the pacific agriculture policy project - september 2015...

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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


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


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


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


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


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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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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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.

the pacific agriculture policy project - september 2015...

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