Livestock Production in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is believed to have the largest stock of livestock in the world, although the contribution of the livestock sector to the rapid economic growth recorded in the last decade has been insignificant. Over the period 2004/5–15/16, however, livestock output has shown significant growth. Most of the growth has come from increases in the number of livestock and livestock owners. The number of livestock farmers and animal stocks were 50 per cent higher in 2015/16 than in 2004/5. The growth in animal stocks was not the result of increased use of improved feeds and improved breeding techniques, neither of which is yet being applied on a large scale. Livestock extension remains limited, and despite improved veterinary services, the number of cattle deaths is higher than the stock sold for meat production. The sector faces important challenges before it can become a significant player in the economic development of the country.