Introduction

Ethiopia, with 49.3 million heads of genetically diverse cattle, has the largest population in
Africa. Cattle production plays an important role in the economies and livelihoods of farmers
and pastoralists. The agricultural sector in Ethiopia, engaging 85% of the population,
contributes 52% to the gross domestic product (GDP) and 90% to the foreign exchange
earnings. Cattle produce a total of 3.2 billion liters of milk and 0.331 million tones of meat
annually. In addition, 14 million tones of manure are used annually primarily for fuel. About six
million oxen provide the draught power required for the cultivation of cropland.

Dairy cattle production systems in Ethiopia

There are four major milk production systems in Ethiopia. These are pastoral and agro pastoral,
smallholder crop–livestock mixed system, urban and peri-urban, and intensive dairy farming.
Pastoralist and smallholder farmers produce 98% of the country’s total milk production. Total
milk production in 2005 was estimated at 1.5 million tones which is equivalent to USD 398.9
million. The majority of milking cows are indigenous breeds which have low production
performance. The average cow lactation milk yield is 524 litters over a lactation period of 239
days. About 238 litters are used for human consumption, while the remaining 286 litters are
suckled by the calf. The average age at first calving is 53 months and average calving interval is
25 months. Cows produce three to four calves before leaving the herd at 11–13 years of age.

Pastoral system

Even though information on both absolute numbers and distribution vary, it is estimated that
about 30% of the livestock population in Ethiopia are found in the pastoral areas. The
pastoralist livestock production system which supports an estimated 10% of the human
population covers 50–60% of the total area mostly lying at altitudes ranging from below 1500
masl. Pastoralist is the major system of milk production in the lowlands. Cows, camels and
goats are the major dairy animals used for milk production by pastoralists. However, availability

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of milk is dictated by the shortage and erratic nature of the rainfall and fluctuations in
availability of feed.

The highland smallholder crop–livestock system

The Ethiopian highlands possess a huge potential for dairy development. These areas occupy
the central part of Ethiopia and cover about 40% of the country’s land area. In these areas

Agricultural production system is predominantly subsistence smallholder mixed farming, with

crop and livestock husbandry typically practiced within the same management unit. In this

Farming system, the entire feed requirement for ruminant livestock is derived from native
pasture and the balance comes from crop residues and stubble grazing.

Urban and peri-urban system

This system is developed in and around major cities and towns which have high demand for
milk. In this system the main feed resources are grass hay, crop residues and agro industrial by-
products. In this system milk is a means of additional cash income. Most of the improved dairy
stock in Ethiopia are used for this production system. One of the largest sources of milk in Addis
Ababa/regional towns is that from intra-urban milk producers. The producers deliver milk to
consumers or consumers may collect it at the producers’ gate. Studies indicate that in terms of
volume, 71% of intra-urban producers sell milk directly to consumers.

Sheep and Goat Production Systems in Ethiopia

1. Basis for Classification of Sheep and Goat Production Systems in

Ethiopia

Sheep and goat production systems were classified using criteria that included degree of
integration with crop production and contribution to livelihood, level of input and intensity of

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production, agro-ecology, length of growing period and relation to land and type of commodity
to be produced. Three major and two minor production systems are described. The major
production systems are:

 Highland sheep–barley system

 Mixed crop–livestock system
 Pastoral and agro-pastoral production systems

The other production systems that are not currently practiced widely but have a future are:

 Ranching
 Urban and peri-urban (landless) sheep and goat production system

2. Description of Production Systems

2.1. Highland sheep–barley system

This system is found in the highlands above 3000 m.a.s.l. where the major crops grown are
barley and pulses such as faba beans, lentils, etc. Temperature is the main factor determining
productivity in the highland sheep–barley production system. At times, night temperatures fall
below 0ºC and frosty nights are common, particularly between October and January. Cropping
intensity in these areas is generally low. Sheep are the dominant livestock species. The main
feed resource-base includes wasteland grazing, stubble and sometimes straw.

Large sheep production ranches could be established where mainly meat or dual-purpose
breeds could be maintained either by individual farmers or cooperatives. These highland areas
are generally unsuitable for sustainable crop production.

2.2. Mixed crop–livestock systems

Both sheep and goats are raised in mixed crop–livestock systems. These systems are based
on cropping associated with livestock husbandry. This system is generally found in areas where
the altitude ranges between 1500 and 3000 m.a.s.l. The area has adequate rainfall and

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moderate temperature and is thus suitable for grain production. Livestock in general and small
ruminants in particular play an important role in food security and food self-sufficiency in this
production system.

2.3. Pastoral and agro-pastoral production systems

Pastoral system

In general, pastoral systems are associated with agro-ecological zones (AEZ) that are too dry to
sustain crop production. . Under Ethiopian conditions, pastoral systems of production are found
at altitudes below 1500 m.a.s.l. and where the annual precipitation is less than 500 mm. The
following characterize pastoral systems:

 Livestock are maintained as a principal activity. Fifty percent of household revenue

comes from livestock or more than 20% of household food energy is derived directly
from livestock or livestock-related activities.
 Rangeland is the main land resource. Livestock species consist of camels, cattle, sheep,
goats and donkeys.

Agro-pastoral system

The system is characterized by a high degree of dependence on milk and meat production. This
is also a low input / low output system. The system is usually practiced below 1500 m.a.s.l. but
with higher rainfall to support short season crops compared to the pastoral system.

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 References;

Albero, M. and Haile-Mariam, S. 1982. The indigenous cattle of Ethiopia. World Animal Review. 41-
42: 2-10, 27-24. Azage Tegegne. 1989.

Niftalem Dibissa. 2000. Sheep production on smallholder farms in the Ethiopian highlands — a
farming system approach. PhD Thesis. Humboldt University of Berlin. Verlag: Dr. Hans-Joachim
Koester. 2000. 130pp.