DIRECTORY ENTRY: African Union / Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources

The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) aims to provide leadership in the development of animal resources for Africa. By supporting and empowering the African Union member states and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), AU-IBAR’s vision is of an Africa free from hunger and poverty in which animal resources make a significant contribution within the global arena.

Founded in 1951 to study the epidemiological situation and fight rinderpest in Africa, AU-IBAR’s mandate covers all aspects of animal resources, including livestock, fisheries and wildlife, across the entire African continent, but fills a unique and strategic niche by working at continental and regional levels, with the RECs being key partners.

Our work is organised around 7 specific goals:

• Improve public and animal health through the control and eradication of transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses;
• Improve the management of animal resources (livestock, wildlife and aquatic animals) and the natural resource bases on which they depend;
• Explore investment options and enhance competitiveness of African animal products;
• Contribute to the development of relevant standards and regulations and enhance compliance by member states;
• Strengthen institutional capacity and support policy development and harmonization;
• Disseminate information and knowledge to AU member states, RECs and other relevant institutions on animal resources; and
• Provide essential support to member states with special needs or in emergency situations.