This article shares lessons from the implementation of LIVES project interventions aimed at increasing access to input/service supply and market opportunities for value chain actors in Ethiopia. Continue reading
Apiculture is one of the new ventures introduced by the Livestock and Irrigation Value chains for the Ethiopian Smallholders (LIVES) project in South Wollo, Amhara Region. Continue reading
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
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
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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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
combined knowledge sharing program, that included a study tour, skill-based training and livestock technology demonstration, was recently organized by staff of the LIVES project and the Jimma Zone livestock and fishery development offices to raise the profile of livestock farming in Jimma. Continue reading
Throughout its activities in Ethiopia, the Livestock and Irrigation Value Chains for Ethiopian Smallholders (LIVES) project has used participatory processes to design capacity development interventions that assess the knowledge and skills gaps in value chain actors and service providers. Continue reading
LIVES recently (3-5 August 2016) facilitated a ‘gender in livestock value chain development training’ led by the Women and Youth Directorate of the Ethiopian Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. Continue reading
Taking a value chain approach is essential to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, according to scientists working at International Livestock Research Institute project (ILRI). Making smallholder producers more aware of market opportunities will help them make reasonable returns on their investments. Continue reading
LIVES-Ethiopia 