Introduction
IGAD region is rich in livestock resources; it is an important means for livelihood, nutrition and income. The region has been exporting live animals and meat to the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries meeting over 50% (live animals) and about 10% (meat) of their market demand. However, the market share can be improved given the various opportunities the region has.
The MENA countries have a big demand for livestock and livestock products with an estimated population of 600 million people that is expected to grow to 870 million by 2025. The market share from IGAD region can be improved substantially if the exporting countries enhance TADs control, sustainable supply of marketable animals, business skill and undertake proper documentation among others, as requested by importing countries.
One of the recommendations of the 4th IGAD MENA inter-regional CVOs meeting was to assess key gaps observed on trading agents and provide training. IGAD Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development (ICPALD) in collaboration with FAO is developing tailor made training material to provide training for the relevant stakeholders.
The Participants and Duration of the Training
A total of 26 trainees; 22 from the private sector (members of the exporters of meat and live animal exporters associations) and 4 extension officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Trade who will help in mentoring and cascading the training. The training took place on July 7th – 8th, 2022.
Remarks and Presentations
Dr. Ameha Sebsibe welcomed participants on behalf of the ICPALD Director and Mr. Abebaw Mekonen, General Secretary of the Ethiopian Meat Producers and Export Association (EMPEA) made an official opening remark on the importance of the training, to help improve the skill of marketing agents of the exporters, so as to increase trade performance.
The training course covered key areas such as proper compilation of export documentation and timely submission, efficient communication, proper coordination among organizations issuing export documents, overview of the import requirements, market intelligence and feedback submission to exporters, and market promotion/linkage among others.
Proposed Recommendations
- The trainee to share the IGAD/ICPALD training material/manual and provide brief training to their team back at their working place.
- The EMPEA and the Live Animals’ Exporters Association should facilitate meeting with policy makers of the Ministries of Trade and Agriculture to present policy issues that need regular support to enhance export trade.
- The EMPEA and the Live Animals’ Exporters Association to facilitate the establishment and strengthening of the national livestock value chain platform.
- Considering the limited supply of marketable animals, the exporters/associations are advised to choose potential producer areas and undertake contract farming.
