The concept of human security is based on seven main dimensions according to the UNDP report (1994). Livestock is a key component of the dietary and livelihood system in Sudan, contributing more than 40% of rural household income, providing animal protein, livelihood, transport, fertilizer, and savings.

Firstly: The relationship between human security and livestock:

From the perspective of food security and nutrition:

Livestock contributes to meeting protein needs by providing meat, milk, and eggs, which are essential sources of essential amino acids, calcium, and vitamin B12. These products are of high biological value proteins, crucial for cell growth and tissue building, especially in children.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2023), more than 35% of Sudanese children under five suffer from stunting due to malnutrition, with higher rates in war-affected areas. The Sudan National Food Survey (2021) indicates that 54% of children in rural areas do not receive the minimum dietary diversity despite the availability of livestock.

From the economic security perspective:

More than 8 million Sudanese work directly or indirectly in the livestock sector (FAO). Sudan’s meat production exceeds 1.2 million tons annually, while milk production is about 7 billion liters per year, but 30-40% of production is wasted due to poor infrastructure and cold chains. This sector drives value chains including grazing, production, processing, marketing, and export. Sudan’s exports of live animals and frozen meat reached about 574 million USD in 2022, representing 38% of total non-oil exports, but dropped to less than 180 million USD in 2024 due to war.

From the public health perspective:

Animals transmit zoonotic diseases such as hemorrhagic fever, bovine tuberculosis, and brucellosis, which increase in the absence of veterinary control. WHO reports (2022) that 60% of emerging infectious pathogens worldwide are of animal origin, making veterinary oversight in Sudan vital. Weak veterinary supervision leads to random antibiotic use, increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Poor vaccination led to epidemic waves in West Kordofan and Darfur, with the Ministry of Livestock (2024) recording over 200,000 sheep infections with foot-and-mouth disease in one year.

Secondly: The impact of wars and conflicts on the animal and human ecosystem

Disruption of the livestock economic cycle:

War destroyed pastoral corridors essential for nomadic herders. Insecurity led to livestock looting, especially in Darfur and Kordofan, with over 2 million animals lost or stolen in one year.

Displacement and service disruption:

Forced displacement pressures host areas and increases competition for natural resources like pasture and water, leading to civil conflicts. In some areas like Blue Nile, veterinary guidance teams disappeared entirely, and vaccination campaigns stopped for over two years.

Food insecurity:

According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC, 2024), about 25.6 million people in Sudan suffer from food insecurity, including 6.3 million in a state of ‘very severe food insecurity.’ Reduced meat production lowered per capita animal protein intake to less than 12 grams/day, while the recommended global rate is 25 grams.

Thirdly: A scientific strategic plan to address the situation

1. Rapid response (within 6 months)

Form mobile veterinary emergency teams supported by FAO and WOAH. Activate early warning systems to monitor animal epidemics. Distribute emergency feed and address drought effects on pastures.

2. Reconstruction (1 – 3 years)

Establish a livestock development fund. Train local communities in intensive breeding and primary veterinary care. Support building modern slaughterhouses and dairy factories with sustainable cooling methods.

3. Sustainability and developmental integration (more than 3 years)

Link livestock databases with the national statistical system. Support veterinary innovation and scientific research to develop local vaccines. Create an electronic animal traceability system to reduce losses and improve disease control. Integrate the ‘One Health’ approach to combine human, animal, and environmental health. Involve herders and farmers in local planning through ‘Peace through Development’ programs.

Conclusion

The relationship between human security and livestock development in Sudan is intertwined and inseparable. Losing one pillar leads to the collapse of the other, especially in a country where more than half the population depends on pastoral and agricultural activities. Building peace must be comprehensive, starting from villages, pastures, and markets, passing through improving animal and human health, and ending with achieving economic and social justice.