Characterization of the Farming and Livestock Production Systems and the Potential for

Enhancing Productivity through Improved Feeding in Walmara District, Ethiopia

Bako Agricultural Research CenterG. Duguma, T. Jembere, K. Degefa, A. Kumsa, W. Temesgen

Introduction• Livestock feed is one of the major constraints to

improved productivity in smallholder system• Currently, it is possible to asses feed resources

at a specific site using FEAST• FEAST is one of the tools that enable to quickly

asses available feed resources in a given area

Objectives

• To characterize the farming and livestock production system in the area

• To assess available feed resources in the area• To evaluate if feed is likely to be a major

factor limiting livestock production• To identify feed intervention options for the

area

Methodologies• Study site

Gaba Robi – highland Population size – 670 households Located south of Addis approximately 45 km Rainfall

oUni-modal (June to September)

Methodologies

• Five individuals (above average landholding) interviewed for the PRA

• One individual interviewed for the qualitative data generated

• Four individuals – used for TechFit

Data Analysis

• FEAST template (excel) used to analyze data• Outputs presented in bar graphs and pie

charts

Results

Average livestock species holdings per household in Tropical Livestock Units (TLU)

Crops grown in the area

Fodder crops grown in the area

Quantity of feed purchased over the past 12 month period

Contribution (%) of livelihood activities to HH income

Contribution (%) of feeds to DM Content of Diet

Contribution (%) of feeds to ME Content of Diet

Contribution (%) of feeds to CP Content of Diet

Available feed resources in relation to rainfall pattern

Major problems identified and suggested solutions

1. Water2. Animal health3. AI service4. Finance

• Spring development – so many springs in the area

• Construction of animal health clinic

• Empowering/capacitating trained personnel– Production of high value

crops– Production of crossbred

cows– Devising mechanism to

access credit

Potential Interventions

• Feed is not reported as important problems for livestock production in the area

• But, incase if feed intervention is required the following are technologies identified:– Feeding of home grown residues– Feeding of brought in legume residues– Generous feeding of crop residues, re-threshing and

mixing of crop residues before storage and feeding– Use of weeds, cut grasses and tree leaves

Way forward

• Capacity building- in the area of animal health, AI services

• Mechanisms have to be devised to avail important inputs like urea, semen, liquid nitrogen, etc.

• Continues awareness raising to communities