Fourth Conference of Ministers Responsible for Animal Resources in OAU Member States

"It is my view that the livestock sub-sector in Africa has for a long time been subjected to inappropriate policies which have slowed down the development of the production of this important sub-sector in the region. This sub-sector is always allocated inadequate budgetary provisions. Moreover, the governments in Africa have a tendency to control the prices of meat and milk, and often offering prices that are not competitive. Also, the dumping of livestock products (meat and milk powder) by the countries from the North at highly subsidised prices while benefiting the urban dwellers, disadvantages the small-scale farmer. It is our view, therefore that this practice should be discouraged and that there should be adequate budgetary provisions for livestock services in all our countries. Market forces should be left to determine the prices or meat and milk." - Dr. Salim, April 14, 1994