Revitalizing livestock production: Ethiopia's co-investment in small-scale animal feed processing

As today’s interconnected world is faced with global challenges the need for synergy efforts between governments and development partners to leverage expertise, resources, and networks has become not just advantageous but imperative. Thus, the Basona Worena District Office of the Amhara Regional State convened with ICARDA-led small-scale animal feed processing project stakeholders on the ILRI Campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to scale government infrastructural and financial co-investment towards animal feed mechanization, processing and marketing, an initiative being undertaken by sheep fattening youth & women groups in Basona Worena district.

In Ethiopia, where mixed farming systems predominate, efficient feed processing and effective marketing strategies are essential to ensure a steady supply of high-quality feed from locally available feed resources. The event brought together representatives from ICARDA, Debre Berhan Agricultural Research Center, Basona Worena district office, the district’s sheep fattening Community of Practice and youth and women groups, underscored the government’s dedication to enhancing livestock productivity by empowering enterprises to enhance farmer access to quality animal feed.

Government and stakeholder collaboration

In 2022, ICARDA, with funding from the CGIAR initiative on Mixed Farming System, donated feed processing machines to youth and women sheep fattening groups. This impactful effort attracted the government attention in 2023, where the Basona Worena District Office co-invested in infrastructure development through provision of land and a building to house the feed processing machines and installation of electricity and water supply. In 2024, the district office has allocated funds to the project to facilitate the purchase of inputs, with a commitment to provide up to US$ 70,000 depending on project’s progress.

“We are proud to support this small-scale machinery project because it aligns with our commitment to promoting local innovation and entrepreneurial growth. We were drawn to the project because of its potential to boost local productivity, advance skill development and create jobs.”  Mr Ato Giyon Mengeste, Head of the Basona Worena District Office stated, “This initiative is the first of its kind to receive district funding because we believe it addresses both short-term needs and long-term sustainability. By equipping local small-scale industries with modern technology, we hope to create a robust and independent economy that benefits, particularly the youth and women in the local communities. This project heralds in a new era of possibilities for our district”

Discussions in the meeting aimed to align all stakeholders on the project’s vision, ensure transparency in decision-making, and foster collaboration to maximize impact of the animal feed processing project. Moreover, it focused on discussing a roadmap aiming to scale government investment in the animal feed processing project and target capital flows to the sector to align with livestock productivity and youth and gender empowerment goals.

Udo Rudiger and Muluken Zeleke shared, “ICARDA has successfully supported youth and women groups in technical aspects towards improved market-oriented sheep fattening, with an emphasis on optimal feeding strategies to exploit the Menz sheep fattening potential.”

Furthermore, ICARDA shared experiences from private sector and academia engagement in similar animal feed processing initiatives in Doyogena and Bonga regions of Ethiopia, as well as countries in North Africa.

The NARS researchers showcased the innovations in least-cost ration formulation they developed at the Debre Berhan Research Center, which can be adopted by youth groups for concentrate mix production. A youth leader from Abamoti Youth Group in Werki Kebele, shared “Our youth group operates on the principle of collective strength. Each member contributes a portion of their savings from sheep fattening, which we pool together to invest in the purchase of ingredients for the feed processing. This co-investment approach allows us to share both the risks and the rewards, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support

Addressing challenges and ensuring success

The meeting identified potential risks and challenges in feed production and marketing and discussed strategies to mitigate them to ensure the project’s success. It sought to establish mechanisms for monitoring progress, evaluating outcomes, and ensuring accountability, while addressing ways forward to unlock opportunities for financiers and policy makers to increase sustainable co-investments and lending in the project.

Giyon reiterated, “A stronger focus is needed on value for money, there should be a focus on data capturing, and a strong focus on reducing gender disparity”. He proposed creating strong linkages between the Amhara SF cooperatives with the other youth cooperatives undertaking animal feed processing at other ICARDA project sites to promote experience sharing.

He was emphatic on animal feed processing initiative to be strengthened through the nationwide government program, Yelemat Tirufat, which is dedicated to improving livestock health and productivity. By coordinated efforts between stakeholders, the project will not only enhance the quality of raw materials but also support the broader objective of bolstering the livestock sector in Basona Worena”

Featured image: Government officers from Amhara, NARS researchers from Debre Berhan, ICARDA staff and Youth Cooperative representatives on the ILRI Campus, Addis Ababa. Photo credit: ICARDA

Authors: Jane Wamatu, Udo Rudiger and Muluken Zeleke, Haimanot Seifu

This small-scale feed processing initiative is conducted as part of the Feed and Forage activities under Work Package 1 of the Sustainable Animal Productivity for Livelihoods, Nutrition, and Gender Inclusion (SAPLING) and Work Package 3 of mixed farming systems in Ethiopia