SASUF Sustainability Forum 2024

Introduction
Consumers are becoming increasingly mindful of animal welfare, and regulations are getting stricter. The development of future animal production systems needs to include the creation of sustainable and affordable practices that meet these standards.

Relevance to the Swedish and South African context
Developing such practices in animal production, adapted to country-specific conditions, including knowledge transfer between countries will assist both countries to better prepare and adapt to future requirements.

Aim of the workshop
The workshop aims to explore the current challenges faced by animal production systems in South Africa and Sweden, from a system’s perspective. This will be done by delving into the root causes of these challenges and comparing outcomes between the two countries. Furthermore, the workshop aims to enable knowledge transfer between the two countries, as well as between industry and academia.

Future collaborations and activities beyond the Forum
As the workshop uncovers existing challenges in both countries, it sets the stage for future research. The data from the workshop could support a first publication on the subject. Moreover, it provides a networking opportunity for researchers, beyond the presenters, to collaborate on future projects The workshop is a collaboration between North-West University (South Africa), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the Research Institutes of Sweden. However, the workshop will create an opportunity to initiate further collaboration with the South African historically disadvantaged institutions, as well.
The outcome of the workshop will also be used as the base for future funding applications and exploring student exchange programs.

Welcoming
5 min - Introduction of the research team and aim of the workshop

Presentations:
10min – Current research and available literature
15 min – Examples of Swedish animal production systems and best practices
15 min – Examples of South African animal production systems and best practices

Breakaway session for smaller groups
45min – Groups to discuss and document: Industry challenges and root cause analysis by means of a Fishone Diagram

Closing
20 min – Feedback session from different groups
10 min – Discussion on future research

Keywords: Animal production systems, Animal welfare, Development, Challenges, Root cause analysis