Transforming Livestock Sector in Pastoral & Agro-Pastoral Areas of IGAD Region

INTRODUCTION

Livestock contributes significantly to the economies of the countries in the IGAD region and is a major source of livelihood for a pastoral and agro-pastoral population in arid and semi-arid areas (ASALs) which covers 70% of the region’s landmass. For example, in Kenya, the value of pastoralism has an economic worth of US$1.13 billion and in Uganda, the total economic value of pastoralism stands at US$ 4.4 Billion (ICPALD, 2020). Pastoralists own up to 90% of the national herd, providing meat, hides, skin and milk for domestic and international markets. In Ethiopia, 90% of the live animal exports is supplied by pastoralists, who also contribute significantly to the domestic supply of meat and milk. It is estimated that 80% of the annual Ethiopian milk supply comes from pastoral production (CELEP, 2017). Pastoralism is the most efficient way to use the drylands compared to production of crops. There is high demand for
livestock and livestock products in Africa, Middle East and Asia. However, pastoralists find it difficult to access prime market for their animals and products due to structural bottlenecks both at production and marketing.