Integrating neglected and underutilized livestock resources for resilient and sustainable food systems in Global South: a holistic perspective

Climate change and food insecurity demand transformation of livestock systems in the Global South. This perspective-article synthesizes evidence on neglected and underutilized species, including forages and ruminant breeds, as integrated components of climate-smart agriculture. We propose a systems-based framework linking feed diversity and animal genetic resources to generate synergistic benefits for sustainability and resilience, supported by a “Theory of Change”, highlighting the need for empirical validation across diverse agroecological contexts.