Circular livestock farming – A key to sustainable agricultural transformation in developing countries

From October 1 to 4 in Can Tho City, the 10th International Conference on Sustainable Animal Agriculture for Developing Countries (SAADC 2025) officially took place, gathering more than 300 delegates from 27 countries. This is the first time the prestigious academic event has been held in Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in the country’s integration process and affirming the growing status of its livestock research sector.

Circular livestock farming – a solution for the times

This year’s theme, “Circular Livestock Production Systems: Solutions for Sustainable Development,” reflects the urgent need of global agriculture to respond to climate change, resource depletion, and food security challenges.

In his opening remarks, Professor Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai, Vice President of Can Tho University, emphasized that circular livestock systems not only help reduce waste, recycle nutrients, and optimize resource use, but also enhance economic efficiency, protect the environment, and secure sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. He noted that this is an inevitable trend and a future pillar of agricultural development strategies in developing countries, including Vietnam.

The choice of Can Tho as the host city carries special meaning, as the Mekong Delta is among the regions most severely affected by climate change. Professor Juan Boo Liang, Chair of SAADC 2025 from Universiti Putra Malaysia, affirmed that the decision demonstrates the international scientific community’s deep concern for the challenges facing Vietnam and the wider region.

Over nearly two decades, the SAADC conference series has become a reputable scientific forum connecting researchers, policymakers, and businesses in the livestock field. Hosting this event in Vietnam opens new opportunities for domestic scientists to access cutting-edge knowledge and share practical experiences with global partners.

Policy insights and collaboration opportunities

The conference presentations spanned a wide range of topics, from climate-smart production technologies, antimicrobial resistance prevention, and the One Health approach, to advances in genetics and nutrition. Notably, studies on circular livestock models and resource reuse are expected to provide scientific foundations for policy development, promoting sustainable livestock strategies in Vietnam.

Experts highlighted that the livestock sector not only ensures nutrition and livelihoods for billions of people but is also one of the industries that must undergo the most significant transformation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, initiatives introduced at SAADC 2025 will not only contribute academically but also help shape practical directions for the agricultural sector amid globalization and the green transition.

A new opportunity for Vietnam

With the active participation of the international scientific community, SAADC 2025 is seen as a catalyst for enhancing Vietnam’s research reputation while opening new avenues for cooperation in education, research, and agricultural technology development.

More than a scientific forum, this event sends a strong message: sustainable agriculture cannot be separated from circularity and environmental responsibility. As the host country, Vietnam has the opportunity to position itself as a hub for international knowledge exchange while reaffirming its commitment to sustainable livestock development, climate adaptation, and deeper integration into global value chains.

PV