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VANUATU NATIONAL LIVESTOCK POLICY
Draft
September 2015
Department of Livestock
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FOREWORD
[TO BE COMPLETED]
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INTRODUCTION The livestock sector is a critical component of food security and an essential component of livelihood
for the vast majority of the people of the Republic of Vanuatu, playing the all important role in local
cultures and economic development of our island nation. However, despite perceptions of self-
sufficiency a greater part of the population does not yet meet the recommended animal protein
requirements as set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The majority of livestock smallholder farmers remain poor and food insecure due to low
productivity, high cost of farm inputs, local market inefficiencies. These issues are compounded by
limited land space to develop expansive farming. Vanuatu is yet to realize its full potential in the
livestock sector. This can only come about with strong policies to guide and create conducive
environments where farmers can work within to realise the real benefits of livestock farming.
The sector has the potential to improve Vanuatu’s welfare status and to achieve the objectives of
the Government’s Priority Action Agenda (PAA), the Planning Long Acting Short, and the Over-
arching Productive Sector Policy (OPSP).
Various reforms in the livestock sector have been initiated to stimulate economic growth and to
achieve food security but most have failed to create sustained impacts and benefits due in a large
part to the lack of a long-term policy framework.
To address the Vanuatu’s livestock development challenges in a coherent, strategic and sustainable
way, a thorough elucidation of the ‘way forward’ is presented here, made up of a series of policy
directives, implementation strategies and evaluation mechanisms. It is expected that this policy
framework will guide the development of the livestock sector to increase household incomes, assure
food security, create employment, improve farming practices, expand value addition of products,
and enable environmental sustainability and adaptation to climate change and support of livestock-
based commercial industries.
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Vision Conscious of its past performances the vision of the Livestock Sector states that;
“The livestock sector is modern, sustainably managed to benefit all its stakeholders, contribute to
greater socio-economic development, and in its endeavours ensures sound environmental and
climate proofing practices, including, achieving a national cattle herd of 500,000 heads by year
2025”.
Mission The mission of the livestock sector is:
“To provide the enabling policy environment and recognises latest technologies and knowledge that
increases overall productivity of Vanuatu’s Livestock sector and protects it from diverse risks by
ensuring that critical services and products are provided equitably to the people of Vanuatu through
collaborative arrangements among multiple sectors”.
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List of Abbreviations
BSE Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
BVC
CBO
Bovine Venereal Campylobacteriosis
Community Based Organization
CRP Comprehensive Reform Program
DARD Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
DCCh Department of Climate Change
DCoop Department of Cooperatives
DESPC Department of Economic, Strategic, Planning and Coordination
DEPC Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation
DForest Department of Forestry
DLiv Department of Livestock
DLUP Department of Land Use Planning
DoCIR Department of Customs and Inland Revenue
DoCRBD Department of Cooperatives and Rural Business Development
DoI Department of Industry
DoF Department of Finance
DoL Department of Lands
DoLa Department of Labour
DoPM Department of Ports and Marine
DRM Disaster Risk Mitigation
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
FSA Farm Support Association
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GoV Government of Vanuatu
MALFFB Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity
MDG Millennium Development Goal
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M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
MSG Melanesian Spearhead Group
MTTCNVB Ministry of Tourism, Trade, Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu Business
NAB National Advisory Board on Climate Change
NARI National Agriculture Research Institute
NGO
NIP
NLB
Non-Government Organization
National Implementation Plan
National Livestock Board
NLF National Livestock Framework
NLP National Livestock Policy
OPSP Overarching Productive Sector Policy
PAA
PGC
Priority Action Agenda (2006 – 2015)
Provincial Government Council
PIP Pasture Improvement Project
RB Reserve Bank
SPC Secretariat of the Pacific Community
SPC-GIZ Secretariat of the Pacific Community German International Agency for Cooperation Climate Change Program
VAB Vanuatu Agriculture Bank
VanGov
VAC
Vanuatu Government
Vanuatu Agriculture College
VARTC Vanuatu Agricultural Research and Training Centre
VIPA Vanuatu Investment Promotion Authority
VLAB Vanuatu Livestock Advisory Board
VLDC Vanuatu Livestock Development Corporation
VNSO Vanuatu National Statistics Office
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Legal Status of the National Livestock Policy
(a) Legal Framework
The National Livestock Policy (NLP) is critical for the development of livestock industry. The NLP provides the policy directions under which the National Implementation Plan (NIP) is derived where specific actions are developed and implemented. Additional to the NPL are several Acts of Parliament which lend specific legal mandate to guide the livestock sector. The enforcement of established regulations, standards, and rules is dependent on the laws and regulations. Some of these laws are outdated and sometimes overlapping in certain facets of law, resulting in costly institutional and management arrangements.
Other facets of policies important to the livestock sector development include the Priorities and
Action Agenda: 2006 -2015 (PAA) and the Overarching Productive Sector Policy (OPSP). These
policies set the platforms and set the scope under which a national livestock policy is constructed
and implemented.
The whole of government mechanisms and self-governing organizations, national and multi-national
institutions, NGOs, community based organizations (CBOs), and persons who are working in Vanuatu
to manage, develop, promote and conserve livestock resources, are in the import-export or other
business related to all livestock activities must conduct their activities within the ambit of the 16
Objectives and Strategies outlined in the National Livestock Policy and the National Implementation
Plan.
Eventually the government will develop a national livestock legislation to harmonized all aspects of
laws and facilitate the development and improvements in the sector.
(b) Institutional arrangements
A distinct delineation of functions exists where animal production, transportation, animal welfare
and product safety monitoring functions are under the jurisdictions of the private sector and
Department of Livestock (DLiv). Secondary and tertiary activities such as processing, value-addition
and marketing fall in the scope of work of processors/private sector and other government
institutions such as Department of Industry. This is to be further emphasized in the proposed
national livestock legislation.
(c) Stakeholders Roles
The objectives of the National Livestock Policy will be achieved through the active participation of
various stakeholders including the government, the private sector, and the civil society
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organizations. This policy recognizes other sectoral policies, as they are important in achieving the
objectives. During implementation of this policy a mechanism will be instituted to facilitate linkages
and complementarities between different sector policies and to coordinate the work of different
stakeholders interested in the development of the livestock sector.
(i) Provincial Government Councils
In accordance with Decentralization Act [1994] of the national government and its
ensuing policies, Provincial Government Councils (PGCs) will play an increasingly
important role in the implementation of the National Livestock Policy, strategies and
programmes. Following the revised roles of the central government institutions,
livestock extension staffs are being assigned to posts in provincial areas and
headquarters in order to increase service efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.
(ii) Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity
The MALFFB will provide oversight on the policies and laws to ensure they are
effectively implemented. It will have regular communication and dialogue with DLiv to
progress reviews of the policy and assist to encourage investment in the livestock sector
through the Cabinet and the office of the Director General of the Ministry.
(iii) Lines Departments
Line agencies in charge of other sectoral policies have a role to play to ensure that their
activities are consistent and compliment the work under the NLP.
(iv) National Livestock Board
The Meat Industry Act will be amended to delete the Vanuatu Livestock Advisory
Board (VLAB) and replace with the National Livestock Board (NLB). The NLB will be
formally constituted to work alongside the DLiv to implement the policies.
(v) Private sector organizations, NGOs, community based organizations (CBOs), civil society
The role played by private sector organizations, NGOs, community based organizations
(CBOs) and civil society is crucial for the development of the livestock sector. The
enabling environment for their roles are provided for under the NPL so their efforts are
aimed at achieving the 16 objectives of the policy.
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(vi) Academia
The government must engage academia to ensure there is continuity in the
development of the livestock sector. The school curriculum must include topics of
livestock farming and management to generate student interest in the sector.
(vii) Research and development
It is crucial that research and development in livestock genetic improvement, nutrition
and health are undertaken to improve on current practices. Research is crucial to devise
best animal management methodologies and which are suitable to our local conditions.
Applied research is essential also to conserve traditional genetic materials and
practices.
Scope of the NLP The NLP has been developed by the Department of Livestock within the Ministry of Agriculture,
Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity (MALFFB). The scope of this Policy however is much
greater than a document for Government alone. The NLP is intended to be a sector wide strategic
guiding document which will be implemented by government, the private sector, civil society,
academia, regional organizations and others. The NLP embraces an integrated approach to the
development of the livestock sector which recognises the contribution all stakeholders and
development partners. It is intended to mobilise and empower stakeholders to achieve a common
purpose or mission.
The NLP is based on a vision and mission shared across the whole livestock sector. The policy is
structured as a series of Policy Directives and Implementation Strategies that are organized into
Thematic Areas. The NLP acknowledges the limited capacity available for the development of the
livestock sector and so strategies are prioritised. The policy acknowledges also the likely reality that
some priorities will change over time.
The directives and strategies are not carved in stone. Rather, they are developed with the intent to
provide a national development framework within which all stakeholders can work together to
improve livestock planning and development.
This National Livestock Policy will be valid from 2015-2030 and coincides with the time period of
Vanuatu’s new National Sustainable Development Plan. Far from being inflexibly codified for that
entire duration, the policy directives contained within the Policy are intended to be regularly
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reviewed and improved to suit changing contexts. In essence, this Policy is a living document and will
be reviewed every five (5) years from the date of its launch.
Main Livestock Sector Issues and Constraints The livestock sector in Vanuatu faces the following major challenges which need to be addressed to
enable the sector to grow according to its potential:
1. There is lack of knowledge and skills on breeding methods and management of genetic
diversity (e.g. inbreeding and stock reproductive ratios), livestock production outputs and
reduced reproductive efficiency;
2. There are few improved breeds which give rise to many farmers not having good breeds and
are achieving sub-optimal growth, small litter sizes and reduced production. The current improved breeds are found on the islands of Efate and Santo. Farmers on other islands must pay a huge price for these improved stocks and the transport to have the animals moved to their islands each time they want to introduce new genetics or breeds onto their farm;
3. Vanuatu lacks expertise in feed formulation which currently contributes to under
nourishment, malnutrition and poor production. The desire is to develop desired feed compositions using local food products and ingredients;
4. Shortage of land and other farming resources often result in disputes which limit the
commercialization of many livestock species;
5. The inability of farmers or extension officers to identify, prevent and/or control common diseases which cause high mortality and reduce productivity;
6. High wharfage and storage fees for imported animal feeds and equipment and handling fees
for imports and exports by ISD and NISCOL;
7. The demand for Vanuatu livestock products outstrips supply both in the local and external markets;
8. There is no recognised guideline on product prices and this gives rise to high variability in
livestock products prices in local regions and islands;
9. Producers lack appropriate marketing knowledge and skills which contribute to low economic returns;
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10. Farmers on outer islands do not have the essential information and knowledge to make decision on best farming practices;
11. Extension, awareness and communication strategies are poor and not effectively utilising
existing bodies, the industry, VARTC, VAC etc;
12. Farmers do not have good business plans to conduct livestock farming as a business;
13. Farmers lack investment capital to start or improve their farming operations. The current lending rates are prohibitive to growth in the livestock sector;
14. Farmers do not have sufficient knowledge or skills on breeds, farming systems or other
adaptation methods to cope with the negative impacts of climate change;
15. Farmers do not have sufficient knowledge on pasture establishment and management (including weed management), most do not have access to improved pasture species; and
16. There is a lack of coordination among stakeholders in the livestock sector which leads to
duplication of efforts by service providers and other industry players.
Guiding Principles
To be successful the National Livestock Policy will:
1. Be linked to and be based upon expanded extension services (both government and farmer associations) firmly rooted in provincial and island centres.
2. Embrace Complementary strategies such that the NLP is linked to, supported by and complements other sector policy initiatives
3. Embrace Participation and Collaboration such that the NLP is implemented through the active, responsible and committed contribution of all stakeholders
4. Embrace Integration such that the livestock development goals contained herein are supported by and support the achievement of broader sustainable development aspirations.
5. Ensure Good Governance such that the implementation of the NLP is steered by a transparent and credible authority (e.g. Livestock Advisory Board)
6. Promote No Regrets Development such that NLP directives and strategies will not contribute to further climate change impacts or environmental degradation but rather facilitate adaptation, risk reduction and environmental integrity.
7. Enable Inclusiveness such that the diverse needs of different stakeholders in Vanuatu (women, men, youth, people with special abilities, rural etc,) all have fair and equitable access to the development outcomes that the livestock sector can create.
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1 Smallholder Livestock Production Policy Objectives
(i) Smallholder livestock operations are very productive and meet the livelihood needs of farmers
(ii) Smallholder livestock production comprises half the livestock industry
(iii) The sector is guided by a national livestock legislation
A. Smallholder Operations
Policy Directive
Employ measures to sustain and enhance the farming systems and livelihood of smallholder farmers
The policy strategies for this particular thematic areas are that:
1. Greater emphasis is places on participating and engaging with smallholder farmers on livestock initiatives
2. A cattle restocking program is vital to increase cantle numbers in the rural areas of Vanuatu. 3. Facilitate development of tax holiday incentives to boots animal numbers on smallholder
farms ensure VAT/Duty exemption is fully recognised and taken advantage of. 4. There is actively engagement in the development of a comprehensive livestock legislation to
manage the animal production, animal health and welfare. 5. More market outlets are made available throughout the provinces for farmers to sell their
products. 6. Integrated farming systems and product diversification are promoted to all farmers to
increase productivity and to maintain environmental integrity and resilience. 7. Other livestock species are also promoted and encouraged to grow their numbers (examples
goats and honey bee farming). 8. Certain locations or localities are suitable for only certain breeds or species of animals. 9. Dual purpose breeds are actively encouraged. 10. Vanuatu strategically embark on promoting subsistence farming to graduate to commercial
farming. 11. Farmers and all stakeholders take serious of animal welfare issues, including building of
stockyards, fencing, enough water and feeds. 12. Production and production and timely dissemination of up-to-update information on local
market demands and requirements is very important.
2 Commercial Livestock Production Policy Objective
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(i) Commercial livestock operations are productive and sustainable, and promote climate resilient farming practices
B. Commercial Operations
Policy Directive
Implement measures to promote production and profitability to grow commercial livestock operations
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Promote joint working partnership between smallholder livestock farmers and large commercial operators.
2. Facilitate access to essential equipment for farmers via borrow/lend schemes (e.g. tractors, rotovators).
3. Promote out-grower contract programs. 4. Explore and develop other markets for specific livestock products (e.g organic beef). 5. Promote islands and locations with good potential for commercial livestock production. 6. Promote government incentives to encourage investment in the commercial livestock
sector. 7. Promote properly managed land leases to establish commercial livestock businesses. 8. Recognize commercial farmers as breeders and distributors of improved animals to
smallholder farmers in Vanuatu and to engage in providing SHF training on their properties. 9. Encourage business support programmes between commercial livestock production and
smallholder livestock production. 10. Promote revitalization of unproductive lands or farms. 11. Encourage maximum land utilization for livestock, agriculture or an integrated farming
system. 12. Facilitate establishment of holding yards on large and established farms. 13. Ensure internal quarantine measures are observed to maintain environmental integrity.
3 Livestock Industries and Marketing Policy Objectives
Effective marketing of greater volumes of improved livestock and livestock product quality in the domestic and export markets
C. Marketing
Policy Directive
Guarantee competitiveness of livestock and livestock products in the domestic and international markets
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Ensure harmony and compliance with all laws affecting animal and animal product marketing.
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2. Promote and encourage internal quarantine measures to avoid spread of harmful animal pests and diseases.
3. Ensure there are proper animal holding yards on locations regularly used for animal movements.
4. Recognize that there should inform some pricing guidelines for livestock and livestock products.
5. Promote and disseminate current market information on Vanuatu livestock and livestock products to farmers and potential buyers, including international buyers.
6. Improve export trade and focus on niche market trading for which Vanuatu products have a comparative advantage (e.g. grass fed beef).
7. Recognize work being done to secure niche markets for Vanuatu premium livestock products.
8. Improve marketing regulation to facilitate competition. 9. Ensure the industry can possibly mitigate against market failures. 10. Promote value addition for niche markets.
D. Product Preparation
Policy Directive
Livestock and livestock products have improved access to domestic and international markets
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Strengthen existing market outlets for livestock and livestock products. 2. Encourage development of guideline pricing for livestock and livestock products. 3. Promote support services to market for livestock and livestock product. 4. Promote farming appropriate mechanization to support development of the livestock
industry. 5. Develop an improved management system for female cattle slaughter. 6. Encourage establishment of leases to increase farming areas. 7. Ensure there are adequate appropriate animal holding facilities to facilitate interisland and
export trade.
E. Organic Farming and Organic Products
Policy Directive
Livestock farmers understand and take advantage of organic and free range livestock farming
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Promote organic livestock in subsectors that yield premium returns (e.g. organic beef, free range pigs, free range chicken).
2. Facilitate market access for organic and free range livestock products.
4 Livestock Genetic Resources A. Policy Objectives
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(i) Livestock farmers understand and take advantage of breeding opportunities
(ii) Livestock farmers in Vanuatu have access to improved genetic materials
(iii) Current national genetic materials are maintained and improved
F. Animal Breeding & Selection
Policy Directive
Livestock farmers in Vanuatu are trained in appropriate breeding programs to improve production and ensure genetic diversity
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Facilitate the establishment and maintenance of animal breeding and distribution centres. 2. Facilitate means of distributing genetically improved animals to famers. 3. Recognize current efforts to provide genetically improved animals to smallholder livestock
farmers. 4. Promote sharing of breeding stock between smallholder and commercial livestock producers
to promote the breeds suitable for different conditions. 5. Build on current work on animal breeding and selection undertaken by livestock farmers and
research institutes. 6. Note that Vanuatu requires that genetically modified animal genetic materials should be
properly managed.
G. Genetic Resources
Policy Directive Increase production and distribution of improved livestock types
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Recognise some livestock breeding centres to breed and distribute improved livestock in
Vanuatu. 2. Promote improved livestock types (high feed conversion, prolific breeders, environmental
tolerance etc). 3. Facilitate access to improved materials and technologies to expand artificial insemination of
key livestock species. 4. Support current conservation efforts on national animal gene pool. 5. Encourage collaboration between current research institutes and livestock farmers. 6. Promote trade of genetic materials (eg semen and embryo).
B. Policy Objective
(i) Livestock in Vanuatu are properly managed (well-cared for) and healthy
H. Animal Health and Public Health
Policy Directive Strengthen and maintain a good animal health status
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The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Promote animal health information systems. 2. Ensure development and maintenance of an animal health and disease database for
Vanuatu. 3. Promote paravet training capacities in diagnosing, treatment and monitoring animal
diseases. 4. Promote farmer training in basic animal disease recognition, health and hygiene 5. Support the establishment of the national diagnostic capacity. 6. Recognise that animal movement within the country can spread animal disease into new
localities or islands. 7. Facilitate reestablishment of animal health monitoring and surveillance systems. 8. Promote development of animal species-specific disease response plans. 9. Promote quality and safety of animals and animal products. 10. Ensure there slaughterhouses and meat processing facilities are well resourced with trained
personnel in meat hygiene and food safety. 11. Ensure the government and other stakeholders have sufficient animal medication available
and accessible to farmers. 12. Promote a vibrant and pro-active animal health services. 13. Encourage collaboration with national, regional and international organizations on animal
health issues.
5 Land Use Policy Objective
(i) Maximise usage of arable lands for livestock activities
I. Arable Land Usage
Policy Directive
Arable lands are effectively utilized to carry out livestock activities
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Ensure livestock stakeholders have access to information on potential livestock farming lands in Vanuatu.
2. Encourage efficient use of accessible arable lands to develop livestock activities.
3. Promote integrated farming systems.
4. Recognize that animal farming on hilly and sloppy areas/regions may lead to soil erosion.
5. Facilitate for the recognition of customary lands used for livestock can be used as collateral to secure funding assistance.
6. Recognise that province should mediate to improve the management of alienated land/livestock farming areas.
7. Facilitate the leasing and registration of land by investors for suitably located livestock operations.
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6 Livestock Feed, Water and Nutrition Policy Objective
(i) Livestock in Vanuatu are fed sufficient, balanced and available feeds that optimize growth and productivity
J. Feed Formulations and Feeding
Policy Directive Feed formulations and approaches are suitable for all types of livestock systems
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Support current national diagnostic efforts for feed ingredient analysis. 2. Promote development of sustainable and cost effective livestock feed formulations among
smallholder and commercial farmers. Promote use of surplus agro-industrial foods and food products for livestock feeds.
3. Facilitate bulk buys of animal feeds through cooperatives or farming associations. 4. Facilitate the importation of raw materials to test and formulate complete animal diets and
feeds. 5. Ensure feed formulation are properly managed and regulate. 6. Promote use of fodder trees as livestock feeds.
K. Water Resources and Developments
Policy Directive
All livestock must have access to sufficient, adequate and clean drinking water
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Promote appropriate technologies to access and distribute water on farms. 2. Recognise that certain areas of Vanuatu do not have water and use appropriate technologies
to provide water resources. 3. Collaborate with the Department in charge of rural water supply to roll out initiatives of the
National Water Strategy (2008). 4. Acknowledge that water is essential for livestock production.
7 Environment, Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management Policy Objectives
(i) The livestock sector proactively contributes to environmental integrity
(ii) The livestock sector proactively contributes to climate change adaptation and mitigation challenges and opportunities and DRM challenges.
L. Environment
Policy Directive
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Livestock operations are managed in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Promote livestock activities and programs that support the progress to achieving the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and Vanuatu Sustainable Development Goals.
2. Ensure livestock activities do not impact negatively on the environment. 3. Promote environmentally friendly production systems including integrated crop
management, integrated pest management, silviculture, and organic farming. 4. Recognise conservation, use and traditional practices in the livestock farming.
M. Climate Change
Policy Directive Climate change adaptation and mitigation issues are integrated into livestock sector planning and activities
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Ensure there is a shift in focus from ’crisis management or response’ to ’risk reduction and
resilience-building 2. Promote climate resilient farming practices 3. Recognize the role of women, youth and marginalized groups in livestock adaptation
programs and activities. 4. Ensure there are ongoing training and awareness to farmers on climate change and disaster
impacts to livestock and adaptive coping strategies. 5. Promote coexistence of the livestock sector with the existing Climate Change and Disaster
Risk Agriculture Cluster activities under the National Advisory Board on Climate Change & Disaster Risk Reduction.
8 Finance & Planning Policy Objective
(i) The livestock sector has access to adequate financial resources for its development
N. Access to Credit and Funding
Policy Directive
Facilitate livestock credit and financing opportunities for farmers
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Ensure farmers improve their understanding of access to credit.
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2. Advocate for livestock farmers representation on the loan review/approval boards of local credit-providing institutions.
3. Encourage and promote credit institution to fund livestock activities. 4. Advocate for improved access to donor funding to benefit smallholder farmers and local
communities. 5. Promote Medium Term Strategic Plans (MTSP) as a vehicle to mobilize resources in a
coordinated manner. 6. Explore and promote the establishment of cooperative and/or association lending schemes
for livestock activities. 7. Ensure development partner assistance are provided in a coordinated manner. 8. Explore and promote public private partnership arrangement. 9. Foster partnerships and long term funding strategies for the livestock sector with donors and
development partners. 10. Foster restocking and increasing of animal numbers by using subsidies using Government
funds.
O. Insurance and Financing
Policy Directive
Livestock farmers have adequate insurance cover for their activity
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Ensure livestock farmers have adequate information on insurance financing for livestock activities.
2. Encourage livestock farmers to explore finance risk mitigation measures.
9 Institutional Setup & Governance Policy Objectives
(i) The livestock sector is well-governed and guided by effective legislation and strong compliance
(ii) The livestock sector is well coordinated and collaborates with other sectors
P. Sector Administration & Governance
Policy Directive The National Government is responsible for regulating and facilitating the livestock sector in Vanuatu The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Ensure there are adequate legislative structures and framework to implement the National
Livestock Policy. 2. Ensure the Livestock Department has an effective and productive human resource
workforce. 3. Ensure the industry has agreed standards for livestock development eg GAPS, meat
hygiene).
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4. Pursue a collaboration agreement with the Department of Co-operatives to assist with organizing farmers into associations and other similar entities.
Q. Sector Coordination
Policy Directive Effective coordination and engagement with livestock sector The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Recognize and promote a Vanuatu Livestock Advisory Board (VLAB) as the national
representative body to assist the government develop the livestock sector. 2. Facilitate the establishment of the VLAB as comprising:
1) 6 provincial representatives 2) 2 large producers 3) 1 PVO 4) 1 Director of Livestock Department 5) 1 abattoirs representative 6) 1 butchery representative 7) 1 Director of DTI 8) 2 DGs (Agriculture and Trade)
o Allow for observers to be at each meetings o Only have 12 voting members o Review composition when reviewing the policy o Use ITC improve communications o Use people in the know-how to be part of the Board o Hold meetings in other provinces aa well o Include women and vulnerable groups in the Board
3. Facilitate review and update of current laws pertaining to livestock development in Vanuatu. 4. Ensure regular activity coordination mechanisms within the Department of Livestock and the
livestock sector organization. 5. Ensure effective coordination of mandates and roles of the livestock sector. 6. Encourage and promote the setup of a subsidy programme to fund livestock activities. 7. Advocate for the setting up a livestock development fund. 8. Ensure the DLiv is adequately staff and resourced. 9. Ensure the establishment of an information management system. 10. Recognize collaboration with other relevant institution.
10 Communication, Extension, Awareness & Training Policy Objectives
(i) Livestock stakeholders are competent and capable of applying their skill to improve on developments in the industry
(ii) The public is well informed and knowledgeable on livestock issues
(iii) The formal and non-formal extension service effectively meets farmer needs
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R. Livestock Status Assessment
Policy Directive
Undertake the Livestock Status Assessment every five years
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Facilitate a livestock census every five years. 2. Ensure there is effective utilization of key livestock farmers for extension services. 3. Ensure the DLiv has access to a pool of livestock experts. 4. Promote livestock farming in schools and training institutions as a possible career path 5. Engage academia in research and development. 6. Recognize that information and extension work for rural based information sharing does not
need to be approved and certified by VQA.
S. Training and Extension Services
Policy Directive
Provide targeted and appropriate training and extension to all livestock stakeholders
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Advocate for an effective, efficient and sustainable extension system development, using different media avenues to disburse information.
2. Strongly advocate for a human resource development plan to address current skill gaps through relevant skill training program.
3. Ensure provincial livestock extension service is strengthened. 4. Encourage collaborative and coordinated efforts to deliver effective extension services. 5. Ensure DLiv is well resourced and has pasture or feed demonstration/field school/nursery
sites throughout the country. 6. Promote the use of technologies to communicate and provide extension services. 7. Provide incentives to motivate farmers to return to faming. 8. Advocate for training of DLiv staff, schools and PSC HRD. 9. Encourage and build capacity for basic village level processing. 10. Promote field and study trips to observe how other neighbouring countries are performing.
11 Research Policy Objective
(i) The Livestock sector benefits from targeted and collaborative research programs
T. Research
Policy Directive
Conduct targeted and applied research in identified areas of the livestock sector
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
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1. Advocate for the establishment of a scientific research council. 2. Encourage international research centres to fund, support and utilize domestic livestock
research facilities/institutions. 3. Strengthen and strategically plan research and technical cooperation with regional technical
agencies on key livestock issues. 4. Develop and implement protocols and guidelines to ensure that livestock research results
are returned to Vanuatu in a useable and relevant format. 5. Encourage on-farm research and development. 6. Facilitate research and development into feedlot and supplement feeding.
12 Infrastructure and Technology Policy Objective
(i) A vibrant livestock industry using appropriate Infrastructure and Technology
U. Infrastructure
Policy Directive
Established and maintenance of accessible and appropriate infrastructure to develop the livestock industry
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Ensure existing structures are well maintained. 2. Encourage establishment of new multipurpose storage and slaughter facilities throughout
the country. 3. Encourage the upgrading and improvement of transport infrastructure (e.g. wharves,
airstrips and roads) in key livestock producing areas. 4. Promote use of mobile facilities to manage and transport livestock and livestock products.
V. Technology
Policy Directive
Effective use of current and new technology for the development of the livestock sector
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Explore and promote the use of efficient and cost effective technology in the development of the livestock sector.
2. Promote adoption and appropriate use animal power and mechanisation. 3. Recognise use of animal for recreational purposes. 4. Promote utilization of renewable energy for livestock industry development. 5. Recognise the importance of information, communication and technology (ICT) is crucial for
livestock development. 6. Promote ‘local technologies’ to assist with livestock development, example method of
leading 100 cattle heads from Big Bay on Santo to Luganville.
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13 Women and Vulnerable Groups Policy Objective
(i) Women, young people and the disabled-persons confidently integrate to develop the livestock sector
W. Women and livestock development
Policy Directive
Women are involved in all aspect of livestock business
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Recognize the role women currently play in the development of the livestock sector. 2. Encourage gender interest to actively participate in livestock development in the public
sector. 3. Promote among women and women groups particular livestock species that will attract
them into animal farming. 4. Encourage and empower rural women engagement in the livestock industry. 5. Mainstream gender considerations into all small-scale livestock operations and programs.
X. Other vulnerable group participation
Policy Directive
Young people and people with special abilities utilizing their full potential and are contributing to the development of the livestock sector
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Promote livestock farming amongst young people, especially in rural training centres and schools.
2. Collaborate with NGOs and other set up or institutions to create opportunities for young people and people with special abilities to become actively involved in the livestock business.
3. Ensure there is compliance with ILO conventions when using young people in livestock development activities.
14 Investment Policy Objective
(i) There is sufficient investment and growth in the livestock sector in Vanuatu
Y. Investment initiatives
Policy Directive
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There is sufficient investment effort into production, processing and value-adding to livestock products in Vanuatu
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Facilitate and encourage investments in product and process upgrading and value adding.
Z. Provincial Initiatives
Policy Directive
Provinces are actively engaged in initiatives that best suit their province to contribute to national livestock development
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Encourage young people to become fully engaged within the livestock sector. 2. Facilitate shipment of livestock from remote areas in Santo Luganville for slaughter. 3. Recognize PRV plantation on Malekula as a breeder and distributor of genetically improved
animal breeds to Malampa livestock farmers. 4. Facilitate the initial roll out the Penama ‘Farmer-Government partnership’ initiative on
Ambae and eventually to the other 2 islands in Penama Province. 5. Shefa recognises that developing good awareness materials including DVDs is very important
to assist in effective extension work throughout the provinces.
AA. The Livestock Development Initiative
Policy Directive
The initiative is declared as the ‘2016 hemi launching yia blong ol laefstock’ in Vanuatu
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Facilitate government declaration of the year 2016 dedicated with the theme ‘Yia blong ol smolholda fama mo smol laefstok’ .
2. Actively promote 2016 through activities that promote and encourage livestock farming in Vanuatu.
3. Collaborate with national and regional organizations to promote smallholder livestock farmers and small livestock.
15 Monitoring & Evaluation Policy Objective
(ii) Information on programs, activities and innovations in the livestock industry are effectively captured and utilize to develop the industry
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BB. Monitoring
Policy Directive
There are robust sufficient mechanisms to capture information and statistics on aspects of the livestock industry development
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. DLiv has a central database that captures data on all species and from all provincial centres. 2. There is regular information feed to the central database.
AA. Evaluation
Policy Directive
All data and information are regularly reviewed to assess the development in the industry
The strategies that address this policy directive include:
1. Ensure of regular assessment and reporting on achievements and success of the industry. 2. Facilitate regular review of policy objectives to align with current government policies and to
guide future policy development in the livestock industry. 3. Ensure that the NLP is reviewed and evaluated at the end of the third year of NPL
implementation. 4. Ultimately, the NLP is a 15 year policy that will be reviewed at regular intervals.
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Definitions
Breed and breeding – Comprise farm animal types and systems and programmes involved in reproducing and/or increasing their population for economic purposes.
Breeding system and programmes – Activities, processes and procedures involved in mating of a male and female farm animal, either by natural means or artificially to produce a planned desired outcome or offspring. It involves systematic and structured programmes to change the genetic composition of a population based on objective performance criteria.
Cattle genes – Sum total of cattle genes found in Vanuatu.
Climate change – Refers to the changes, fluctuations and variations in climate as a result of natural process and anthropogenic activities with impacts on farm animals.
Climate proofing -
Factors of production – Farms inputs needed to produce a farm animal.
Feed and feeding – The food that the animal eats and the activities, processes and procedures involved with preparing and presenting it to ensure optimal utilization and effect.
Genetic makeup – In this context it is the total sum of genes making up an animal.
Gene pool – Total sum of all genes present in a defined geographical location.
Grass fed – inclusive of organic products
Integrated approach – A holistic consideration of all parts or sectors that work well together or in favour of a system.
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Livestock types – Also known as livestock species. A group of domesticated economic animals with the ability to produce fertile offspring.
Market and Marketing – Place of exchanging farm animals and their products as well as activities, processes and procedures involved with the exchange of the produce or product between the producer and the buyer.
Pasture establishment – Putting in new pasture areas
Pasture management – Activities, processes and procedures involved with sustainably maintaining the productivity of an established pasture.
Pasture rehabilitation – Process of regenerating and revitalizing an established pasture to return it to its previous stage or quality.
Pure breed – An economic livestock animal belonging to one of the registered pure blood lines. For example Charolais.
Smallholder farmer – The term is used interchangeably with sub-commercial sub-sector. There is currently no clear distinction between smallholder and commercial farmers. This policy sets a the definition of a smallholder farmer as someone earning less than VT1 million from livestock farming and/or owning:
a) Not more than twenty heads of cattle at one time
b) Not more than 3 sows or owning 2 sows and a boar at one time
c) Not more than 25 goats of mix sex at one particular time
d) A free range or battery poultry farm
Subsistence farming – is self-sufficiency farming in which the farmer focuses on growing enough food to feed himself and his family
Semi-subsistence farming – the farm producing mainly for self-consumption, but also selling a certain part of the production. The main approaches to this subject are based on some criteria such as: farm size, economic size and market participation.
Commercial livestock production – Production of livestock for sale and profit, although the farmer and his family may use a small amount of what they produce. The profits are reinvested to improve the farm.