Ethiopia: Supporting livestock sector to enhance its economic value

Studies indicate that Ethiopia has the largest cattle population in Africa. Cattle breading is practiced since the ancient time both in the low and high land parts of the country. But the sector is still very traditional and its contribution to the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is less than the expected. Among the many factors which hamper the sector's growth are shortage of forage, water and veterinary service. The location of the places where the livestock are available is far from the formal market, and their type of species which provides less milk and meat products also contribute to its substandard growth. 12% of the population in Ethiopia is living in the low land parts mostly in arid areas and engaged in pastoral life. The area is characterized by shortage of rain and in time of drought, the availability of water and forage will be dwindled and when it becomes severe, catastrophic consequence will occur. In addition to these, the absence of veterinary services ...