JUBA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The governments of Sudan and South Sudan on Tuesday signed an agreement to boost cross-border livestock-based livelihoods through safeguarding animal health and promoting livestock trade between the two countries.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by the Sudanese Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries Alameldin Abdullah Absher Abdullar and his South Sudanese counterpart James Janka Duku, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said in a statement issued in Juba.

The agreement is expected to improve the livestock-based livelihoods through control of transboundary animal diseases, surveillance, early warning systems and promotion of livestock trade in the areas along the border between Sudan and South Sudan.

FAO said South Sudan has more than 36 million livestock and 108 million in Sudan which represents the backbone of livelihoods and socio-economic status of most communities in the two countries.

However, the contribution of this huge livestock resource to South Sudan's economy is estimated at a meager three percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) due to a low level of commercialization. In Sudan, livestock contributes more than 25 percent to the national GDP.

Meshack Malo, FAO Representative in South Sudan, said the harmonized control of animal diseases and implementation of livestock traceability will eventually facilitate the export of livestock and products from South Sudan and Sudan, benefiting their respective economies. Enditem

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