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<p>Veterinary services in sub-Saharan Africa have evolved from colonial-era, state-led animal health programmes into complex combinations of public, private, and community provision. This article reviews this evolution and considers its implications for food security. Well-functioning veterinary services are essential for livestock productivity, food safety, and rural resilience, with livestock diseases estimated to cost the region almost US$9&#xa0;billion annually. However, structural adjustment reforms since the 1980s led to underfunding and a shift towards privatisation and cost recovery, creating inequities in access. Mixed models involving veterinarians, paraprofessionals, and community workers have emerged, but weak regulation and limited support continue to leave many rural livestock keepers underserved. Policy and knowledge gaps remain, including poor drug regulation, gender barriers, and limited evidence on costs and benefits. Stronger coordination between public and private sectors, sustainable financing, and inclusive governance are required to align veterinary services with One Health and the Sustainable Development Goals.</p>

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Science for Africa’s future food security: rethinking veterinary services for livestock health in Sub-Saharan Africa

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月7日

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  • Abdul Salami Bah

摘要

Veterinary services in sub-Saharan Africa have evolved from colonial-era, state-led animal health programmes into complex combinations of public, private, and community provision. This article reviews this evolution and considers its implications for food security. Well-functioning veterinary services are essential for livestock productivity, food safety, and rural resilience, with livestock diseases estimated to cost the region almost US$9 billion annually. However, structural adjustment reforms since the 1980s led to underfunding and a shift towards privatisation and cost recovery, creating inequities in access. Mixed models involving veterinarians, paraprofessionals, and community workers have emerged, but weak regulation and limited support continue to leave many rural livestock keepers underserved. Policy and knowledge gaps remain, including poor drug regulation, gender barriers, and limited evidence on costs and benefits. Stronger coordination between public and private sectors, sustainable financing, and inclusive governance are required to align veterinary services with One Health and the Sustainable Development Goals.