Guidelines for African Feed and Fodder Data Ecosystems: Indicators, Dashboards, Data-As-A Service, and Monitoring

Abstract

Africa’s livestock sector is a major contributor to agricultural livelihoods (about 24% of agricultural GDP.) and employs large rural populations, including women. Feed and fodder are the largest cost input in animal production (around 60–70% of production costs. Recent global shocks (climate shocks, COVID-19, and the Ukraine crisis) have severely disrupted Africa’s feed and fodder supply chains, causing widespread shortages. These challenges underscore the need for integrated data systems, real-time dashboards, and coordinated data services to inform policy and investment. Recent initiatives highlight this need, emphasizing improved data analytics for evidence-based policy and investment in feed systems. These guidelines build on key project outputs and the AU Data Policy Framework to support AU Member States in harmonizing their feed and fodder data ecosystems