Factors determining household allocation of credit to livestock production in Ethiopia

Access to credit is often viewed as a key to transforming semi-subsistence smallholder farmers into market-oriented producers. However, only a few studies have examined the factors that affect farmers’ decisions to allocate credit to farm activities in general and livestock production in particular. This working paper employs a trivariate probit model with double selection to … Continue reading →

Genetic-phenotypic and production-system diversity in goat populations in Ethiopia

This working paper synthesizes and analyses the genetic, morphological and production system characteristics of five indigenous goat populations of Ethiopia, namely Ambo, Gondar, Woyto-Guji, Arsi-Bale Highland and Arsi-Bale lowland goats. Continue reading →

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 →

Technical efficiency of small-scale honey producers in Ethiopia

Using a stochastic frontier production model, this working paper quantifies the extent of technical efficiency and identifies
exogenous determinants of inefficiency among small-scale honey producers in Ethiopia. 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 →

Cattle fatteners in Oromia earn more after adopting improved husbandry practices

This year (2016), Alemu Defersha has fattened 42 animals and sold them in the Kera livestock market in Addis Ababa, making a profit of 4,093 (USD 185) per animal. Continue reading →

Training and coaching boosts small farm businesses in West Shoa: Haile Adugna’s story

The LIVES project has used action planning to ensure that learning gained from skills-based training is implemented in the workplace/farms. The action plans developed by farmers and development agents are used as the basis for follow-up and providing coaching and mentoring support. Continue reading →

Cattle fattening fairs demonstrate a market-oriented extension method in Amhara

Population growth, expansion of farming lands and changing farming systems have led to many Ethiopian farmers adopting intensive livestock keeping practices. In the Amhara Region, dairy and cattle fattening practices are increasingly embraced by farmers. LIVES has piloted cattle fattening fairs in the region to help empower cattle fatteners with the information they need to make informed market choices.
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Cattle pregnancy diagnosis technologies tested in smallholder farms

Two action research activities are underway in Oromia and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples states to further evaluate the performance of Bovipreg®. The next step will be to promote the technology with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and livestock technology businesses to introduce it at larger scale. Continue reading →

An outgrower farmer bridges market challenges in Seka Chekorsa District in Oromia region

Identifying key leverage points and improving market linkages between farmers, input suppliers and traders is key for value chain development. But success depends on involving all key actors and helping them understand what and how they can contribute to the process. Continue reading →