Who We Are – The Network

The Livestock Data for Decisions (LD4D) network brings together more than 2000 members from 80 countries worldwide. We are researchers, policymakers, implementers, farmer representatives, funders, businesses, and technical specialists—all working to improve livestock data for better decision-making.

Our over 25,000% growth since the genesis of LD4D reflects the urgent global need for better livestock data systems and the power of collaborative approaches to address this challenge.

LD4D members span the full livestock data ecosystem—from universities generating evidence to governments shaping policy, from NGOs working with farming communities to businesses innovating data solutions.

This diversity of perspectives and expertise is our greatest strength, enabling us to connect data producers with decision-makers across the livestock sector.

With members across six continents, LD4D reflects diverse contexts and priorities. While we focus particularly on regions where livestock is critical to rural livelihoods—Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America—our global reach ensures solutions are relevant across varied production systems and development contexts.

We're committed to strengthening gender diversity across our network. Currently 25% of members identify as women, and we actively work to ensure gender perspectives inform livestock data approaches through our Gender and Livestock Data Community of Practice.

LD4D is more than a mailing list—it's a working community. Nearly 40% of members participate in Solutions Groups, Consultations & Focused Groups, Communities of Practice, Community Conversations and collaborative initiatives that generate practical outputs for the livestock sector.

LD4D membership is open to anyone working with or interested in livestock data for development. Together, we're building a community where better data leads to better decisions for the millions of smallholder farmers who depend on livestock.