The livestock sector as a driver of economic resilience in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The livestock sector in the Republic of Moldova, based on the strong tradition and current developments, plays an important role in the livelihood of population from rural areas, ensures food security and builds the economic resilience. The paper analyzes how livestock production contributes to enhancing the economic resilience by providing added value in the agricultural sector, how it responds to climate issues and its evolution as a result of introduction of direct payments, as a distinctive measure of public support. By applying a mixed-methods approach using statistical review and qualitative synthesis, the paper reflects the main mechanisms through which the livestock sector enhances economic resilience, namely diversification of household income, provision of value-chain linkages, high potential in increasing the added value of production. Major constraints in the sector concerning the declining in the number of animals in some years, fragmentation of farm structure, limited access to finance and veterinary services, as well as vulnerability to climate changes are also discussed. The findings are concluded with policy recommendations to strengthen the livestock–resilience through targeted social protection for livestock-dependent households, direct payments, improvement of veterinary services, and extension services and development of climate-smart practices.