestock and products of animal origin, and 6) harmonization of livestock related policies and the legal framework in member states. AU-IBAR plans to represent Africa and be a link between international standards setting institutions, RECs and member states to promote African policies supportive of the livestock sector. In addition, AU -IBAR plans to use its comparative political advantage to coordinate and oversee adaptation of international standards, equivalents and regulations and documentation of best practices for African realities.