Livestock in general, and smallstock in particular (including sheep, goats and poultry) have an important role to play in enhancing the livelihoods of the poor.

In poor households, these animals are often kept under scavenging conditions with little or no attention paid to supplementing feed inputs, or to disease control and housing. At the same time, these animals provide products for cash sale when a need arises, and provide the household with much needed protein.

The Smallstock in Development toolbox focuses on the role and importance of smallstock in development and poverty reduction. The toolbox also aims to provide a range of practical information and descriptions of techniques or "tools" to assist in increasing the efficiency of operations of smallholders and/or the productivity of their animals. The Smallstock in Development toolbox is available at smallstock.info