PRELIMINARY RESULTS ON THE DEVELOPM ENT OF INNOVATIVE SITE-SPECIFIC INTEGRATED ANIMAL HEALTH PACKAGES FOR THE RURAL POOR

There is evidence that livestock contribute to the livelihoods of approximately 70% of the World’s poor and represent a crucial component of any strategy aimed at improving food security and reduce poverty. The demographic booming of the human population in the poor areas of the Plan et lifts up the problem of food production, its access and distribution. Particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), data indicate that by 2025 the population will increase by nearly 800 million of new individuals, of which 55% will live in towns. The impressive demographic growth in developing countries (in some cases even +4% year) requires an overall increase of food production to assure the livelihood of human population. Some data (UNCHS, 1996) indicate that by 2030 the global urban population will reach 4.9 billion, and most of this increase will be in cities of the so-called developing countries. This is due to migration from rural to urban areas and rural settlements being incorporated into urban areas The quick urbanization not accompanied by a reasonable and equitable economic growth has led to urban poverty and food insecurity. The agricultural development has been focused on rural areas to improve food production to supply the growing urban population. Recently, more focus is given to urban and peri-urban livestock production UPUL) systems and peri-urban agriculture (PUA) directed towards the urban demand. In 1999, FAO estimated that 800 million urban residents worldwide were engaged in PUA. Generally the status of PUA and UPUL has changed from illegal to tolerated activities and to “new development strategy”, although most resources are devoted to PUA rather than UPUL. Nevertheless, despite the scarce attention, PUA and UPUL have shown a continuous development, driven by the growing demand. Virtually all species can be bred within PUA and UPUL system: from large (cattle, water buffaloes) to small ruminants (sheep and goats), monogastric (poultry, pigs, rabbits) and unconventional or mini-livestock (agouti, guinea pigs). .