Industrial Food Animal Production in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Landscape Assessment

Evidence suggests that the industrial food animal production (IFAP) model is on the rise in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to meet increasing demand. Even in high-income countries, where regulatory controls and enforcement may exist, public health and environmental problems related to this model of production are well documented. In LMICs, where comparable oversight may not exist, it is possible that such problems may be exacerbated. Thus, characterization of the adaptation and expansion of IFAP in LMICs, and associated risks, is warranted.

This report is the first international landscape assessment of IFAP in LMICs to focus on trends in food animal production, related domestic and international policies, environmental and public health impacts, animal welfare, and to outline future directions for research and intervention.