Addis Ababa September 23/2024 (ENA) Ethiopia launched its first livestock export to Djibouti by rail, the CEO of Ethio-Djibouti Railways, Takele Uma disclosed today. “Today, we are launching our first livestock export from ADAMA to Djibouti by rail,” the CEO said on social media. This approach will maximize the use of our open wagons, which were previously used only for imports, Takele pointed out. According to him, the beginning of railways transport will also boost export meat quality by minimizing transport stress on animals, showcasing Ethiopia's commitment to efficient and sustainable trade. The move demonstrates Ethiopia’s dedication to enhancing capital flows across borders, Takele added.

Ethiopia is attempting to double its livestock output and maximize its agricultural potential in order to improve food security and accelerate national economic growth. Ethiopia is putting into effect a variety of programs and plans that combine cutting edge technologies, sustainable farming methods, and modern farming techniques.

In addition to boosting output, this large-scale project intends to improve the quality of livestock products, ensuring Ethiopia’s ongoing standing in the world’s agricultural arena while safely guarding its rich livestock heritage.

The production of livestock is significant for Ethiopia’s economy and agricultural sector. Ethiopia has become one of the major livestock-producing nations in Africa as a result of its numerous years of utilizing traditional methods for raising cattle, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and camels.

The farming of animals is essential to Ethiopia’s ability to meet its food security demands and encourage economic growth, as it provides a living for millions of people.

For a significant component of the community, especially in rural areas, the sector offers employment and income prospects. Taking into account that meat, milk, and eggs are cornerstones of the Ethiopian dishes, it serves as the country’s main source of nutrition. Furthermore, livestock is a great asset for farmers since it provides a safety net against sudden changes in the economy.

In fact, a study demonstrated that animals account for 47 percent of the agricultural GDP. This underscores the importance of the animal sector in driving economic growth and the urgent need to transform Ethiopia’s animal resources into a valuable community asset.

Despite its immense potential, the livestock sector in Ethiopia faces several challenges. Limited access to improved technologies, veterinary services, and market infrastructure hampers productivity and profitability. Disease outbreaks, such as foot-and-mouth disease, pose a significant risk to livestock health. Climate change and recurrent droughts further exacerbate the vulnerability of livestock farmers, affecting animal productivity and food security.

ETHIOPIA – The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has announced the establishment of 18 livestock collection centers in Ethiopia, targeting nine clusters in pastoralist and semi-pastoralist regions. 

The move is part of an effort to strengthen the country’s livestock market. 

The new facilities will be located in key areas, including three clusters in Oromia and Somali, one in Afar, and two in the Southern and South West states.

Jemal Aliye, the Program Manager for the De-Risking, Inclusion, and Value Enhancement of Pastoral Economies in the Horn of Africa Project (DRIVE), explained that each cluster will be equipped with two collection centers. 

These centers will offer services such as watering, feeding, and resting areas for livestock, aiming to improve conditions for pastoralist cooperatives and facilitate easier access to markets.

In addition to the collection centers, the government plans to address health concerns affecting the livestock industry. 

As part of this initiative, US$3 million will be allocated for the importation of laboratory equipment, and specialists will be trained to ensure international standards are met. 

The Ministry is also working on evaluating and upgrading existing livestock laboratories to align with global market requirements.

Ethiopia currently has five livestock quarantine centers, which play a key role in the sector, but there are discussions about expanding this network further. 

These measures are expected to contribute to the growth of the livestock industry, which is essential to the country’s economy. The sector accounts for 90% of Ethiopia’s livestock export revenue.

Livestock contributes 12% to Ethiopia’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 33% to its agricultural GDP. 

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The Ethiopian Meat Producers and Exporters Association has announced the resumption of beef exports, which had been halted for two years.

The association explained that beef exports had been suspended for two years due to the significant price difference between the domestic and international markets. While beef was selling for eight dollars in the domestic market, the international price was only four dollars. This made exports unprofitable for exporters.

Ato Kelifa Hussein, president of the Meat Producers and Exporters Association, told reporters that beef exports resumed after the government announced its new foreign exchange policy, which helped to balance the domestic and international markets.

The president stated that, after a two-year hiatus, 1,000 kilograms of beef were exported to the United Arab Emirates and 300 kilograms to Qatar just a week ago. He explained that although the quantity was small, the primary purpose was to signal the resumption of beef exports after they had been absent from the market.

The president added that the initial exports were on a small scale to demonstrate Ethiopia's return to the beef market, as India, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Kenya had dominated the market.

Exporters have received positive feedback from various countries regarding their re-entry into the market. However, they have also been advised that the price still needs to be reduced somewhat.