Small livestock and aquaculture programming impacts on household livelihood security: a systematic narrative review

Small livestock and aquaculture production is thought to positively impact the livelihood security of poor rural households in low-income economies. A systematic narrative review conducted for evidence of this impact found only 29 studies that met the reviews inclusion and classification criteria. These studies indicate that raising small livestock and fish can improve income and nutrition, but results regarding women’s empowerment, disease, and the environment are mixed. More high-quality research is needed to understand the positive and negative impacts of production on human well-being. Future development programming should focus on implementing and evaluating multidimensional programmes and mixed farming systems.