Smallholder dairy farming systems in the highlands of Ethiopia: System-specific constraints and options

This working paper identified characteristic features of smallholder dairy farming in the highlands of Ethiopia, reclassifies sample farmers to the highland dairy farming systems with quantitative data and statistical analysis, and identifies system-specific constraints and leverage points for developing the dairy value chain. Continue reading →

Transforming traditional smallholder cow milk production systems in Ethiopia: Ex-ante evaluation

This working paper presents an analytical and empirical modelling framework which integrates dairy cattle herd growth and economic model for simulating milk production in traditional dairy cattle production systems in Ethiopia. Continue reading →

History and experiences of hormonal oestrus synchronization and mass insemination of cattle for improved genetics in Ethiopia

This working paper is based on the results of testing a simple hormonal oestrus synchronization protocol and mass insemination under on-farm conditions in order to improve access to improved dairy genetics by smallholder farmers and to kick-start market-oriented smallholder dairy development in selected sites in Ethiopia Continue reading →

Farmer-to-farmer knowledge and skills dissemination in Ada’a Berga district: Fufa Keneni’s story

Fufa Keneni lives in Reji Mekoda peasant association (PA) of Ada’a Berga District of Oromia region. He is engaged in apiculture and dairy production. His apiculture experience dates back to some 15 years. Continue reading →

Integrated bio-economic simulation model for goat production: Ex-ante evaluation of investment opportunities in Ethiopia

This working paper developed and applied an analytical and empirical modelling framework which integrates a goat flock growth model with an economic model for simulating goat meat and milk production for ex-ante assessment of the financial profitability of investment interventions to improve goat production in mixed crop–livestock and agro-pastoral and pastoral production systems in Ethiopia. Continue reading →

Women reap benefits from dairy: Lomi Kordofa’s story

Lomi Kordofa is a small-scale farmer at the Illu Aga peasant association in Ejere District of West Shoa Zone in Ethiopia. Ten years ago, she started keeping dairy cows with training support from a local non-governmental organization. Continue reading →

Evaluating viability and benefits of small-scale feed chopper businesses in Ethiopia

Motorized feed choppers introduced by the Livestock and Irrigation Value chains for Ethiopian Smallholders (LIVES) project are helping the country’s livestock farmers better utilize available feed resources to increase milk production. Continue reading →