Overview and background paper on Ethiopia’s poultry sector

• Main Authors: Alemu, Dawit, Degefe, Tamirat, Ferede, Setotaw, Nzietcheung, Serge, Roy, Devesh, Roy, Devesh;
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI); International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI); Royal Veterinary College (RVC) 2009
• Subjects: ETHIOPIA; EAST AFRICA; AFRICA SOUTH OF SAHARA; AFRICA; avian flu; avian influenza; developing countries; disease; poultry industry; Avian flu
• Online Access: http://www.ifpri.org/publication/overview-and-background-paper-ethiopia-s-poultry-sector; http://ebrary.ifpri.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15738coll2/id/27320

This study presents a detailed review of the poultry sector in Ethiopia in order to provide background information for further research related to pro-poor HPAI risk reduction strategies in Ethiopia. The report surveys information that exists in the literature and among the stakeholders in order to identify the research gaps that can be addressed in the project. In preparation of this report, published and grey literature, expert interviews and official documents were used. The paper presents information on the role of the poultry sector in the economy of Ethiopia and also information related to role of poultry in rural livelihoods. The information related to the role of poultry at the supra-household level is presented taking into account the differentiation within the poultry sector. This differentiation relates to the size, organization and levels of bio-security among other characteristics. The survey distinguishes these characteristics by the types of the poultry sector, poses conjectures regarding the implications for the introduction and spread of the HPAI and subsequently explores the research gaps. In assessing the information on poultry’s role in rural livelihoods, the report synthesizes information at the most disaggregated level possible for example by assessing the evidence related to the impact on women. The report considers livelihood analysis to be not only important as an end in itself but also as critical for the implementation of prevention and control measures related to HPAI. In capturing the role of poultry in livelihoods, based on the existing evidence the report takes a supply chain perspective. Based on a scare that occurred (a false alarm) the report provides summary information on the potentially discrete economic and livelihood impacts of HPAI outbreak. The paper finds that poultry though not a big component of the aggregate Ethiopian economy, its role has been becoming more important over time. At the micro-economic level poultry is very important especially for women. The structure ...