Livestock’s role in food security comes into focus

A new FAO assessment exploring how diverse livestock systems support food security, nutrition and more sustainable agrifood systems worldwide was published in September. This is the third in the FAO series, the previous two titles having been reported in the August 2026 DSF Newsletter.

Livestock production supplies around one-third of the world’s protein, but its contribution varies widely by system and location. Mixed crop–livestock and poultry systems provide most of this supply, while the sector continues to undergo significant change.

The report highlights the importance of domestic and local markets: only 15% of meat, 12% of milk and dairy products, and 3% of eggs are traded internationally. It also notes the strong economic foundations of feedlots and intensive production systems.

Looking ahead, competition between feed and food for land is expected to accelerate the use of agro-industrial by-products, unconventional feed sources, grasslands and marginal land. These shifts could help increase the supply of terrestrial animal-source foods while limiting pressure on arable land and forests.

The third publication in the FAO series, Contribution of the livestock sector to food security and sustainable agrifood systems – benefits, constraints, synergies and trade-offs, responds to FAO Members’ request for a comprehensive, science-based global assessment. It examines livestock’s contribution to food security, sustainable agrifood systems, nutrition and healthy diets, while highlighting key knowledge gaps.

Based on scientific literature, policies and legal frameworks, the assessment reviews the benefits, constraints and trade-offs of different livestock systems, including their resilience, sustainability and role in the bioeconomy.

To read the full report click here.