Experiences in recent years have shown that smallholder Livestock production systems can offer a useful entry point for development programmes addressing extreme poverty and food insecurity, especially where traditional and small commercial flocks are the domain of women. While these are positive features, the outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza since 2003 have led to criticism of smallholder production systems. In response, the Animal Production and Health Division (AGA) prepared the concept and programme of an international Livestock conference to assess the current and future trends in the Livestock sector and their social, environmental and health implications. The findings and conclusions of the conference are expected to assist in the identification of policy measures that address the consequences of structural change in the livestock sector.