Advances in dairy Research
Open Access

Abstract

Challenges and Opportunities in Cattle Fattening: Navigating Constraints for Agricultural Development in Ethiopia

Megdelawit Temesgen*, Beza Erko

In Ethiopia, cattle play a crucial role as essential assets in households, comprising an estimated population of 59.5 million, predominantly local breeds. They are integral to the livelihoods of approximately 70% of the population. Annually, Ethiopia's beef production reaches 1 million tons, valued at USD 5.1 billion, with ruminants contributing over 3.2 million tons of meat, more than half of the country's total meat production. Beef alone accounts for over 70% of the red meat output and more than 50% of Sub-Saharan Africa's total meat production, underscoring cattle's pivotal role in the regional livestock sector. This study examines cattle fattening opportunities and constraints in the Jimma and Iluababor zones, known for their favorable agroecology conducive to cattle fattening. The study objectives were to identify these opportunities and constraints through secondary data collected from zones agricultural offices, published and unpublished articles and other relevant sources. Cattle fattening in Ethiopia holds promising prospects for enhancing agricultural productivity, improving livelihoods and strengthening food security. The sector benefits from a robust market demand for beef, farmers interest, vast livestock population offering opportunities to enhance value through strategic feeding and management practices. Despite challenges such as limited access to inputs and infrastructure deficiencies, the potential for profitability and economic growth remains substantial. Improving access to inputs, infrastructure development, upgrading market facilities, slaughterhouses and transportation networks, capacity building, strengthening market linkages, supportive policies, research and innovation, can unlock the full potential of its cattle fattening sector, improve food security, boost rural livelihoods and contribute to sustainable economic growth in the agricultural sector.

Published Date: 2025-01-19; Received Date: 2024-08-08