Commercialization of Small Ruminants in Menz and Konso Workshop and Work Progress Report

Abstract

The National Kick-off Workshop on the commercialization of small ruminants was held on April 30, 2025, at the ILRI Campus in Addis Ababa. The workshop launched the Ethiopia component of the ACIAR-supported project, which builds on Community-Based Breeding Programs (CBBPs) to link improved genetics with production, finishing, and marketing systems. The initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s 10-Year Agricultural Development Plan and the Yelemat Tirufat program, emphasizing a shift from subsistence livestock production to commercial, market-oriented systems that generate income, create jobs, and improve food security. The workshop brought together stakeholders from government institutions, research centers, NGOs, cooperatives, the private sector, and development partners such as the World Bank. Discussions centered on commercialization pathways for Menz sheep and Konso goats, the integration of digital platforms for traceability and marketing, and the development of sustainable financing mechanisms. Work progress in Menz demonstrated strong commercialization outcomes, with nearly 2,000 sheep sold during the 2024/25 Ethiopian festive seasons, generating over 18.9 million ETB (≈147,000 USD). However, bottlenecks in market infrastructure and animal transportation remain a major challenge, particularly during peak demand at Easter. In Konso, commercialization activities are at an early stage, with 24 farmers engaged in goat fattening, supported by training and orientation sessions. The way forward focuses on two sustainability pillars: 1. enabling farmers to access finance and insurance by using their own breeding animals as collateral through the national identification system. 2. Addressing market infrastructure limitations by organizing youth-led enterprises in urban centers to develop structured facilities and strengthen digital marketing platforms. Together, these efforts will ensure that small ruminant commercialization is sustainable, inclusive, and scalable.