Eating wild meat: The rewards are as big as the risks

A new report led by experts from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) uncovers the perils and promise of wild meat hunting, consumption and trade in Africa and Southeast Asia.

They launched the report on 20 September 2024 at the 8th World One Health Congress in Cape Town, South Africa.

The report is the first evidenced-based synthesis to focus on wild meat nutrition and disease issues rather than wildlife conservation alone.

The authors integrate ecology and epidemiology sciences and concerns for both human well-being and animal welfare.

It details how vast numbers of wild animals are hunted, sold and eaten across the world for meat and medicines.

It also highlights how this trade can be reshaped to maintain the benefit of meat for millions of people while reducing inherent risks.

Extensive research

ILRI has been researching wild meat in Africa and East and Southeast Asia regions for many decades.

The report also applies the lessons of ILRI’s extensive research into informal, traditional food markets to provide recommendations on how to de-risk wild meat markets.

One approach is to provide training and technology for actors, better policy and regulation, and incentives for behaviour change.

ILRI director general Appolinaire Djikeng says:

‘This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the benefits and risks associated with the wild meat value chain. At its core is the One Health approach, which highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The findings underscore the need for sustainable practices that protect not only human health but also the welfare of wild animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.’

The report will be invaluable for organizations working in the health, veterinary, welfare, environment and wildlife sectors.

Citation
Grace, D., Bett, B., Cook, E., Lam, S., MacMillan, S., Masudi, P., Mispiratceguy, M., Ha Thi Thanh Nguyen, Hung Nguyen-Viet, Patel, E., Slater, A., Staal, S. and Thomas, L. 2024. Eating wild animals: Rewards, risks and recommendations. Nairobi, Kenya: ILRI.

Photo: Wild meat on sale at the weekly market of Yangambi, Democratic Republic of Congo (credit: Axel Fassio/CIFOR-ICRAF)