The seminar, the aim of which was to develop policy recommendations to improve the livestock sector in eastern and southern Africa, was held from 28 July to 1 August 1997 in Mbabane, Swaziland. All countries were represented and a wide range of topics were discussed. These included livestock development in Africa, relative to the rest of the world, and meeting the food security needs of each country, for which production must increase at 4% per annum, rather than 2% as at present.

Topics considered included: constraints to livestock development, current status, global and African trends in the livestock sector, human resource needs, animal genetic resources, animal health constraints, data and information, research and extension, private sector contribution, participation and contribution by donors or international organizations and interactions between livestock, environment and wildlife.

Recommendations were made on: livestock, environment and wildlife interactions for extensive production systems and mixed crop and livestock interactions for intensive production systems, animal health and genetic resource constraints and policy information management and communication.

The region under discussion has a tremendous potential for livestock production, which has not been fully realized, and potential internal markets for livestock and livestock products. At present it lacks cohesive livestock development policies at both national and regional levels. The region carries more than 37%, 72%, 63%, 55%, 33% and 39% of Africa's human, cattle, sheep, goat, pig and chicken populations respectively (FAO, 1988).

The purpose of this paper is an attempt to summarize the proceedings of the seminar, highlighting the issues raised and recommendations made.