Feeding Prosperity: How Youth and Women Cooperatives Revolutionised Livestock Feed in Rural Ethiopia

Abstract

Feed is a critical component of livestock production systems, directly influencing the growth, health, productivity of animals and overall profitability. In Ethiopia, where mixed farming systems dominate, efficient feed processing and effective marketing strategies are essential to ensure a steady supply of high-quality feed from locally available feed resources. This not only boosts livestock productivity but also contributes to the overall sustainability and profitability of mixed farming system.

In three sites, including Debrebrehan, Bonga, and Doyogena, the SI-MFS and SAPLING initiatives have introduced in 2023 three locally produced feed processing units which allow farmer organisations to produce and sell animal feed made of local resources. Various types of co-investments have been instrumental in supporting the development of this feed processing business. The government's provision of land and installation of electricity for the feed processing machines, coupled with the construction of housing for the machines by youth groups, represents a significant infrastructure investment. Agricultural research centers have co-invested in the development of innovations in least-cost ration formulation, further enhancing efficiency and productivity. Additionally, the private sector in Doyogena has co-invested in training and facilitation for market access, fostering stronger ties between producers and consumers.

Specific business plans have been developed for each youth group, including economic analysis, financial requirements and marketing strategies for the feed business. The farmer organizations have started using the feed processing unit at the end of 2023. The cooperative in Bonga has served over 300 farmers with feed grinding and chopping services and over two tons of feed was sold in six months. These activities generated a net benefit of almost 1,000 US$. The cooperative in Doyogena served almost 100 farmers and sold about four tons of produced compound feed which contains mainly maize, wheat bran and nuke cake. Each youth group employed two people on a temporary basis to ensure production and commercialization of feed.