BUDGETING TO SUSTAIN NATIONAL LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN PACE MEMBER COUNTRIES

Livestock development is important for achieving food security and poverty reduction in Africa. However, several factors constrain livestock development in Africa. Animal diseases are the most important of these constraints. Many countries are unable to effectively control animal diseases, especially those of an epidemic nature, due to limited financial resources. This workshop was organized by the African Union — Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) under the auspices of the Pan African programme for the Control of Epizootics (PACE) to raise awareness on the need to adequately finance livestock development activities in general and animal disease control in particular. The objective of the workshop was to sensitize key financial decision-makers in participating member countries on the importance of funding national epidemio-surveillance systems and to develop strategies to ensure the process is sustainable. The workshop was held at the African Union Conference Center from March 29 to 30, 2004.