The network will provide governments and producers information they need to plan rabbit output in the context of total livestock production. It will also promote training activities, elaborate specific programmes for rabbit production, processing and marketing and formulate technical cooperation projects for funding by bilateral, multilateral, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. More than half the countries participating are in the Arab world, including Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Rabbits have significant potential to improve food security.
A female rabbit can produce up to 80 kg of meat per year, i.e. 2900 to 3000 per cent of its own weight in meat, according to experts. For several reasons, rabbits are unique among small animals for food and commerce. They are adapted for both industrial and backyard production. Being herbivores, rabbits do not compete with humans for their food and are easily adaptable to different environments. They are easy to transport and market for food, fur and raw skin for garments and gloves.