Perspectives on value chain transformation towards resilient animal-source food systems in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Animal-source foods are crucial for a sustainable food system as they provide vital nutrients and support rural communities in their fight against poverty and food insecurity. The livestock and poultry farming industry in Sri Lanka is currently encountering numerous challenges due to the ongoing political and economic crisis, as well as the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in a detrimental impact on the sustainability and resilience of the animal-source food systems in the country. Hence, this article presents a comprehensive insight into the livestock and poultry industry in Sri Lanka and its ability to adapt to evolving circumstances and become increasingly resilient during times of crisis. This review underscores the significance of boosting robustness, achieving production potentials, reducing production fluctuations, and sustaining economic, social, and environmental development in rural livelihoods. Its objective is to enlighten the global readership about these advancements and prospects. Further, the article offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by the animal-source food system in Sri Lanka and recommends strategies for recovery and resilience from the author's perspective across all value chain segments. To ensure the resilience of animal-source food systems against potential external disruptions, it is crucial to establish a strong network among significant fragments of the animal-source food supply chain, provide the necessary infrastructure and institutional aid, and reinstate essential capacity building among stakeholders. Hence, discussions are relevant to a broader global audience including industry, policymakers, and academics.

Keywords

Animal-source foods; tropical livestock and poultry; sustainability; value chain analysis; Agriculture and food; agriculture; dairy science; meat and poultry; sustainability assessment; agriculture and related industries

Published in

Cogent Food and Agriculture
2024, Volume: 10, number: 1, article number: 2384329Publisher: TAYLOR AND FRANCIS LTD

SLU Authors

• Priyashantha, Hasitha

  • Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Animal and Dairy Science
Social Sciences Interdisciplinary


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2024.2384329

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/131652