303
exports. The project was implemented from the beginning of 2006 up to September
30, 2011 (SPS-LMM 2011a).
This paper reviews the performance of the meat and live animal export industry of
Ethiopia during the SPS-LMM project period, lessons learned, and the way forward
to enhance live animal and meat export and improve the livelihoods of livestock
producers in general and the pastoral communities in particular. The objective is to
review livestock production systems, livestock and meat export performances, and
the role played by SPS-LMM Program. The information included in this paper is
based on a review of published and unpublished reports, export data collected from
the Revenue and Customs Authority of Ethiopia, and information from other sources.
2 A Brief Review of the Livestock Production Systems
There are four major livestock production systems in the country. These include
pastoral and agropastoral system, mixed crop-livestock production system, smallscale urban and peri-urban (landless) livestock production, and relatively large- scale
commercial livestock production. The different livestock production systems differ
in resource endowments, available feed resources, and livestock feeding practices.
Pastoral and agropastoral production system Grazing and browsing (foliages
and pods of trees and shrubs) of rangelands are the main source of feed in the pastoral and agropastoral livestock production systems, with occasional use of crop
residues, stubble grazing, and conserved forages. Seasonal mobility tracking forage
and water is a common practice of coping with seasonal feed and water shortage.
During periods of severe drought, pastoral herds become dependent on emergency
feeding on feeds sourced from highlands (hay, straw, and agroindustrial byproducts). Recently, irrigated fodder production along river basins is increasing.
Seasonal variation in fodder availability and quality, encroachment of invasive species, restricted livestock mobility, land use change, recurrent droughts, weakening
of customary institutions, and lack of sustained investment in rangeland improvement are among the major challenges affecting livestock feed supply and pastoral
livestock production (Gizachew 2012).
Mixed crop-livestock systems The major sources of feed in this system include
grazing of poor-quality natural pasture (private or communal), including road sides
and crop boundaries as well as crop residues and stubble grazing. These are rarely
supplemented with green forages, tree leaves, household wastes, and purchased
feeds. Natural pastures used to be a major source of feed in this system. However,
the area of grazing land is decreasing from time to time due to the expansion of
cropping into grazing lands causing shrinkage of grazing land. The existing grazing
lands exhibit decreased productivity due to heavy use and other factors (prolonged
and excessive use). Crop residues are becoming increasingly important sources of
animal feed. They make up >50% of the biomass of crops and contribute about 50%
Stratified Livestock Production and Live Animal and Meat Export from Ethiopia…
exports. The project was implemented from the beginning of 2006 up to September
30, 2011 (SPS-LMM 2011a).
This paper reviews the performance of the meat and live animal export industry of
Ethiopia during the SPS-LMM project period, lessons learned, and the way forward
to enhance live animal and meat export and improve the livelihoods of livestock
producers in general and the pastoral communities in particular. The objective is to
review livestock production systems, livestock and meat export performances, and
the role played by SPS-LMM Program. The information included in this paper is
based on a review of published and unpublished reports, export data collected from
the Revenue and Customs Authority of Ethiopia, and information from other sources.
2 A Brief Review of the Livestock Production Systems
There are four major livestock production systems in the country. These include
pastoral and agropastoral system, mixed crop-livestock production system, smallscale urban and peri-urban (landless) livestock production, and relatively large- scale
commercial livestock production. The different livestock production systems differ
in resource endowments, available feed resources, and livestock feeding practices.
Pastoral and agropastoral production system Grazing and browsing (foliages
and pods of trees and shrubs) of rangelands are the main source of feed in the pastoral and agropastoral livestock production systems, with occasional use of crop
residues, stubble grazing, and conserved forages. Seasonal mobility tracking forage
and water is a common practice of coping with seasonal feed and water shortage.
During periods of severe drought, pastoral herds become dependent on emergency
feeding on feeds sourced from highlands (hay, straw, and agroindustrial byproducts). Recently, irrigated fodder production along river basins is increasing.
Seasonal variation in fodder availability and quality, encroachment of invasive species, restricted livestock mobility, land use change, recurrent droughts, weakening
of customary institutions, and lack of sustained investment in rangeland improvement are among the major challenges affecting livestock feed supply and pastoral
livestock production (Gizachew 2012).
Mixed crop-livestock systems The major sources of feed in this system include
grazing of poor-quality natural pasture (private or communal), including road sides
and crop boundaries as well as crop residues and stubble grazing. These are rarely
supplemented with green forages, tree leaves, household wastes, and purchased
feeds. Natural pastures used to be a major source of feed in this system. However,
the area of grazing land is decreasing from time to time due to the expansion of
cropping into grazing lands causing shrinkage of grazing land. The existing grazing
lands exhibit decreased productivity due to heavy use and other factors (prolonged
and excessive use). Crop residues are becoming increasingly important sources of
animal feed. They make up >50% of the biomass of crops and contribute about 50%
Stratified Livestock Production and Live Animal and Meat Export from Ethiopia…