Prepared by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), based in the United Kingdom, this source book describes expected trends in relation to various topics, including food. The report specifically covers the impact of animal farming and the growth of industrial animal agriculture in developing countries.

The world’s largest use of land is for farmed animal (livestock) production, either directly or indirectly though consumption of feed grains, accounting for approximately 40% of agricultural production (more than 50% in industrialized nations, and 30% in developing nations.)

The world food economy is driven by shifts in diets and food consumption patterns toward livestock products. The rising share of animal products in the diet is becoming more evident in developing countries.

Industrial countries increased consumption of animal proteins in the 1960s and 1970s; after that, consumption has remained fairly stable. However, in developing countries, consumption of animal based proteins has increased steadily from the 1960s through the late 1990s, with significant potential for further increases thereafter.

Wide regional and country differences are also evident when it comes to animal product consumption, reflecting traditional preferences based on availability, relative prices and religious and taste preferences. Some examples include:

• In sub-Saharan Africa, low consumption levels of animal products have changed little over the last 30 years; milk contribution to total calories and protein per capita has remained constant in recent years, indicating an increase in total milk availability equivalent to population increases. Only minor increases in consumption are projected.
• In South Asia (excluding India), there has been a slow but steady growth in animal product consumption. This increase is mostly the result of an increase in the contribution of milk and poultry meat.