Rural Development Strategies through Livestock Policy

Purpose: The main objective of the study was to investigate the rural development strategies through livestock policy. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to rural development strategies. The study underscored the significance of livestock farming as a crucial component of rural development strategies worldwide, emphasizing its multifaceted role in providing income, employment, food security, and cultural heritage, particularly in developing countries. It highlighted the need for context-specific and evidence-based livestock policies tailored to diverse socio-economic, environmental, and cultural realities, promoting sustainable resource management and addressing rural poverty and inequality. Additionally, it emphasized integrating holistic development objectives such as gender equity, social inclusion, and climate resilience into livestock policy frameworks to maximize social, economic, and environmental benefits. Lastly, the study stressed the importance of continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management in livestock policy implementation to foster learning-oriented processes and enhance resilience and responsiveness to evolving dynamics in rural areas. Overall, the study highlighted the pivotal role of livestock policy in shaping rural development trajectories and improving the well-being of rural communities. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Dependency theory, Institutional theory and Political Ecology theory may be used to anchor future studies on rural development strategies. The study yielded several recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of livestock policy interventions in promoting rural development. These recommendations included prioritizing inclusive livestock extension services, improving access to credit and financial services, integrating climate-smart livestock practices, supporting value-adding and market access initiatives, investing in livelihood diversification, and promoting participatory policy processes. By implementing these recommendations, policymakers and stakeholders aimed to enhance the resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity of rural development efforts, ultimately improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable rural transformation.