Insights from UNCCD COP 16: A transition to more sustainable extensive livestock production

A CGIAR-hosted side event on sustainable extensive livestock production at the UNCCD COP 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has highlighted the vital role of livestock in global nutrition, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Session participants noted that climate change mitigation in grazing systems requires tailored, site-specific solutions, equitable approaches, and investment in innovation. They remarked that proven practices like improving animal health and enhancing breeding can offer significant benefits for people and the planet, noting that to ensure a just transition for livestock-dependent communities, needs investments to close efficiency gaps and support innovative solutions. Together they called for collaboration among governments, researchers, and livestock keepers as an essential component for durable outcomes.

Stanford Blade, interim director general of ICRISAT, delivered the keynote address. Blade emphasized that a just transition must prioritize the needs of communities in drylands and rangelands. Recognizing the minimal contributions of these communities to global greenhouse gas emissions, Blade underscored the importance of strengthening smallholder agriculture and sustainable livestock systems. He lauded CGIAR centres for their efforts in developing technologies that can facilitate a sustainable low-emission transition for pastoralists and small-scale livestock keepers.

Fiona Flintan, rangelands senior scientist from ILRI and moderator of the event set the stage with a video screening that highlighted the role of livestock in supporting livelihoods and health in the Global South. The video outlined actionable strategies for reducing emissions, such as developing methane emission inhibitors and adopting climate-smart livestock practices. The session placed emphasis on the importance of government policies, farmer training, and investment in science to enable a just and sustainable transition.

Innovative practices from Colombia and panelist insights

Lydia Lanzoni, livestock and climate change specialist at FAO, presented findings from  FAO’s 2023 report, Pathways towards lower emissions – A global assessment of the greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation options from livestock agrifood systems.  The report explores mitigation options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in livestock systems, while meeting the growing global demand for animal-sourced foods.

Sarah Valencia, an expert in ecology and sustainable development, shared experiences from Colombia and discussed the development of tropical forages and crops adapted to acidic soils. She also presented findings from pilot research at Hacienda San Jose, comparing emissions from sustainable grazing management practices.

The side event featured a dynamic panel discussion with panelists Sophie Alymer (Four Paws), Jacob Mpayayie (African Youth Pastoralists Initiative, AYPI) Leigh Winowiecki (CIFOR-ICRAF) and Mateusz Ciasnocha (European Carbon Farmers / Midas Project).

Providing the highlight of the panel discussion, Jacob Mpayayie, AYPI president, emphasized that the challenges facing pastoralists, researched by scientists and discussed by panelists at COP 16, were realities they live with day-to-day. He highlighted traditional conservation practices employed by pastoralist communities, stressing their value in climate resilience efforts.

Closing Remarks

Birthe Paul, an advisor on agri-food systems from the German Development Agency GIZ delivered the closing remarks, reaffirming the necessity of an enabling policy environment, investments, and incentives to support the transition to sustainable livestock production systems. This side event at COP 16 emphasized that addressing climate challenges in livestock production is not only critical for meeting global climate targets but also for ensuring the livelihoods and resilience of millions of people worldwide.

About the Event

The UNCDD Council of Parties (COP 16) side event titled A transition to more sustainable extensive livestock production brought together global experts, policymakers, and livestock value chain actors to address the critical need for climate mitigation in livestock grazing systems. It was organized by the CGIAR Livestock and Climate Initiative, ICRISAT, the Alliance of Bioversity-CIAT, FAO, World Resources Institute, Four Paws, CIFOR, ICRAF, GIZ. It took place on 5 Dec 2024 at the CGIAR Pavilion at COP 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Written by Polycarp Onyango, communications manager for the CGIAR Initiative on Livestock and Climate