Sheep and goats are widely distributed throughout the world, but policy-makers and administrators tend to overlook their contributions to the economy, rural and peri-urban livelihoods, the empowerment of women, other marginalized groups and food security. Small ruminants fit well into smallholder farming systems. Their grazing preferences enable them to feed on weeds, shrubs and other plants that other species of domestic animals tend to refuse. Their small size means they require less space than larger animals and they are less likely to damage and compact soils. There are considerable opportunities for smallholders to use such animals more effectively and efficiently and thus increase their contribution to livelihoods.