Pakistan J. Agric. Res. Vol. 28 No.3, 2015 IMPACT OF LIVESTOCK IN UPLIFTING RURAL LIVELIHOOD Junaid Alvi*, Ijaz Ashraf*, Khalid Mehmood Ch*, Muhammad Iftikhar* and Saleem Ashraf** The global population is increasing by creating high demand for food and improved livestock and crop farming initiatives. The livestock sector plays a key role in boosting the national economy and improving the citizens' livelihoods. The study focused on the potential contribution of the livestock sector in uplifting livelihoods. Data were collected through face to face interview using interview schedule from 120 randomly selected livestock producers in Sub- District Jaranwala of District Faisalabad. Data showed that, livestock farming on small level was found widely adopted for income generation. More than 22% respondents earned a maximum income of more than Rs.15000. Livestock have dominant effect on domestic needs fulfillment. Farmers were spending income on family chores, education, health and other aspects of life. Informal discussions and observation dictated the lower productivity than the potential and inadequate awareness and adoption of precise dairy farming practices. Livestock keepers demanded provision of location specific best management practices, training on livestock management and market aspects. Essential veterinary services enabling the livestock extension should be disseminated on the door step to boost productivity. Livestock Farming; Livestock Keepers; Millennium Development Goals; Livelihoods; Adaptive Capacity; Pakistan. ABSTRACT:- Key Words: INTRODUCTION Persistent hunger and malnutri- tion remain a major problem today in many parts of the world. According to Fan (2013) about 842 million people or one in eight people globally go to bed hungry every day. In addition, about 2 billion people suffer from “hidden hunger” or deficiency of es- sential nutrients like iron, vitamin A and zinc. On other hand, population of world is increasing at pace and it is anticipated that by 2050 it will reach to 9.6 billion (United Nations, 2013). It is expected that demand will incre- ase and world need more food to feed more mouths. More resources will be needed along with diversified strategies to support the dwindling livelihoods. Crop farming is the major source of income in many countries like Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. However, climate change, increasing cost of production, low productivity and reduced net gains are limited to support peoples' livelihoods. Lives- tock farming is also significant sector supporting the livelihoods of farmers in multiple manners. Livestock not only holds potential to be income generating source but also viable solution to poverty, malnutrition and * Corresponding author: Institute of Agriculture Extension & Rural Development, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. ** In-Service Agricultural Training Institute Sargodha, Pakistan. saleem1828@gmail.com 287