Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
DABUS IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT FEASIBILITY STUDY AND DETAIL DESIGN PROJECT
VOLUME - IV
Part Ill-Livestock Development Study Final Report
Water Works Design and Supervision Enterprise
P.O.Box 2561
Tel +251 11 661 45 01
Fax +251 11 661 OS 98 Email w w d s e@ethione et Bob Marley Avenue.
Addis Ababa EthiopiaMinh Fry    Alter lr“ij4f!Cn anrl Energy Ofrbus rogation D*i gn ird ?•» r*y
/^lurw <7 - Part ri I tJvjnlorJi '■ r-^l P^pcrt
DABUS IRRIGATION DESIGN AND STUDY PROJECT
LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT STUDY FINAL FEASIBILITY REPORT
January, 2015
Issue and Revision Record
Originator       Contributor
Approver
A
R
Date Juno 2014
__________  _ January, 2015
Abera G
Abera G
Abera G
Checker Solomon T Jemal K. Solomon F Jemal K ; H
Dr Triahun D
Dr TiL-jf^D^,
Descriptor
Dr aft F raj
----- Hl
Final
This document has been prepared for the titled project or
upon ar used for any  other project without an ndependent cneck  being c.i -:eo du! as  a suitability and prior written authority  of Water ’works  Design and Supervision Enwonse beng obtained WWDSE accepts  no responsitxftty  or liability  for the consequence ©f this  document: be-ng used *or a purpose other than the purposes  for which it was  commissioned Any  pe scr* •Js,r.q cr Tjtying on me document for such other purpose agrees, and will by  such use or reka :e t* ta-*—  *o corrfcm nn agreement to indemnify  WWDSE for ait loss  or damage resulting there :m Z.V/DSE accepts  no responsibility  ar (lability  for this  document to any  party  other than r ■ pe't-zn by  **orn it was commissioned
.Vater Works Design and S’jpor.'isiun Enrerposg
j             23 i *Ministry of Water Irrigation and Fnergy
Dabus Irrigation Study and Design Project ______
Volume IV- Part 111 Livestock Development Study Final Report
VOLUME -1 VOLUME-II VOLUME -Tn
VOLUME-IV
CONTENTS OF FEASIBILITY REPORT
Main Report
Hydrology and Climate Study Report
Geolog'cal and Geotechnical Investigation Report
Annex-I : Geological Mapping
Annex-Il. Geophysical Survey
Annex-Ill Geotechnical Factual Report (Trench, Core Drilling, Insilu Testing Tesl Pit and Laboratory Testing)
Sectoral Studies
Part 1                   Agronomy Study
Part II
Soil Survey and Land Suitability Study
Annex-Soil Survey Data
Part III                   Livestock Study
Part IV                  Watershed Management Study
PartV                   Socio-ecan a rny Study
Part VI                   Market Opportunity Study
Part VII                  Organization and Management Study Part VIII                 Environmental Impact Assessment Study
Part IX                  Hydrogeology Study
VOLUME-V
RAP and Infrastructure Study
Part 1
Part II
RAP
Infrastructure Study
VOLUME-VI
Part 1
Part II
VOLUME-VIII
Parti
Part II
Dam and Appurtenant Structures
Feasibility Design Report
Annex-I Alternative Dam Option Report
Drawings
Irrigation and Drainage System
Feasibility Design Report
Drawings
VOLUME-VIII
Financial and Economical Analysis
VOLUME - IX                      Engineering Cost Estimate
January, 2OTS
Water Works Design ana Supervision EnterpriseMinistry of Wafer Irrigation and Energy Dabus 'mgi^.Qn Study and Design Project
Volume IV Part Hi _____  L>ve5tock Development Study Final Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES
......
...JU
VI
LIST OF FIGURES
.VII
LIST OF MAPS ...
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIO
NS
VIII
EXECUTIV SUMMARY ...
1 INTRODUCTION
I 1 Background
........ .
..................................................
...
1
r f f Genera/ ..................... ,.................................... .............. ~............. ............. •
f 12 Ovmvi&w of Livestock and Feet/ Resources in Ethiopia....................       .
f.13 Overview ofL/wstocfc and Feed Resource in the Repton..
12 Objectives of the Study  ................................^ ...................................... io
1 3 Scope of the Study.................... ...................... ...........+....... ......... .............. ...... ..... io
.      — J
4
14 Methodology and Approach ...
f.4J Pre-Fie/d Wort.................................................................................... -
_...         —       .... ll
-11
142 Field Work............................ ........................................................................... .11
HI Post Field Work ................................................... ........._...... ...............-——___________ —15
t 5 Attitude of the Community towards the Project
it
2. LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT POLICIES AND STRATEGIES................. ♦........ —.................. ........ IB
2 1 Agricultural Policy and Strategies .....
.
2 2 Agricultural Development led Industrial ration (ADLl) ....
23 Growth and Transformation Plan(201Q/1 1 -2014/15)............... .............. ......
2 4 Rumman r Live stock Dev elopme nt Strategy ........................ ............. .... 2 5 Fishery Development and Utilization Proclamation
is
-       13 20 2d
3 REVIEW OF PREVIOUS STUDIES...................... -.......... „......................... ......................................... ... 21
3 1 HalCROw ULG Limited (1960-1992) .
.............................. 21
3 2 Ministry of Agriculture ano Rural Developme nt (2010) 3 3 Ministry of Agriculture (2011)
3 4     5ID Consulr-Support integrated Development{20 !0) 3 5 Assert* Agricultural ResearcmCenter (AsARC, 2013)
_!
23
4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT AREA ................................. ....... .... . ...............„                 _         24
4 i Physical Features
.......... . ........... .............
41 i GwL’UMp/irtMJ loej/ren jnc/Sizw ....................................... 24
4 r ? Serf
J t J Cfrrwf*
4 2 Tur People
4.) Farming Sy«ui*m 4 4 INI' RAJI IHUCMilil
.................................. >j
........ .......
. ............. .     . ..... >-s
4 lN%THMW -N-. INVOLVED IN LIVESTOCK DEVtl' **MtNT
t 5 I BufcMiJ u/
br
■I 12 •L i jo l.i
(BciAj Rifibtici/c/i
4 5 J WO Duvui'VVTitf/tf AcTM/tos 
134 Tr.pfii.h/
1 rl Livi- J‘.il* Ri'hiijML.pl in mi Puo Ji <’l Ci -MWNr Am *
4            ( /VtHfcjCk 
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25
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14
iM v; ?S *-
I / r • • T * /-’M . mrc*Ministry of Waler, Irrigation and Energy
0abus Irrigation Study and Design Project
4 7.2    Fish Species Diversify.........
4.7 3
Ash Production. Preservation and Consumption
Volume IV - Part III LrvesIock Deve'oprr-ent Study Final Report
54
4 7.4 Fishing Gear........... ...... ........................................................... .............. .........
4.7.5 Constraints ant/ Opporiunrlies........... ................... ...........................................
Livestock Diseases ano Veterinary Sfrvice............... .............. ....... .... .......
56
57
57
4.8,7       Livestock Diseases.............. ...................... .............. ...................... ......... .............. .... ......57
4.8.2       Veterinary Services in the Project Area
..... ,.................................. ................ 61
4 9 Livestock Products and Consumption Pattern.................... .................................. ............ ........65
4 10 Livestock and Livestock Products Marketing..................................................................... ..... 65
4.10.1     Prices for Livestock and Livestock Products.................................................. ............... 65
4.10.2   Markets and Marketing Route.............. ...............................................................................67
4 11 Feed Resources .... .............................,........................................................ -.......................... -...... 67
4.11.1     Crop Residues...... ....... ...................... ................... ...........................................................
4 11:2 Attermaz Grazing............................................................... ................... ......................... .63
4.11.3 Agro-industnaf By-products..... ,......................... ...... ............... ««♦.... ........... . ..... . ............. 69
4.11.4  Cultivated Forage Species................................... .......... .....................................,......... 69
4.11.5   Natural Pasture.................... ............................................ ...................................................70
4.11 6 Feed Supply and Demand Condition.............. ................................................ ....................... 77
4 12 Water Resources and Watering Livestock........................................................................... ho
5. LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL IN THE PROJECT AREA 6.     CONSTRAINTS TO LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT
S2
.83
6.1    Prevalence of Rampant Livestock Diseases................................................ ...... .............. .........................83
6.2       SHORTAGE OF FEED AND WATER SUPPLY............... ............ ........ ....... ...... ........................................ ...................... 83
r
6.3    Poor Livestock Production and Productivity „.............. ..... ..... ........................................84
6.4    Low LEVEL OF AWARENESS AMD POOR LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT PRACTICES......... ............84
6.5    LOW LEVEL OF LIVESTOCK IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVESIN THE REGION .
r   v rr-r-.................... va ..r.. , tawaaa'ii-- .... 84
6.6    Livestock Marketing Constraints............... .................. ....................................... ......... ........... 84
6.6    Poor Capacity and Low Level Attention to the Sector........................................................as
6.7     LessTrained and Inexperienced Manpower................. ............................................................. 85
6.8     Knowledge Gaps............. ..................................................... ............................................. ....... as
7. LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT INTERVENTIONS..................... .......................................... ................36
7.1    General................ ..... ..... ................ ......... ....... ........... .................. ...................... ............... .. 86
7.11 Prewous Recommendatrons of Livestock Holding Per Household............................. .. .... .... 86
7.1          2 Recommended Livestock Holding Per Household in the Current Study................. .      87
7 2 Cross Breeding Indigenous Cattle to Produce Crossbred Heifers.. .......................... . 39
7.2 1 Rationale....................
7 22 Ofi/ectives..................
7 2 3 Bre e ding Stra tegies..
72 4 Project Components.
Milk Collection and Processing.....................
7.3.1 Project Rationale..............
7.3 2    Objectives...................
7.33     Strategies.....................
7 3 4 Project Components ...............
7.3,6 Benefits and Beneficiaries.
7 4 Cattle and Shoats Fattening....... .............................. ...............
.... ......... 85
.......... 89
............ 81
...... 92
.9? .... 100
IQS
7.4   1 Objective................. ............... ........................ ...... .......................... .............................. .....105
7.4   2 Rationale................................................................................................................................... 10£
7.5
7.4.3 Strategies................... ..............
7 4,4 Project Components............ 7.4.5    Project Costs a nd Phasing 7.4.6    Benefits and Benef/cranes
7.4.7 mplernentatian Schedule
Apiculture Development..........
.106
107
109
ill
113 in
7 5.1 Rationale. ..................... ................. ............................ .... ..................................... ........      Ill
Waler Works Design ft’iJ Supervision Enterprise
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January. 2015Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy
D^bus Irrigation Sludy and Design Project
Volume IV - Part III Livestock Development Sludy Final Repod
7*5,2 □b/eefrve......... ................................. ........ ................................................. ......................... 112
7.5.3    Strategies, ..................................................................... ..................... ......................... ....112
7.5.4    Project Components.............. ........ ........................ . ................... ......................................112
7.5.5    Pro/ecf Costs and Phasing................................................................................. ................ 114
7.5.6    Benefits and Beneficiaries................. ................................................................................. 114
75.7 tmptementeffon Schedule.............. ................................................... .................................... . 114
7.6          Table Egg Production and Marketing....,........................................................................... in
7 6 1 Rafionate.................. .............. .... ........ .......... ...........................•... ......... ......... ..... ........... . 114
76 2 Otyeef/ve................. ................... ................................ ......................... ................................. H5
7.6.3    Strategies....... ........................................,...................................................................>..... 115
7.6.4    Project Components. ............... ........ ....................... . ........................... ........................... -116
7.6   5 Project Costs and Phasing............. „................................... ........... ...................................117
76 6 Benefits and Beneficiaries.............................................. . .................. «.............. -................ .. ii£
B, FORAGE DEVELOPMENT INTERVENTIONS................................................................................... 119
8.1     An Approach to Compensate the Lost Dry and Wet Season Grazing Arfas..................119
8.2     Recowmendfd forage Species and herbage Yield................................. .............................. 123
8 2 1 Adami Tutu Agricultural Research Center (ATARC).................................. ......................... . 123
0 2 2 Metkassa Agnctf/tura/ Research Center (MARCJ ............................................................... 123
8 2 3 Me/ka Merer Agricultural Research Center (MWARC).............................................. 124
8 2.4 Ministry of Agriculture (MoA).„......... ............................................... ......... ......................................... . 124
8.2          5 Assosa Agricultural Research Center fAsARCJ.... ................ , ............................ . J24
8.3    Nutritive Values of Recommended Feedstuff.................. ........................ ............................ 124
8.4     Nutrient Requirements for Different Classes of Animals............................................. 125
8.5     Ration Formulation......................... ......... ................................. ...............—.......................... 125
8.6    Forage Production and Feeding Regime . .......................................... ................................... 126
8 6 1 Green Feeding....................... .............................. ................................................................127
8 6.2 Hay Making.................. ....................... ......................................... ..................... ................. 134
8.7    Total Feed ano L^nd Requirement............... .... ................................................................ . 136
8.8     Forage Seed Requirement and supply .. ........................... .............. ................................ ... 139
8 9 Fertilization of Fodder Crops........................................... _....................... .......... ..................... lai
0.10 Water Requirement for Livestock and Fodder Development.............................................141
8 10, T Water Hequrremenf for backyard Fodder Production............................................ .......... 141
8 10.2 Livestock Water Requirement ............................................... ........ ........ ............. ............ 144
9. ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT............. . ..............................................................................148
1Q.     IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
10.1  Phasing and Implementation Schedule................ ......................... ............................... ..... .... 151
10.2   Implementation Strategies....................... ............................................... ................. .............153
10,2.1 Extension........................ .......................... ........ ........................... .. ............................. . 153
10.2,2  Community Participation........................ .
10.2.3
10.2.4
Formation of Cooperatives,
incentives.............................. .
153
154
154
10.2.5 Capacity Building................. ......................... ....................................... .............. . ..... . 154
Implementation Cost ................................................ ........................... ....... .................................. 155
11.   BENEFITS AND BENEFICIARIES
155
12.    ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS................................................................. ......... ..........................1S7
13.    MONITORING AND EVALUATION............................................... ........................... ..................158
14.   CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION .................................................. ......................... . 1S9
14 1 Conclusion............
14.2 Recommendation
L59
160
REFERENCES......................................... ...................................................... ...................................... 163
Water Works Design ano Supervision Enterprise
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January. 2015Mimslry of Water. Irrigation and Energy Dabus Irrigation Study and PesignProject
Volume IV- Part III Livestock Development Study Final Report
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1: Livestock PapuLAnoN of the country by breed ............ ......... ................................... ....... 2
Table 1 2: Livestock products and productivity of the country  ........................................................... 3
Table 1.3 Livestock population estimates in the Region
-
........................... T
Table 1 4 Livestock population distribution jn the Region (TLU)............ ............................................. 8
Table 1.5 Livestock and fish products and productivity by Region and Zone ..... ............................. 9
Table 1.6; Zones, woredas and kebeles in the command area of Dabus irrigation Project............. .13
Table 1.7: Planned and effected kebeles and sample households....................................................
Table 4.1: Frequency of wives per household head in the wealth status group................................2B
table 4.2 livestock input distribution in the command wereoas during 2012/13.................................. 31
TABLE4 3. Livestock POPULATION ESTIMATES OF THE PROJECT WERE DAS BY DIFFERENT sources.. .36
Table 4 4 Livestock population in the project command kebeles.......................................................... 37
Tabl e 4.5 Livestock population expressed in per cent to werepas in the project command
KF BE LES.... ......................... ................................. ................... ................................................. 38
Table 4 6: Cattle by age categories in the project command kebeles........................................... 39
Table 4.7; Number of livestock owned per household in (SC) and(PFS)............................................ 40
Table 4.8 herd structure ano composition per household in the study areas................................. 42
TA8IE4.9 LIVESTOCK HOLDING PER HOUSEHOLD BY WEAL TH STATUS GROUP.............................   44
Table 4 10: Breeding ano milk production performances of cattle in the SFSandPFS.................. 45
Table 4 11: Number of bee hives in the region........................................................................................... 53
Table 4 12:Main Rivers of the region...................................................................... ................................... 55
Table 4.13: Fish species in the Didesa Sue basin ....................... ................................................................ 56
Table 4.14. Dominant catch species in Eda Dabus Kebele.................................................................... ..56
Table 4.15 Summary of names of major livestock diseases by animal, types......................................58
Table 4.16 R atio of Veterinary Manpower to Veterinary Livestock Unit............. ........................... 62
Table 4.17: Number of veterinary staff in the project area ..................................... ................... ....... 63
Table 4 18: Animal health infrastructure by woreda.......... ................ ........................ ................. 63
Table 4 19: Number and Percentage of Animals Afflicted. Treated & Death due to Diseases in
Assosa Zone........ ........ ........ ........... .................................... .................................................... 64
TABLE4.20: LIVESTOCK PRODUCTS AND PRODUCTIVITY PER UNIT ............. ................. ...................... 65
Table 4 21. Market prices (Birr) for livestock species and age groups in the project area........66
Table 4.22: Feed resources for animals................................................. .................................................. 68
Table 4 23: relative abundance of grass species under different grazing types and farming
SYSTEMS OF ASSOSA ZONE (BEYENETEKLU. ET AL.. 2010).... ....................... ...... ............ 72
Table 4 24. Land Cover Typesand Herbage Production of Dabus Irrigation Project Area.. 76
Table 4 25: Feeo supply and demand conditions in the project area ... .............. ............................78
Table 4.26. Feed Balance......... ................ ............................................... ,..... .................. ....................... ... 79
Table 4.27. Distance of watering point (km) (fromeach Kebele)............... ................................... 81
Table 7. T Cost Estimation i: or Cattle Cross Breeding programme over 10 years ('000}..        ...92
Table 7.2 Cost estimate for veterinary facilities...................... .................................. ............ . ........ 94
Table 7 3 Training cost estimation for cattle breeding and improvement.,......................................96
Table 7.4 Investment costs for livestock breeding and improvement in the command area........ 96
Table 7.5 Operating costs for livestock breeding and improvement per command area............ 97
Table 7 6: Projected physical and financial increment as the result of breeding and improved
MANAGEMENT TO CATTLE HERDS PER FAMILY ....... ............... .............. ......................... 90
TABLE 7 7; PHASCO DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMARY MILK COLLECTION COOPERATIVES..................101
Table 7,8 Amount of fluid milk and milk products for marketing......... .
Table 7 9 Investment costs for milk collection and processing project.................. ... .105
103
Table 7 10: Investment costs for cattle and shoats fattening project.................... . ............ 110
Table 7 11. Operating costs for cattle and shoats fattening in the command area. .................110
Table 7 12: Training costestimaton for apiculture development.................................... , ............ 113
Table 7.13. Investment costs for beekeeping project...................................... ........ . ........ . 113
Table 7.14 Participating farmers over the project years . ... ............................ ...... .............. 114
Table 7.15: Investment costs for poultry production project,. ...    ...... ................................. 11a
Table 8.1 Areas recommended for pasture development by differentstudies........................... 121
Table 8.2. Nutritive Values of recommended feedstuff..............................................................    125
Table 8 3: Cost of production for green feed production (ha)........ . ................. ........ ............ 134
Table 8.4: Cost of cultivation of hay making using Rhodes grass (10.5 ha) .............................. 136
Table 8.5 Total feed and land requirement per household and per command area                      137
Table 8.6: Total fled and lano requirement per household in the phases........... ..
Waler Wo«ks Design and Superyjsion Enterprise
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133
January, 2015Ministry of Waler. Irrigation arid Energy Dabus Irrigation Study and Design Proiecl
Volume IV - Pari III Uve sleek Development Study Final Report
Tabl e 8.7: Forage seed requirement per settling households per tear............................. .. ............... 140
Tabi e 8.8: Water requirement for all fodder crops at Dabus irrigation Development Project
Area...................................................................... . .......................................................................... 143
Table  8 9: Estimated  daily  drinking  water  requirements  for  non-lactating  livestock  unwb
African ranching conditions (King (1983)...................................... ......................................... 145
Table  8 10: Total  drinking  water  requirement  for  grazers  and  browsersin  the  Prujectarea
......................................................................................................................................................... 146
Tables 11 Tolerance of salty drinking water by different livestock species (King, 1983) . . 146
Tables 1 Manpower Requirement of the Livestock and forage Development Project.......................150
Table 10 1: Planned activities by implementation timelines ....
...................... .. .................. 152
Tabie 10.2: Estimated costs for LIVESTOCK development INTERVENTIONS over 10 years ('ODD)..., 155 Tabie 11.1 Estimated income from overall livestock deveiopment interventions per family 156
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1: Planning data collection and field investigation at Assosa town................................ 15
Figure  1 2 Enumerators  and  supervisors  training  at  Menge  Wereqa(Left) and  Oda  Buildigiu
(right).......................................................... ..................... .................................................. .............15
Figure 1.3 Enumerators  filling  in  household  level  questionnaire  at  Eda  Dabus  kebele  of
BamBASI WEREDAS NOTE THAT THE THIRD PERSON IS AN INTERPRETER............. . 15
Figure  1 4; Zonal  and  wereda  level  stakeholder  consultation  at  Assosa  Zone(left),Oda
BuildigluWereda(right) ....................................................................... .................... . . .
LIST OF MAPS
16
Map 4 1 Location map of Dabus Irrigation Project command area .......................... .............. ..25
Map4.2 TLU Holding per Household in the Project Woredas.................. ....................................... 41
Map 4.3. livestock density in the Project Command kebeles.............................................................. .43
Map 4.4: Benshangul Gumuz National regional state, sample sites ano distribution of goat
TYPES IN THE REGION (GETINET AMEBA, ET AL, 2005)........................ ...................... ....................... 48
Map 4 5: Land Use/Land Cover map of Dabus Irrigation Project Command are............................. 75
Supervision EnterpriseMinistry of Writer, Irrigation and Energy Dabus Irrigation Study and Design Project
Volume IV Pan III Livestock Deve.c-pmenl Study Final Report
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ADF
African development Bank
ADLI
Agricultural Development Led Industrialization
Al
Artificial Insemination
AsARC
Assosa Agricultural Research Center
ATARC
Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center
BGRS
Benshangul Gumuz Region State
BoCT
Bureau of Culture and TourismCenler
CGL
Communal grazing land
CSA
Central Statistical Agency
F&EDD
FDRE
GDP
NICE
IDA
IDS
ILRI
IVDMD
LDMPS
LN
ME
MJ
MoARD
Me FA
MoFED
MoWE
MR
MWARC
NAHRC
NAIC
NCD
Nedeco
NGO
NLDP
NRC
NTTICC
NVI
□IE
ON8S
PADS
Water Works Design Jnd Supervis'dn Enterprise
Finance and Economic Development Department
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Gross Domestic Product
Household Income, Consumption and Expenditure Survey International Development Agency
Institute or Development Studies
International Livestock Research Institute
In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility
Livestock Development Master Plan Study
Liquid Nitrogen
Metabolizable Energy
Mega Joule
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development
Ministry of Federal Affairs
Ministry of Finance and Economic Development
Ministry of Water and Energy
Mortality Rate
Melka Werer Agricultural Research Center
National Animal Health Research Center
National Artificial Insemination Center
New Castle Disease
Netherlands Engineering Consultants
Non-Governmental Organization
National Livestock Development Project
National Research Council of USA
National Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Investigation and Control National Veterinary Institute
Office International des Epizootics Ooen Nucleus Breeding System Pastoral Areas Development Study
viii
January, 20iMinistry of Water, Irrigation and Energy 
Volume IV - Part ill
_Pabu5 Irrigation Study and Design Project _________ ___________  Livestock Development Study Final Report
PARC PFS PPR RIR SAG
SC SDDP SDPRP SEA SLOP TDM TLDP
I LU TLU/HH TLU/Km2 TRC WBISPP WWDSE
Pan African Rinderpest Campaign
Perrranenet Farming Systems
Paste des Petties Rummanls
Rhode Island Red
Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala
Shifting Cultivation
Smallholder Dairy Development Project
Suslainable Development and Poverty Reduction Programme Stock Exclusion Areas
Second Livestock Development Project
Total Digestible Nutrient
Third Livestock Development Project
Tropical Livestock Unit
Tropical Livestock Unit per Household
Tropical Livestock Unit per Kilometer Square Transpiratron Coefficient
Woody Biomass Inventory and Strategic Planning Project Waterworks Design and Supervision Enterprise
Water Works Design and Supervision Enterprise
January. 2015Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy Dabus Irrigation Study and Design PTcjed
EXECUTIV SUMMARY
Volume IV - Part III Livestock Development Study Final Repo ’ 1_
Livestock  Development Study  was  carried out at feasibility  level forDabus  Irrigation Development Project. The household survey, community and stakeholder consultation, and personal observations as well as secondary data collected indicate that there is a need for livestock and forage development to increase the nutritional status and household income for farmers in the project command area
The study methodology designed was ot a mixed approach for the fieldwork and includes:a household level survey  where 102 households  in 12 accessible rural kebelesof Assoa, Bambasi, Menge and Oda Buildiglu weredas  falling into the project command area are interviewed:discussions held with key informants, pertinent authorities, experts, farmers and NGOs operating in the project area: community consultation and that of own observation. Secondary data havealso been callectedby reviewing relevant reports and previous studies from relevant offices, pertinent experts  and development agents  in the project area. The collected primary  and secondary  data were analyzed using qualitative and ddescriptive statistical approaches.
The envisaged irrigation development project in Benshangul Gumuz Region falling into the above mentioned 4 weredas of Assosa Zone, has resulted in the loss of 17,330heciares of dry and wet season grazing ground utilized by 1,298 households keeping over 1,360 TLUs This has the following consequences: 1) occupation of the communal grazing grounds which have been used for centuries by indigenous and settled farmers for both dry and wet season grazing leading to a concentration of farmers' herds on the remaining fragile grazing lands and a resultant increase in grazing pressure leading to increase in bare land proportion and soil erosion, 2) shrinkage of the areas used extensively for shifting cultivation resulting in a loss of areas which have been used for crop production, fallow land and aftermath grazing Among farmers of Assosa, Bambasi Menege and Oda Buildiglu weredas, goat, cattle,
sheep, poultry and donkey are still the preferred type of livestock, which represent a source
of food, cash or hides for clothing and sleeping mattresses Goats, poultry and donkey dominate the project area as they are relatively resistant to trypanosomosis, the most fatal disease in the project area.
Estimating a livestock holding per household is a difficult job in the project area as the reports  of different sources  are contradictory  and do not agree with regard to livestock population estimates. The household survey conducted on about 9% sample size, slratified in to 3 wealth status groups (better-off medium and poor) indicates that the livestock nolding per household varies greatly with the wealth status of the household. The rich farmers breed about 6 cattle, 18 shoals, 3 donkeys and 14 chickens. Medium farmers keep 2 heads of cattle, 14 shoats, and 2 donkeys and 12 chickens as compared to the poor who keep no cattle but 14 shoats. a single donkey  and 10 chickens, The average TLU holding per household in lhe wealth classes of better-off, medium and poor accounts for 8, 4 and 2. respectively while lhe pooled average lies by 4 5 TLUs.On the other hand the livestock holding computed from wereda and kebele level livestock enumeration of 2012, Indicates that the TLU holding per household is almost the same in al! weredas and kebeles with exception to Bambasi Wereda and Eda Dabus Kebele where an average household keeps about 2 0 TLU and 1 1 TLU, respectively
Livestock  production is  constrained by  a combination of factors  The major once Includerdisease (especially tyrypanososis. internal and external parasite), inadequate feed
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Volume IV - Part III Livestock Deveicrmenl Study Rnal Report
supply and distribution, poor livestock husbandry and grazing land management practices, lack  o( (arming system based breed improvement, knowledge gaps, less  trained and inexperienced manpower, poor infrastructure and marketing route.
Therefore to overcome these serious  problems  and guarantee sustainable livestock production in mixed farming dominated project area, irngalron development should be integrated with indigenous cattle improvement program through cross breeding Io produce crossbred heifers for small-scale dairying, fattening cattle and shoats, milk collection and processing, beekeeping, poultry  production strengthening animal health services  and trypanosomiasis  control through community  mobilization, pour-on chemical application & trap setting, improved backyard forage development and hay making.
The total livestock holding per household based on daily nutritional requirement and income generation is proposed to be 9.3 TLU consisting of 7 dairy stock, 4 fattening bulls and 8 shoats for fattening and a donkey, whrch arefurther differentiated into herd structures to determine the volume of production, the quality and quantity of feed requirement and the corresponding land acquisition per family,
Based on the nutrient requirements of the proposed livestock per household, the total feed to be produced and the corresponding land requirement was deduced. To guarantee the all year round quality and quantity wise sufficient feed supply, it is proposed that settlingfarmers shall be allocated with 1.5 hectares  of landas  backyard fodder plot to sustain the recommended 9.3 TLU livestock species per family and achieve the targeted 6.100 liter milk, 12 finished bulls and 24 fattened shoats, 6.388 table eggs. 125 kg pure honey and 12 5 kg bees  wax  per family  per year The total irrigation unit proposed for backyard fodder production is 1,947 ha, which will be established around the settlement areas proposed so that the settling farmers access the green feed within the shortest distance possible
The land requirement for each type of feed has been determined and the aggregate is summed up to arrive at the total landnecessary to sustain the proposed livestock holding per household Accordingly, each family will be allotted with 0 48 ha for Rhodes grass as green feed, 0.46 ha for hay making, 0 46 ha for Elephant grass, 0 1 ha for alfalfa and 0.001 ha for Lukina establishment. Lukina can be planted on the hedge around the border of the grazing land and between the paddocks
Improved fodder crops such as Alfalfa, Elephant grass and Lucema developed at the backyard will be fed to animals by employing the cut-and carry system, which has lhe advantage of reducing feed loss, higher biomass production and marked increase in milk 
and meat production The total water requiremenisfor livestock and backyard fodder production have been calculated using appropriate methodology (CropWat 8).
The total investment cost for the livestock development program over the ten project life is estimated to be Birr 354 million. Each participating farmer wiL have a gross mcomeof about
131  207Birr  per  year  or  10,934  Birr  per  month  from  an  overall  livestock development venture. As livestock are managed under cut-and carry feedingsystem, there will not be any negative environmental impact that bring about as a result of implementing the anticipated project.
In the recommendation part, it was given emphasis to settle the rarming communityin such a way that they can gel benefits from the irrigation scheme The benefits can be employment opportunity, income generation, irrigated fodder development, access to bi-products to feed their livestock.
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1. INTRODUCTION
Volume IV - Pad III Livestock Dcvc.oprrtenl Study Pinal Report
This Livestock Development Feasibility Report is part of the Dabus Irrigation Development Project Feasibility  Study  and Detail Design for the development of irrigation scheme in Benshangul Gumuz Region. Asosa Zone. Pursuant to its agreement with Ministry of Water and Energy (MWE). Waler Works Design and Supervision Enterprise (WWDSE) has taken the responsibility to carry out feasibility study and detail design of irrigation project in Menge, Oda Buildiglu, Assosaand Bambasiworedas of Asosa Zone.
This  report covers  the past studies  carried out at pre-feasibility  and feasibility  level by Halcrcw-ULG Ltd for the Dabus Irrigation Development Project earned out from May 1960 to February  1982. It also covers  other related studies  and statistical reports  of the Central Statistical Authority (CSA), Population and Housing Census of 2007, MoARD (2010), SIO- Consult-Support Integrated Development (2010), PADS (2004), WBISPP (2003)and that of International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI),
1.1    Background
1.1.1 General
Ethiopia with a total land area of 110.43 million hectares, a population of over 73.7 million, growing at an average annual rate of 2.4 per cent, is one of the most populated and poorest countries in the world
The Ethiopian economy is heavily dependent on the agricultural sector which contributes between 40 to 50 per cent of the total GDP (LDMPS, 2007). Agricultural products such as coffee, oilseeds, pulses, skin & hides, and live animals  constitute lhe major export commodities and accounted for 90 per cent of export earnings. The crop and livestock sub sectors contribute some 60 per cent and 30 per cent of the Ethiopia's total agricultural GDP (24 30 and 12-15 per cent of the total GDP), and 65 to 75 and 15 per cent of the foreign currency earnings, respectively. The national GDP contribution of livestock is dominated by hides and skins (83%). live animals (11%) and canned and frozen meat (6%). Agriculture is (he primary source of lhe income and is also the major employer absorbing 85 per cent of the labor force.
1.1.2 Overview of Livestock and Feed Resources in Ethiopia
1.1.2.1 Livestock Population
The country possesses the largest livestock population in the continent, despite the available sources differ in their estimates. Ethiopia ranks first in Africa as far as cattle, horse, donkey and mule population is concerned and third, fourth and sixth in terms of sheep, poultry and goat population It is the third country to possess large camel population next to Sudan and Somalia (LDMPS, 2007).
According to lhe latest report of Central Statistical Agency (2012), the country possesses 52.129,017 cattle 24,221,384sheep, 22,613,105 goats, 1,961.949 horses  6.43B.435 donkeys, 979,313 camels, 368,781 mules, 44,893 009 chicken and 4.993,815 beehives
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Volume IV - Pan III Livestock Development Study Final Report
Accordingly, the total livestock  population adds  up to 108 7 million grazing and browsing animals, which is  equivalent to about 47.2 million TLU The average human population density  livestock  holding and household size are about 66.8 persons/km* 3.0 TLU per household and 4.7, respectively (Table 1 1)
Table 1.1: Livestock population of the country by breed
1
•5
Pw
w0
¥ 2.
-I
Population Number
TLU
“1
irt
_ S*□
l2x
T3
s
>•
X
•Co
-Q a
££
u
o
di
ijf
Ul
-o
Q
X l2 S
2 z>
II
Cattle
52,129017
483,851
0.93
64.480
0 12
1.05
36,490,312
2.32
Sheep
24.221.364
26,112
0.11
-
0.11
2,422,130
0.15
Goats
22 613,105
1 9C6
0 01
-
0.01
2,261311
0.14
Camels
979.318
-
-
-
-
979.318
0.06
Horses
1,961.949
-
-
-
-
1 <569.559
0.10
Donkeys
6438435
-
-
-
-
3,219.210
070
Mules
368.781
-
-
-
■
250.147
0.02
Poultry
44.893 009
1,332,539
2 97
256,330
057
3.54
-
0,00
Bee hives
4,993.815
-
-
-
-
-
0.00
Total
108,711.989
L
-
-
-
47,200,002
3.01
Source: calculated from CSA (2012)
Livestock production systems are determined by climate, the type of crop grown, livestock species  reared and their economic  importance lo the producer (Hegde, 2005). In the highlands, livestock are subordinate but economically complementary to crop production, the main agricultural activity of the farmers. In this ecological zone, livestock especially cattle provide traction, which is a vita! contribution in the overall farm force required Livestock also provides milk, meat, cash income, manure and serve as hedge against risk.
In arid lowlands, cattle are the most important species because they supply milk for the subsistence of the pastoral family, in the more arid areas, however, goats and camels are the dominant species reared The former provides milk, meat and cash income while the latter are kept by nomadic pastoralists for milk, transport and to a limited extent for meat
1.1.2.2 Livestock Products and Productivity
Despite the huge livestock  resources  the country  has, its  productive and reproductive performance as well as lhe per capita consumption of livestock products are low and below lhe African average. Meat off-take is estimated al 7 per cent for beef and 33 - 36 per cent for shoats with corresponding carcass weight of 105 kgs and 8-10 kgs, respectively. Cows do not reach maturity until 3.5-4 0 years of age. calve every other year and produce 209 liters of milk per annum. As the result, the per capita consumption of meat, milk and egg is 8.32 kgs, 1B 87 liters and 0.41 kgs (9 eggs) per annum, which is far behind the African average of 14 kgs. 32 lilers and 1 84 kgs (41 eggs), respectively for lhe year ended 2007 (FAOSTAT. 2012).The per capita consumption of Bovine meat, mutton goats' and poultry meat accounts fori 62, 1.84 and 0.59 kg. respectively.
According to CSA (2012) however, the average milk production per day per cow is about 1.5 liters and the lactation length is limited to only 6 months The proportion of female cattle is about 56% while milking cows account to only about 20 per cent Chicken production is
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practiced with indigenous flock (96 5%) while the proportion of hybrids and pure exotics is less  than 3% and 0 6%, respectively. Average egg production per indigenous  hen per annum is  about 48 eggs  With respect to beekeeping, the proportion of traditional, transitional and modern hives is 95.6%, 1 6% and 2.8% with the corresponding yields of 4 9 kg. 3.7 kg and 13.4 kg honey per hive per harvest, respectively.
Hence, the main potential of the country's  livestock  resource is  immense.However, the contribution made towards the national income and to the national food security is below the expectation. Under-nutrition and mal-nutrition. disease, poor genetic  potential, poor management, inefficient marketing system, poor infrastructure, inadequate services  and absence of appropriate policies are the major constraints to increase livestock productivity in the country.
Table 1.2: Livestock products and productivity of the country
Characler/Product
Total
Indigenous/
Traditional
Hybrid/
Transitional
Exotic/
Modern
Milk production characteristics
Milking cows (no*
10,577.781
-
-
-
Average yield/cow/day (It)
1 543
-
-
-
Lactation length (mon)
6
-
-
-
Total milk production (It)
3.329.B54 796
-
-
-
Efl
g production characteristics
Total laying hens
14.814.050
14 158.795
532.169
123,086
Average egg-laying periods/year
-
4
—-------------------
1
Average length of a period
-
21
32
69
Average no of eggs/hen/penod
-
12
26
65
Total egg production (no)
94 675.782
78,894,848
14,844.827
936,107
Honey production characteristics
Number ol beehives
4.993.H15
4 772.537
81,596
139,602
Average ’requency of harvesting
1.55
L55
1 57
1.56
Total annual honey production
39.B91.459
36 487.937
475.855
2.927.667
5.15
4.93
3 71
13.44
Honey production / hive/harvesl
Source: calculated from CSA (2012)
1.1.2.3       Feed Resources
Ethiopia possesses about 2.9 per cent of Africa's annual and perennial agricultural and permanent pasture lands (FAO. 1997 in ILRI, 2000). According to (LDMPS, 2007). the grassland covers 12 49 % of the total area of the country that is 14,113.700 hectares However the country supports about 15, 58. 39, and 45 per cent of the continents cattle, horse, donkeys and mule population, respectively. Despite the huge livestock population in the country and their crucial role in farming systems, their productive and reproductive potential is far below the expectation
Under-feeding and malnutrition are among the major factors  constraining livestock production in Ethiopia. As the result, the livestock is facing higher mortality rate, poor growth performance and disappointing fertility The 1996 feed and nutrition sub-program of the draft Ethiopia's livestock development program estimated an annual feed supply of 65 3 million tons of dry matter while the feed requirement of the then 34 million TLU was about 77.6 million tones dry matter indicating a total deficit of 12 3 million tons of dry matter (14%) per year
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The feed shortage is  more pronounced in the highland areas  where the feed deficit is calculated to be 77.8 per cent oer annum. In the contrary, there is surplus feed of 176 per cent in the pastoral areas However, seasonal effects cause fluctuations m the quality and quantity  of feed and the supply  in the wet season is  high and declines  progressively following the onset of the dry season (LDMPS, 2007) This shows that the surplus feed in the pastoral areas is not utilizable unless otherwise conserved
Natural pasture, crop residues, aftermath grazing and agro-industrial by-products represent the major sources of livestock feed in the country According to the reports of CSA (2012), grazing is  the major type of feed (59%). followed by  crop residue (29%), hay  (6.5%), improved forage (0.27%) and agro-industrial by-products (0.98). The later are minimal and whatever is utilized is restricted to urban and per urban areas where modern farmers such as da’ry, poultry and fattening are practiced II is estimated that 88-90 per cent of the feed requirement is derived from natural pasture (ESAP 1989) The main grazing lands in the highlands  are restricted to areas  that have little value for crop production, like hilltops, swampy areas, roadside and the marginal lands
The main sources  of crop residues  are cereals  (teff, barley  wheat, maize sorghum and millet), pulses (horse beans, chick peas, haricot beans, field peas and lentils), oil crops and vegetable rejects These supplementary sources of feed in general cover most of the dry season feed requirement of livestock in the country On the average, crop residues provide 10 -15 per cenl of the total feed intake (FAO. 1992)
Agro-industrial by-products  in Ethiopia come mainly  from; flour mills, sugar factories, abattoirs and breweries and are minimal and whatever is utilized is restricted to urban and per-urban areas where modem farms such as dairy, poultry and fattening are practiced.The main by-products include: sugarcane tops, molasses, oil press cakes, wheat bran, wheat shorts, brewery grains, grain screenings, sweet potato tops, banana waste etc.
1.1.3 Overview of Livestock and Feed Resource in the Region
1.1.3.1 General
The Bemshangul-Gumuz Region is one of the nine federal regions in the country covering a total area of 50,699 km , which is about 4.6 % of the country and inhabited by a population
2
size of about 784,345 accounting slightly over 1% of the total population of the country It is divided into three administrative zones sub-divided into 20 woredastwo of which arespecial woredas and 475 kebeles (BoFED, 2013) The region borders Oromia to the south, the Sudan in northwest and Amhara Region in the north.The Blue Nile splits the region in to two.The region also has two major river basins, Abay and Akobo with smaller basins such as 
□abus, Yabus, Dura, Julia, and Beles with significant potential for irrigation agriculture and hydroelectric power generation Its natural resources include precious minerals such as gold and copper (MoFA, 2010) The name of the region originates from two local ethnic groups - Berta (also called as Bemshangul) and Gumuz
The altitude of the region ranges from580to 2,731 meters above sea level (mast) About 75% (37,751 94 km') of the region is classified as lowland ('Kola") which s located below 1.500 masl while the midland ("Woyna-Dega") comprises 24% (12.080 62 km ) of the total area of
2
the  ragion and is located between 1,500-2,500 masl The remaining '% (503.36 km3) is 
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Volume IV - Part ill Livestock Development Study Final Report
regarded  as  htghlard  ("Dega")  which  is  located  above  2,500  masl  (AsARC,  2006;  MoFA, 2010).
Agriculture plays  a dominant role in the economy  of the region, employing 92.5% of the population Despite the dominance of the sector, the fanners use backward technology and live in a widely dispersed settlement patterns, leading a subsistence life
According to CSA (2007), the total household's  number of the region is  about 174,445, which results in an average household size of 4.5 personswilh urban and rural households ranging from 3.6 to 4.7 people, respectively.The population density  of the region is  only about 15.5 persons/ km’, which makes the region one of the sparsely populated parts of lhe country  while thehousehold size remains  similar to that of the country  (4.5 persons  per family).
1.1.3.2  Livestock Populationin Benshangul Gumuz Region
Livestock  production is  an important means  of livelihood in the region next to crop production According to the latest reports of CSA (2012), the region harbors about 476.519 TLU and nearly 1 Oper cent of the total national livestock population. The estimated livestock papulation in the region is 552,106 cattle 98,058sheep.454,460goats;67,102 donkeys, 1.774 mules.1,140,816 chickens  and 230.241 beehives  Camels  are non-existent in lhe region while the number of horse population is negligible(Table 1.3 and 14) The reports of CSA (2012) did not mention the existence of neither hybrids nor exotic livestock species in the region. On the other hand, livestock  population estimates  of the two departments  of the regional Bureau of Agriculture i.e Agricultural Extension Department (2012) and Animal Health Care & Quality Control Department (2012)do not agree each other though the base of their estimate was livestock enumeration carried out in the year 2012. On the other hand, (he livestock  population enumerated at wereda level (BoARD, 2012), indicates  much lower(by 20%) livestock  population in the region than lhe latest CSA (2012) estimate (Table 1,4).According to this  study.the livestock  population in the region iscomposed of428 9B0 cattle. 104 640 sheep, 332,532 goats, 71,179 donkeys and 676.837 poultry, which account for 826 905 TLU
Thus  the livestock  population estimates  of the two sources  (CSA and BoARD) vary significantly even if the reporting years are the same (Table 1.3). The disparity between the Regional Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development (2012) and CSA (2012) estimates account for about 97.000TLU and indicates  that the two sources  disagree regarding the livestock resource in the region This inconsistency has also been reported in the Bensnangul Gumuz Region Resource Assessment Report of the Ministry of Federal Affaires (20101.
Based on the CSA (2012) report, poultry is the dominant species in population size, and is kept for egg production and as source of income by most people Cattle, goat and donkey are the second and third important species in the region The natives pay special attention in kcepig goats since they are tolerant to trypanosomosis, which is a highly prevalent livestock disease in the low lands. Sheep comprises only 0.61% of the total livestock population of lhe region,  and  is  kept  by  the  settlers  for  immediate  cash  needs  and  home-consumption Despite the lower population of donkeys (2.07 %) and mules (0.08%), equines play a major role in transporting agricultural products and humans in local and cross border trade
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Table 1.3: Livestock population estimates in the Region
--------- -----------
CSA (2010)
CSA (2011)
CSA (2012)
DGR-BoA (2012)'
BGR-BoA (2012)’
e
5
w1
ra
□
Cl
O
Q.
1’
Livestock Species
Cattle Streep
z
I
5
-j
H
I I       □              5               a
E
s
X
O_ I pj CL
I
s.
o
c
.9
ra
3
o -j
r
X
-J 
»—
I
ZJ
CX
Q
CL
I
—I
H
Z
£
i—
c 
o
s
□
a
IX
—I
1-
X
X
5
Lfi
i 421 503
295,122      1.55
1.79            552.106        3B6.474       1.91
429.022
300,315
1.49         428.980
B9 100
B 911
0.05
502 857 352,000
105.724 10.572
*0.05
99.058
9.606       0.05         118 824           11 002
0 06         104,640
300,286         1.48 10 464         005
| Gouts
335 545
33,555
0.18
446,484        44.648      0 23
454,460
45.44B
0.22         356,060
35.606
0.18          332.532
33.253        0.16
Camels
, Horses
----- ------ Donkeys
*
■I
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
*I
r-            j
-
517
414
0 002
-
52 7)0
26.359
0.14
64,639           32,320
0,16             67.102
33,551
0 17
40.951
24.476
0 12             71,179
35 590
0 18
I Mules
Poullry Bee colony
758
820.9941 232 7981
531 0.00 2.624 1.837
-    4.31         1 149,069
0.01                1,774
1 242
0.01
10.912
7.638         0.04
-
5 8b         1 140,816
-
5.64
663,531
3 20
676.837
3.35
1    1.22 "1         259,005
I1
-
1.32 230 241
■J
-
1 14
-
-
a Modem
A
’1 rarsdioi ial
a Traditional
1.780
-
--
-
1
586
_______ I
I
-
-
*
Total                   899,732
364.477 T  1.91 j    1,122,328 j    441.377 ,   2.25      1,173 500
476,519
______
2.36j 964,266 380.331 1.88
176.948
-1
’
■■
937.331 379.593
1.88
Source: calculated from CSA (2012).
1 = Regional Bureau of Agriculture (Agricultural Exlension Department 2005, general information) based on 2012 wereda level livestock enumeration
2 - Regional Bureau of Agriculture (Animal Health Care & Quality Control Department) based on 2012 wereda level livestock enumeration
A   Tropical   Livestock   Unit   (TLU)   is   an   animal   with   the   equivalent   of   250   kg   live   weight.   Conversion   factors   are:   cattle   ~   0.7.   sheep   & goats = 0.1. camel - 1 0. horse = 08, donkey = 05. mule = 0.7 (Janke. 1982); ILCA. 1993).
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As  can also be seen from Table 1 3. the population of cattle, goat and donkey  in Benishangul-Gumuz  Region has  generally  an increasing trend while the sheep, mule and poultry population shows an andulating tendency over the years 2010 to 2012,
With regard tototal livestock population distribution, Melekel Zone comes first (356.77B TLU) followed by  Asosa Zone (78,846 TLU) while Asosa Zone stands  first in terms  of goats population (Table 1 4). The cattle, sheep, donkey, mule, poultry populations and honey bee colonies are higher in Melekel Zone indicating the concentration of lhe livestock in the Zone (75%) Over 90 per cent of the donkey  population is  concentrated in Metekel Zone The livestock population density and holding per household of the region is smaller than that of the country and lies by 17 93 TLU per square kilometre and 2.36 TLU. respectively(Table 1,6).
According to the reports  of CSA (2012), in the region, the average livestock  holding per household was  2.7 cattle. 2.25 goats. 0.5 sheep, 0.01 mule, 0.33 donkey, and 5.6 ohickens.Livestock are kept as sources of draft power; milk, meat, skin and hides and they are also the mam sources of income and are closely linked to the social and cultural lives of the community
Table 1.4; Livestock population distribution in the Region (TLU)
Rcaion/Zone [ Cattle
Sheep
Goats
Donkeys
Mules
Poultry
Bee hives
1 Region
386.474
9,806
45,446
33,551
1,242
1,140,816
230,241
Metekel
314 008
5,519
18 253
17.076
1.123
568,944
115,771
1 % Io region
81 46
5629
40.16
50 89
90.42
49.87
50.28
Asosa
44 702
1 871
19,284
12.989
393,331
43,504
( % to region
11.57
19.08
42.43
38.71
34.40
18.93
Kemeshi
18,338
1 428
5,643
2,379
122 620
-
% lo region
4.74
14.56
12.42
7 09
10.75
Mao Komo
8 627
988
2267
1.108
55,922
44,678
% to region ____
2 23
10.08
4.99
3 30
4.90
Source: Calculated from CSA (2012)
Disease is the major trait la livestock production in the region The main diseases affecting livestock  in the region include: Trypanosomosis, pasteurellosis. CBPP, CCPP and Brucellosis  According to Haicrow (1981), the prevalence and catastrophic  effect of trypanosomiasis reduced lhe cattle population in lhe region. However, the local interviews conducted indicated that the demise of the cattle population was more often attributed to rinderpest than to trypanosomiasis  (Haicrow, 1982). According to the elhno-velerinary survey of June 2004, the directmortality of animals was estimated to be 46% of the cattle herd and 38% of the sheep and goatflocks per annum The cattle rearing practice is also traditional and need improvement (SID-Consult-Support Integrated Development, 2010).
1.1.3.3 Livestock Production Systems
There are three types of livestock production systems in the region, viz. highland, midland and lowland agro ecological zone. According to BGRS Investment Office (2005), about 20% of the Dangur Wereda & 15% of Wembera Wereda are known as highlands, which cover only 1 % of lhe regional total. In this agro-ecologicat zone, cattle are the mam species used primarily for traction purpose while milk & meat are a secondary importance Sheen is the second most important animals and goats are found in small proportion It is obvious that
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Volume IV-Part III
Livestock Development Study Final Report
there is animal feed shortage dunng the dry periods due to high concentration of different ruminant species  Crops  are intensively  cultivated and Ihere are increasing trend cl using crop residue as animal feed, In this system, herdsmen in the dry period migrate to a toil far distance in search of feed for their animals. In the wet season, they travel short distance to the nearby area to find teller grazing ground. Here, the incidence of animal diseases is not a serious problem.
The mid-altitude ecological zone, which accounts for 24% of the regional area, is known by mixed farming system and the density of livestock and human being is higher as compared to the lowiand. In this agro-ecological zone, the number of sheep is high while the number of goats  is  minimal.The proportion of cattle is  high except in the area where (he incident of trypanasomiasis is prevalent The use of crop residue as animal feed is practiced in small quantity Migration of herdsmen with their animals to search better grazing is also practiced in some parts of this system (BGRS Investment Office, 2005).
Huge area of the region (75 %) falls under lowland category. Here, the number of cattle is very small due to high incidence of trypanasomsis; however, the population of goats is high as  a result of its  resistance for a variety  of diseases  and withstanding ability  to harsh environment (BGRS Investment Office, 2005).
In Benshangui-Gumz Region poultry is a vital species in all agro-ecological zones. Most of the households have a couple of hen as backyard animals. This species is mainly kept for egg production as well as to sell the live animals. Il is the main source of immediate cash Income to the family(BGRS Investment Office, 2005).
1.1.3.4 Livestock Products and Productivity
Table 1,5; Livestock and fish products and productivity by Region and Zone
Character/
Product
Region
Zone
Metekel           Kemeshi        Mao Ko mo         Asosa
Milk production characteristics
Milking cows (no?
94,065            79.208
4516
2,704              7.637
Average yield/cow/day (It)
1.356
1.315
1 604
1.509             1.471
Lactation length (mon)
7
31561,917
7
6
67
Total milk production (It)
27,390.978        1 449,250           849,306       1.072 374
Egg production characteristics
Total laying hens
252 693
119,919            24.753              13 693
94.328
Average egg’laying periods/year
3
333
3
Average length of a period
18
19                   19                     18
17
Average No of eggs/hen/period
11
,
512 539 100.707 52 219
12                     10                   10
10
:—                                  h oney production characteristics
Total egg oca duction (no'I
1,052,180
385,716
Number of beehives
228,430          115,771                       -
44,156
42,295
Average frequency of harvesting Total annual honey production
11-
1
1
1.052.721
721.269                      -
177,137
87,050
Honey production f hive/harvest                            50
6.2
-
40
2.1
Fish production*
Fish p oduclion from mam rivers            183 ’Jyr
r
-
-|
-
-
' Potential narvestabie fish
2,400 Vyr
1
-
Potential of Renaissance Dam             I 7,628 Vyr       L
-
Source calculated from CSA (20121, " = MOA (2011)
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Volume IV - Part III Livestock Development Study Final Report
The total number of milking cows in the region account for 17% with an average daily rniik production of 1.36 litres and an average lactation length of 7 months. The total annual milk production of the region has been estimated by 31,561,917 litres (CSA, 2012). Similarly, the number of total hybrid laying hens  in the region is  about 3,327 which are mainly concentrated in Metekel Zone and whose average egg-laying period/year and average number of eggs/hen/pertod Ires  by  4 and 22, respectively  (Table 1 5) The productivity  of purebred hens, transitional and modern hives was not included in the report.
1.1.3.5 Feed Resources
Livestock  in the Region depend largely  on grazing (82%) while feeding crop residue, hay, agro-industrial by-products  and improved forage account for only  9.2%, 1,9%, 0.89% and 0.09%. respectively (CSA, 2012).
Livestock production is constrained by many factors and the return obtained from the sector is  very  low mainly  due to livestock  diseases, shortage of feed and water supply  during the dry  season. The problem of feed supply  and quality  is  even more aggravated when indigenous  people burn natural pasture during the dry  season and the rain delays  (AsARC, 2006).
1.2  Objectives of the Study
in line with the national livestock  development strategy, the major abjective of DabusLivestock  Development Feasibility  Study  is  to maximise the project benefits  by preparing plan for the development of livestock, which fits  most appropriately  into the climatic, ecological and socio-economic  conditions  and integrate the same with irrigation development in the project area This  will help in achieving some of the goals  of broad national planning like food security, generation of employment, earning foreign exchange, improving living standard of the people,
The specific objectives of the Livestock Development Feasibility Study are.
•    To assess the existing livestock and forage resource base in the project area,
•    To identify livestock and forage development constraints and development
opportunities,
•    To propose appropriate livestock and forage development interventions in line with
irrigation development system
1.3  Scope of the Study
The scope of the present study  will be covering the command area of Dabus  Irrigation Development Project, which is  virtually  located in four weredas  namely, Assosa. Bambasi, Menge and Oda Buildiglu
The  scope  of  the  study  therefore,  is  limited  to  Dabus  Irrigation  Development  Projectimpact area and covers the following aspects.
■ Review of the national and regional livestock and foragerfeve opmsnt strategies and the existing resourceoase in the project area,
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•      Assessment  of  previous  studies  in  the  area,  activities  of  government  and  non governmental  organizations  with  respect  to  livestock,  natural  pasture  conditions  as well as analysis of past and on-going livestock and forage development projects In the area,
•        Identity   livestock   and   forage   production   constraints   and   propose   appropriate development interventions in line with irrigation development in the project command,
•     Assess ways of facilitating the market outlets for both livestock and livestock products by motivating the private investors  or  establishing cooperatives  to  earn  more profit by reducing the marketing channels,
•      Include  felt  needs  of  the  inhabiting  farmers  to  secure  their  participation  through community  and  stakeholder  consultation,  focus  group  discussion,  household  survey and own observation.
•    Prepare preliminary cost estimate and benefits of the proposed project
1.4  Methodology and Approach
The Livestock  Development Study  focused on the submergence and command areas  in the downstream of the weir site.Primary  and secondary  data have been collected to understand the impact of Dabus  Irrigation Project on inhabiting communities  in Menge, Oda Buildiglu, Assosa and Bambasi weredas, investigate alternative options  and recommend livestock  and forage development interventions accordingly.
To this  effect the following alternative methodologies  have been used to conduct both livestock  and forage development study  The overall activities  required for livestock  and forage development feasibility  study  were divided into three stages  viz., Pre-Fieldwork, Fieldwork and Post-Fieldwork.
1.4,1 Pre-Field Work
At this  stage all documents, reports, livestock  development master plan, policies  and strategies  relevant to the project have been reviewed, Unfortunately, these activities  were not accompanied by  a reconnaissance field visit to the project area to collect some second hand information such as  topography, climatic  data, accessibility, human and livestock population, number of woredas  and kebeles  falling in to project command area. However, based on the review of literature and previous studies, the sample size and the whole data collection process  have been determined. Questionnaires  to collect primary  and secondary data from regional, woreda, kebele offices  and households  as  well as  checklists  for community  and stakeholder consultation and focus  group discussionwere prepared during this stage.
1.4.2Field Work
1.4.2.1 Secondary Data Collection
Pertinent documents  of previous  studies, regulations  and guide lines  that govern the livestock and forage development of the country at large and that of SGR in particular have been reviewed both at office level and during field survey During the field survey, more
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detailed second hand information regardingfarming system, livestock  species, livestock production and productivity, livestock  management practices  (housing, herding, breeding), health, feed supply  and demand conditions, water supply,marketing and marketing facilities far livestock  and livestock  products  and other relevant secondary  data on livestock prcduclion from relevart offices, pertinent experts  and development agents  of the 4 project woredas situated in Assosa Zone were gathered
1.4,2.2 Primary Data Collection
Primary  data has  been collected through visual observation, direct communication with communities, stakeholders, households  and personal interviews  Initially, the household level survey  was  planned to conduct on a random sample of about 7 % household heads (N-90} of lhe direct impact zone community  to coiled primary  data using semi-structured questionnaire (Table 1 10). Moreover checkhstswere prepared to undertake interview and hold the necessary discussions with community, key informants and stakeholders
From the 7 weredas  of Assosa Zone, four weredas  have contnbuted land to the Dabus Irrigation Project Command Area.The kebeles  falling into the command area are first determined According to CSA (2007) map. these are 11 kebeles in total and 4. 4, 2 and 1 kebeles  are contributed by  Menge, Oda Buildiglu, Assosa and Bambasi weredas, respectively. However, during the field survey the survey team came to know that the kebele Bela Fida has been further divided in to two kebeles namely, Sela Fida and Shaga Demazin, making the total kebeles  in the project command 12 though the geographical area ot the latest has not been delineated As the result, the sample size was increased from 90 to 102 households  (8,9%). The expected households  and livestock  population due to the irrigation scheme development is  estimated to be 1,298 and 1.360 TLUs, respectively. Menge and Oda Buildiglu weredas  contribute 56.6 per cent and 38.9 per cent to the total gross command area while the share of Assosa and Bambasi weredas  is  small and accounts  for 4.15 per cent (720 ha) and 0.36 per cent (63 ha) (Table 1.6).
The method of stratified random samplinghas  been employed where the households  in the 12 kebeles  were sub-divided into strata from which households  are chosen at random to conduct the household level survey  As  wealth in the project area isdetermined by  land and livestock  holdings, the stratification plan was  formed on the basis  of land and livestock holding per household.The list of households  in each command kebele was  taken from kebele offices  As  the purpose is  tocompare the differences  among lhe kebeles  and strata, an equal sample size was selected from each stratum even if the kebeles and strata differ in sizes. From the strata formed in each kebele based on the land and livestock  holding per household, samples  of households  were selected using the method of simple random sampling and a sample size oh 02 households  have been interviewed (Table 1.6 and 1 7) Moreover. an intensive secondary  data was  collected from relevant stakeholders  to augment the data gap.
Four enumerators  and a supervisor who are from the area of animal production and health with knowledge of the local language (Arulhamgn) were recruited from each Wereda and KeDele Agnculturai Departments  and Offices  and trained for a day  on lhe data collection tools  The questionnaires  were prepared in English but the interview has  been conducted in respective ethnic languages
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Table 1.6: Zones, woredas and kebeles in the command area of Dabus Irrigation Project
Volume IV - Pad III Livestock Development Study Final Report
PFCJAGl Aza •
ToLbI anta Prniaclad
<lun*J            HP (30 ■ If           h»l£?D13j
Command Area
Popuialicri C>on*J-r
Farnwi?
lira turn bucd on Livtiloc*
Mt>4<Ang
ZoraA‘.^'«zj
PapjjLzn
(TLUj20l2
Ar»a
<tun’)
Ara*
l*»l
%u>
W«»da
■A La
&DKI
GA
PtrtJ
Kia1
TLJfcn
I
_______ Hh r.
T4
CA
____________
L.*«liDC3i
In lbs Ca
ss
Poor
ll ML’.fcr
Dfl
Mni#kn' Zqt*
356,777 K
2&6M21
320,365
67 BS5
-
-
-
Ul
1247
13 H
-
■
-
Mmirthi fix*
2?,7«7.00
9 MS 64
117,715
24.513
•
■
-
1.12
11.93
2*2
-
-
-
-
>
*
Mac tana SW
U.UtO.M
M.O34
11.611
-
-
*
1.14
19 67
4M
-
*
-
-
-
-
Pm SW
01< fe
62.MJ
131*3
•
-
-
Hiftw
■
-
-
•
Abom /crw
n miu
11,37140
3W.37B
64.4*7
in 3
17,Uli tri
1.50
1Q0
0 53
31 14
sa?
l.iw.0
-
-
'Awtdt T&UP
7 Jtfi 40
1 54775
46.64B
10.9W
96 12
9.811.59
6.34
56 B2
066
3C.T4
456
BOO
457 49
]0            13
13
13
—
*Fudira.
iyi4£i
J6 6-t
1,457
351
154
!JC«
47 03
6 fry 1
044
r» 77
4 11
146
M47
3
3
3
aBdIu Fidj‘
>71 fO
74 65
3 ’56
760
37.32
3.731 «7
47 45
21 54
OM
40 17
4 76
370
176.37
4"
4
4
ASrtyM
466 9C
170 06
JOT
fMJ
43 45
4 545 40
35 40
26 23
•2 59
2S01
355
279
165,71
1
3
3
A Aumcr
496 20
4701
3.1*5
494
fl.M
3332
PE3
C17
i no
45 05
10 42
3
3 13
3
3
1
‘A^arii Fa|al
8 19fl 76
1 M£T?
63.276
13,143
67 34
8734 47
4W
MB
3 54
37 M
504
*46
339 32
36            12
H
13
A0r-*>'£
1MB
4! 5.)
1,675
X»
7.37
736 B3
IT 71
4»
0 44
40 M
124
54
23 57             -             3
3
7]
AO0H
ik. j yU*
A G-S^t* *±**
7L» M
C5 94
1,753
33 3
3.330 IS
MM
1i22
5 46
2& 56
112
235
103 93                            3
3
3
AB-DlluO
VI &
44 3J
V513
M2
1563
1.M3.W
35 37
»03
C25
34 15
225
I2B
3113
-3
3
—
"H
3
a Zimba
M7
113 7&
1.727
TW
11 79
1,120.»
1001
852
&1T
t53i
oar
39
ti 4Q
33
3
'.‘iTs-Ja Told
t7,W 00
2,B1?04
12C.7J5
30 716
72
72010
OSS
4 18
0 Mi
41 M
6 17
49
44 41
IB              6
a
--------------- 1 5
jlAj.hu*
A Uuj-fude
157
IT 84
1.754
469
& 77
676 &
6 69
3 91
0 32
72 M
2 01
42
H&4
33
--------------- | J
AL'atvi
M/noxy:
153
'626
77C
2M
&4B
46 35
263
0 37
0 67
47.26
9M
6
*2U
3
3
3
'Aeredt ToW
2S B92 IiO
1.462 35
56.430
13,17’
£63
6321
0 04
1 !£
36.80
17.77
1
11 19
91
3
id+iirjii1
3
a Eda Dabu'S
1J9 0
4 J 06
64J
VB
□ 64                 53 53
149
0.36
037
□ 14
14 94
301
3
1.33
3
□
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C-fOl* Aro4
59 CM W
7,SmM
207.172
CH,016
173 3
1? 328 7
2 70
IW
0M
37 Bl
IBS
I Ssa
1,359 8
1B2            30
30
50
Htyicri
4T4.3HM
50.69866
909 271
202 730
-
-
236
17.93
B4d
■
-
•-
County
AT,200,007        1,104.3DO          85 457,543          1B. 2vt>
•
2.59         77 42
4174
■
*
*•
CA= Corrmarnl Area NA- Data No! Available. * - 20D7; Compited and computed from CSA 2007 ano wtreda level livestock enumeration of 2012
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Htil 11111111 1111
Ministry of Waler, Irrigation and Energy
Dab us Irrigation Sludy and Design Project
Table 1.7; Planned and effected kebeles and sample households
Volume IV - Part III ______________ Lrvestpck Davelopmenl Study Fin-ai He port
Command area and Household
Planned
Effected
Woreda
Kebeie Name
HH in the
command
Sample
Size
Poor
Medium
Better-off
Sample
Sfze
Poor
Medium
Berter-off
%
effected
a Fudindu
148
9
3
3
3
9
3
3
3
100
in
0)
Cb
c
03
2
A Bela Fide’
185
9
3
3
3
9
3
3
3
100
ASinyor
279
9
3
3
3
9
3
3
3
100
AAleamer
3
-
-
-
-
9
3
3
3
A Shag a DemaZifi
185
-
-
-
-
3
1
1
1
Total Menge
BOO
27
9
9
9
39
13
13
13
144
ABelanjero
54
9
3
3
3
9
3
3
3
too
Oito
T3 T3 CJ
°3S
jZJ
AGambeladale
225
9
3
3
9
3
3
3
100
A Belfwdi
128
9
3
3
3
9
3
3
3
100
A Zumba
39
9
3
3
3
9
3
3
3
100
Total Oda buildic
ilu
446
36
12
12
12
36
12
12
12
100
Assess (2/74)
A Mugufude
42
9
3
3
3
9
3
3
3
100
A Dabus Ahmibaco
6
9
3
3
3
9
3
3
3
100
| Total Assosa
48
•iF
6
6
6
18
6
6
6
100
drr’-basf (1/30)           A Eda Dabus
3
9
3
3
3
9
3
3
3
100
Total Banibasi
3
9
3
3
3
7
3
3
1
77.0
Command area Total (12/475)
1,298
90
30
30
30
100
34
34
32
111
‘ »H- household. ONP Om□ National Park KA- Gala No! Avaitatte
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Volume IV - Part 111 Livestock Development Study Final Report
Figure 1,1.: Planning data collection and field investigation at Assosa town
Figure 1.2: Enumerators and supervisors training at Menge Wereda (Left) and Oda
Buildiglu (right)
Figure 1.3: Enumerators filling in household level questionnaire at Eda Dabus kebete
of Bambasi weredas. Note that the third person is an interpreter.
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Volume IV - Part III Livestock Development Study Fnal Report
Figure 1.4: Zonal and wereda level stakeholder consultation at Assosa Zone( left), Oda Buildiglu Wereda(right)
A thorough discussion with key informants and focus group participants from the area of livestock production and health has been undertaken to gather information on livestock as well as torage and pasture development aspects, livestock and forage development opportunities and constraints by using pre-prepared checklists. Moreover, as a public involvement is a valuable source of information on key impacts, potential mitigation measures and identification and selection of alternatives, both community and stakeholder consultations have been undertaken to avoid misunderstandings due to lack of information about the irrigation development and its likely impacts, collect relevant information about the project area and obtain their views and attitude about the project
Due to problems associated with payments for Herbanum or professionals from the area, very limited samples of unidentified plant species from different rangeland sites of the project command area were collected for the species level plant identification and authentication. The geographic positioning system (GPS) was used to measure elevation and location points of sampling sites.
1.4.3. Post Field Work
The collected primary and secondary data from the relevant regional, zonal, wereda and kebele offices of governmental and non-govemmenial organizations, discussion with key informants, community and stakeholder consultation, household level survey and that of own observation were organized through qualitative and quantitative approaches The qualitative approach was used in discussing data gathered through stakeholder and communityconsultatiems and key informants discussions. Descriptive statistical approaches were utilized to explain quantitative data collected from households (analysis untl), which was encoded using the latest Statistical Package forSocial Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20 on a previously prepared spreadsheet and analysed by the livestock development expert after checking of outliers, apparent data entry mistakes and notes onmissing data
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Various  types  of survey  parameters  such as  livestock  population, herd corn position, milk  and meat production and productivity, occurrence of major disease types, average number of livestock  per household, markets  and marketing pattern of livestock  and livestock  products, etc., were presented in the form of tables and graph.
Based on the constraints  and development opportunities  identified, economically  feasible, socially  acceptable and environmentally  sound livestock  and forage development interventions  were prioritized and recommended for implementation. Area required for improved forage development for settlingfarmers  has  also been worked out over feed requirement and production potentials  of the recommended forage species  Furthermore, conclusions  about the study  based on the findings  and appropriate recommendations  were drown.
1.5   Attitude of the Community towards the Project
Discussion were held with community  members  from the project impact kebetes  and stakeholders  al Regional, Zonal, Woreda and Kebele level were consulted lo make understand the project objectives  and assess  the local people's  altitudes  towards  the upcoming irrigation project Almost all of the participants  in the community  and stakeholder consultations have shown a positive attitude on the envisaged irrigation project.
With respect to livestock  development, almost all respondents  of the community  consultation responded positively  for the question "If you are advised to de stock  some of unproductive animals  and keep productive ones  under improved management conditions; do you accept (his  issue^'The communities  have also showed very  high interest to keep improved poultry breeds  and be acquainted with modern techniques  of apiculture management, modern beehives  suitable to their specific  honey  production environment There is  also an increasing tendency  to own modern hives. They  also expressed a big opportunity  to come lo exploit the rampant fish resources  in form of capture fishery  and aquaculture with construction of irrigation schemes in the project area
However, they  have also mentioned some possible bottlenecks, which could impede the normal development of the project These includes: 1) displacement of farmers  from their yearlong cropping and grazing grounds  due to irrigation system development, 2) security issues  need to be considered as  the project area is  in close proximity  to the border between Sudan, 3) the supply  of both crop and livestock  inputs  are in shortfall and need actions  to avail from the nearby  areas, 4) shortage of qualified manpower in the areas  of irrigation based farming and diseases associated with irrigation development need also pre-planning ,
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Volume IV - Part Ilf Livestock Development Stucfy Final Report
2.   LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT POLICIES AND STRATEGIES
The livestock  sector has  a significant contribution to the countries' economy  as  it provides draft power to the highland farming system, meat. milk, hides  A skins, wool, honey, wax  and other products  to the rural and urban consumers. The increasing human population, the continuous  rise in living standards  and urbanization are all factors, which will demand on the quality  and quantity  wise adequate livestock  products  As  the result the improvement and development of the livestock  sector is  of a priority  objective for both Federal as  well as Regional Governments  Similarly, improvement and rehabilitation of natural grazing resources, development of improved forage and fodder crops  as  ‘well as  crop and agro industrial bi-products  are also prime objectives  of both government and regional development policies  if the livestock  industry  is  to be developed to meet the ever increasing demand of the population for livestock products.
To address  this  scenario and properly  utilize the immense livestock  resources  lhe country possess, different policies  and strategies, which one way  or the other affect the sub-sector, have been formulated recently. These include Agricultural Policy  and Strategies, Agricultural Development Led Industrialization (ADLI), Ruminant Livestock  Development Strategy, Livestock  Development Master Plan Study, Fishery  Development and Utilization Proclamation and 5 years plan {2011-2016) for growth and iransformation (GTP)
2.1  Agricultural Policy and Strategies
The draft agricultural policy  and strategies  of 1992 (1984 E C.) was  formulated to open up the door for the development of the country  through studying the development constraints and suggesting possible intervention ideas in form of policy and strategy.
The rural strategy  is  one of several thematic  and sector-specific  strategies  developed and implemented by  the Ministry  of Agriculture and Rural Development in partnership with its client implementing agencies  The Regional Governments  also endorse their strategy  al. woreda and Rebels level reaching the rural poor. At the regional level each Regional Bureau of Agriculture (BoA) has  the mandate of overall management and development of livestock resources  for sustainable achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. National Strategy  for Growth and Reduction of Poverty, Improved Livelihood of Livestock  Dependent Communities, Food Safety  & Security  without compromising Animal Welfare and Environmental Conservation.
2.2   Agricultural Development Led Industrialization (ADLI).
Agricultural and Rural Development Policy  and Strategy  were adopted by  the government in March 2002.The agricultural strategy  currently  in use was  formulated based on characterizing of agncultural sectors  and outlining the major issues  and constraints  hindering production and productivity  of lhe sector in the country  The objectives  have been aimed to be met through improvement of productivity  of small holders  farming and commercial extensive and intensive agricultural development
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Volume IV- Part HI Livestock Development Study Final Report
2.3    Growth and Transformation Plan (2010/11 - 2014/15)
Achieving broad-based accelerated and sustained economic  growth so as  to eradicate poverty  has  been and is  a key  objective of the Government of Ethiopia. All the country's development policies  and strategies  so farare geared towards  poverty  reduction. To these end three consecutive programs  viz  1983 - 1987. 1988 - 1992 and 1993 - 1997 EC have been implemented and the fourth. Growth and Tiansformation Plan (GTP) has  been ratified as  the national planning document of the country  for the period 2010/11 - 2014/15. Especially, the last two programs, namely. Sustainable Development and Poverty  Reduction Program (SDPRP), which covered the years  2003/03 - 2004/05 and a Plan for Accelerated and Sustained Development to End Poverty  (PASDEP), that ran from 2005/06 - 2009/10 have registered remarkable achievements  of economic  growth, social development and good governance. During this  period, the economy  grew on an average at 11% per annum By  sustaining this  economic  growth over the next five years  period, the Government aims  to achieve the MillenniumDevelopment Goal (MDG) targets  by  2015, and its  longer time vision of being a middle income country by 2020 -2023 (MoFED, 2010)
The Growth and Transformation Plan [GTP) gives  an especial emphasis  to agricultural and rural development, industry, infrastructure, social and human development, good governance and democratization It also assumes  that the GDP and the agricultural Value Added achieved in 2009/10 will double by the end of the GTP period 2014/15
The main strategic directions set for the agriculture and rural development include increasing
the capacity and extensive use of labor, proper utilization of agricultural land, taking account
of different agro-ecological zones, linking specialization with diversification, integrating
agricultural and rural development, strengthening the agricultural marketing system and
effective implementation of the scaling up of best practices in the sector.
The Agricultural devetopment-Led Industrialization (ADLI) emphasizes  that small holder farmers  and pastoralists  need to use efficiently  available modern agricultural technologies that increase productivity  and production. As  the livelihoods  of pastoralists  depend mainly  on livestock  production, priority  is  given to water development adequate both for the local community  and livestock  This  activity  will be implemented in relation to the improvement of pastoral land irrigation development and activities  related to food security  will be implemented mainly  in connection with infrastructure development (GTP, 2010). In areas convenient to irrigation development, resettlement of pastoralists  on voluntary  basis  will be another task  to be undertaken Identifying, selection and dissemination of improved livestock breeds  will be strengthened, and improved mobile veterinary  services  will be given At local levels, emphasis  will be given to increasing the number of professionals  and strengthening their capacity  so as  to enable them give support to pastoralists. Furthermore, marketing system will be improved, animal transportation system and market price information system will be strengthened to benefit the pastoralists  from their livestock  wealth. Thus, standard livestock  centers  will be built pastoralists  will be encouraged to organize themselves  into cooperatives.
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The major GTP targets for agricultural development in the next five years (2009/2011 to
2014/15) include:
•    Improved forage seeds production from 50,000 qt to 145.000 qt.
•    The proportion of improved cattle breeds will increase from 10.3% to 37%,
•    Improved semen production and distribution from 350,000 dose to 2,000,000 dose,
•    Live animals export from 333,743 ton Io 2, 353.000 ton,
•    Meat export from 10,180 ton to 111.000 ton.
Furthermore,  the  GTP  targets  of  the  Benshangul  Gumuz  Region  for  livestock  development sets the following additional targets:
•    Meat production from 7,010 ton to 53,232,
•    Total milk production from 10,516 tonto 32,397 Ion,
•    Total egg production from 4.072,528 to 30,925.760,
•    Total honey production from 968 ton to 7,350 ton,
•    Skin and hide production from 61,273 to 152,290,
•    Fish production from 5 ton to 15.3 ton.
With regard to livestock  development, a strong emphasis  is  given to breed improvement, pasture and forage development and improvement in animal health services  Livestock fattening, dairy  development, honey  production, poultry  and fish resource development are the main focus  areas. In the case of cattle breed improvement, a strong focus  has  been given to Artificial Insemination (Al),
2.4   Ruminant Livestock Development Strategy
Though not finalized, the draft Ruminant Livestock  Development Strategies  and Projects formulated «n 1996 was aimed to overcome the prevailing livestock development constraints and realize benefits  for both the mixed farming and pastoral production systems. The development strategy  of the sector encompasses, animal feed & nutrition animal breeding/produdion, animal health and marketing. The overall objective of the livestock sub sector is  to develop and utilize the available resources  and increase its  contribution Io the social and economic  development of the country.The objective also includes, increase the supply  and quality  of feed, improve ruminant nutrition and ensure an effective and susta nable rangelands production system
2.5   Fishery Development and Utilization Proclamation
The Fishery  Development and Utilization Proclamation No 315/2003 have been declared in January 2003 at Federal level. The objective of the proclamation is to ensure fish biodiversity and its  environment as  well as  to prevent and control over exploitation of the fisheries resources, increase the supply of safe and quality fish and ensure a sustainable contribution of trie fisheries  towards  food security, and expand aquaculture development. The proclamation has  an article that gives  power to the Ministry  of Agriculture and Regional Stales  to issue their own regulations  and laws  for implementing the proclamation Following this Proclamation the Amhara National Regional Slate and Southern Nation Nationalities and Peoples  Regional State have declared their own respective regional proclamations  to enforce the Fishery Resource Development, Protection and Utilization Proclamation.
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3.     REVIEW OF PREVIOUS STUDIES
Some irrigation development studies  and livelihood surveys  have been carried out in Benshangul-Gumuz  Region by  different consulting agencies  al different times. The most important ones  include: The Halcrow ULG Limited (1980-82), Ministry  of Agnculture and Rural Development (2010), Ministry  of Agriculture (2011), Assosa Agricultural Research Center (AsARC) and SID-Consult-Support Integrated Development (2010).
3.1   Halcrow ULG Limited (1980-1982)
The current Dabus  Irrigation Project area was  studied by  Halcrow ULG Limited between 1980 and 1982 at pre-feasibility and feasibility level Though the livestock development study was  overlooked, the study  gives  some clues  about the livestock  resources  in the project area.
According to this study, the subsistence requirements of the people of the project area come almost entirely  from crop production and livestock  raising. Many  households  keep a few goats  and hens  and sometimes  sheep Most families, however, cannot afford to keep donkeys  The prevalence of trypanosomiasis  and other diseases  reduced the number of cattle per household as  compared to previous  holding Moreover, the Benshangul Gumuz Regional State has  potential for fish production though none of the villagers  interviewed practiced any form of fishing, despite the proximity of Dabus River
3.2    Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (2010)
The Ministry  of Agriculture and Rural Development has  also conducted a livelihood survey for Benshangul-Gumuz  and Gmbella regions  According to this  survey, the main livestock kept are cattle, goats, sheep donkeys  and chickens. Animals  graze freely  on grass  and browse Cattle also feed on crop residue The main source of water for animals  in the wet season is  streams  and seasonal pools  Trypanosomiasis. Pasteurellosis  and internal parasites  are the main diseases  affecting cattle, CCPP. PPR and liverflukes  target goats coccidiosis and Newcastle disease affect poultry
Honey production is another economic activity harvested from traditional beehives that have
been hung in the forest Through the introduction of fish varieties and fishing technologies,
the widely available water resources can be used for the development of fisheries with the objective of increasing the income and enhancing household food security in the region
Fishing is basically the task of men. Women play crucial role in fish processing. Currently, there is not much fish processing activity in the area (MoARD, 2010).
3.3    Ministry of Agriculture (2011)
The area foreseen for the current irrigation scheme was further surveyed by MoA (2011) to identify the fishery resource potential The study was aimed to make a survey to understand the current fishery status and identify future prospects of the Bemshangul Gumuz Region.
According  to  this  study,  a  total  of  29  fish  species  important  for  food  has  been  known  to present in Abay Anger, Beles, Dabus and Dedessa rivers. Apart from the altitude of tne
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area, long term turbidity of the river water also determined the diversity of fish species to be found in the region Compared to the other rivers, the diversity of fish in Dabus River is by far lower than the other rivers  because of its  lower transparency  and higher altitude (MoA. 2011).
Concerning fish resource potential of major rivers in the region, (he total annual harvestable fish from the Region is estimated to be 2,400 tons/yr Among these, River Abay covers 70% of the regress  total potential, This  estimated potential does  not include (he potential of the Renaissance Dam being constructed, which has  an area of 1,680 km2 and expected to produce an estimated amount of 7,628 tons of fish in a year (MoA. 2011).
The survey indicated that the culture of the region in consuming fish is by far higher and it is estimated that a minimum of 183 tons  of fish produced annually  in the main rivers  of the region. The catches are used mostly for home consumption and rarely sold in lhe marketing places. Fish consumption in the region varied with the ethnic groups; fish is highly consumed by the native Gumuz and Berta people The mode of utilization is in fresh, sun dried, fried- dry or smoked form
The study  has  identified major constraints, which include week  institutional capacity  of development institutions  as  fisher cooperative, fish quality  assurance and marketing system constrains, lack  of attention in fishery  for fishers’ community  development among policy makers, underutilized fish resource, and poor handling of fresh and dried fish along the distribution chain mainly due to lack of handling facilities.
Based on these constraints, the study  recommended the following development interventions; awareness  creation, facilitation of gear supplies, strengthsn/organizing fishers cooperatives, facilitating access  to credit, capacity  building through training, infrastructure support, promoting entrepreneurship in fish trade, resource monitoring and management, organizational setup and extension support, undertaking applied researches  and institutional linkage.
3.4   SID-Consult-Support Integrated Development (2010).
The Dabus  Irrigation Project area was  also studied by  SID-Consult-Support Integrated Development in 2010. The major objectives  of this  study  were to make market assessment and identify  potential commodrties  for income generation and value chain in the selected project woredas  of BGR, to identify  the constraints  and opportunities  in each of lhe value chains  and to map out the major supply  chains  and actors  in the selected commodities  for value chain.
According to the survey, farming in the Region is characterized by mixed crop and livestock production system Goats, sheep, cattle, donkeys  and poultry  are reared in the area. Ample grazing land in the rural areas  provides  good feeo opportunity  during the rainy  season. Livestock  production is  mainly  traditional with limited veterinary  service and supplementary feeding As  livestock  production follows  extensive production system, the ample grass  grown in communal area is not processed to serve as feed during the dry season.
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Hence, livestock  disease and feed shortage during the dry  season constrain livestock production. Moreover, livestock  disease reduced the number of oxen available for traction and constrained modernization of the crop farming. As  the result of oxen shortage and lack of knowledge of ploughing with oxen, most of the Indigenous  communities  use hoe for land preparation and planting. Due to heavy  participation of women in land preparation and planting by hoe, the practice aggravated the workload of women.
There is high demand for livestock products such as goals, chicken, eggs and milk in the
market The assessment shows that an egg is sold at 1.5 ETB while an adult goat is sold at
more than SCO ETEJ Unfortunately, in woredas like Mandura, the indigenous people do not
use milk for sale or for consumption
With regard to beekeeping, a vast area of BGR is covered with bushes and forest trees 
which has favored bee colonies to produce honey even without hives. However, it is the
major cause of forest fire and bee colony killing. The indigenous people hunt for such forest
honey to supplement their livelihood Despite the huge potential for honey production,
modem beekeeping is not widely practiced.
With regard to fishery, despite the availability of water potentials in the region, fishing as an economic  activity  and source of income is  not widely  known in the area However, it has been confirmed that the few people living around Blue Nile. Dabus, Dhidhesa, and Hayima rivers  practice small scale and seasonal fishing. There are also some organized fishermen fishing along Dabus. Dhidhesa and Hayima rivers.
As the result, this study has selected beekeeping for value chain intervention while fishery 
could be considered for interventions related to income generation. Other Income generation activities identified in the project areas include crop production, livestock production, fishing, mining, off-farm income generation like hand crafts and petty trading and bamboo (SID
Consult-Support Integrated Development, 2010).
3.5    Assosa Agricultural Research Center (AsARC, 2013)
The project area was  studied to characterization, analyses  constraints  and identify  some improvement options  far smallholder cattle producers  in shifting and permanent farming systems  of Benishangul Gumuz  Region As  survey  result indicated cattle (re)production performance of the study areas was lower than other areas of lhe country which could be attributed to feed related problem and trypanosomiasis  So, improving feed problems  by introducing feed conservation techniques  and scaling up of improved forage technologies, and controlling trypanosomiasis can be an entry point to improve cattle productivity,
Moreover, goat types  of Benshangul Gumuz  Region were studied by  AsARC (2013) to identify  the major constraints; characterize the indigenous  goat breeds  phenotypicaily, point out the economic  importance and explore the goal production system m the region According to this  study  the region harbors  5 distinct breeds  of goats, which can be categorized in to milk type and dual-purpose goal types.
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4.     DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT AREA 4.1    PhysicalFeatures
4.1.1 Geographical Location and Size
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The Dabus  IrrigationDevelopment Project area is  located in the southern part of the
Bemshangul-Gumuz  Region, Assosa Zone and falls  in to Abay  River Basin, which is  the
largest basin occupying an area of about 199,812 km2 including Lake Tana with an area of
about 4,070 km . Geographically, the project command area lies  between 10° 02' to 10° 14'
2
Northing and 34° 51' to 35° 02' Easting at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,300 masl, which falls into lowland agro-ecological zone (less than 1,500 m a s.l ). It lies on the right and left banks of the Dabus  River which is  the boundary  of the four project weredas  - Menge, Oda Buildiglu. Bambasi and Asosa The gross  project area of the proposed Dabus  Irrigation Project is about 17,330ha while the net irrigable area is expected to be 12,215 ha, which accounts for about 2.3% of the total areas  of the four weredas, viz  Menge, Oda Buildiglu, Bambasi and Asosa (Table 1.6).The total area contributed from each wereda accounts  for 56 62; 38.86; 4.15 and 0 36 percent for Menge, OdaBuildiglu, Asosa and Bambasi woredas, respectively The project command areas  and their respective kebeles  are given in Table 1.6, andMapl.1 shows the location of the project command areas
4.1.2 Soil
Soil is  one of the most valuable natural resources  and basis  for agricultural planning The principal purpose of soil studies is to identify the general physical and chemical properties of the soil and its suitability for agriculture
According to AsARC (2006), soil types  dominating the project area include Orthic  Acrisols, Chromic  and Orthic  Luvisols, Calcaric  and Eutric  Fluvisols  Dystric  Nitisolis  found in all woredas of Assosa zone, which occurs in high rainfall areas on flat to slopping terrains It is dark reddish brown to dark red in color with deeply developed clay alleviation horizon of high structural stability. Nitisols  are well drained, porous  with high water holding capacity. The texture of these soils  is  clay-to-clay  loam, have moderate organic  matter content and relatively easily weathering minerals The pH value of these soils can be as low as 5.5 with low available "F".
Chromic and Orthic Luvisols. The dominant characteristic of these soils is formed by trans location of clay from the top surface soil to the depth of the alluvial deposits. They have very dark  grayish brown to very  dark  brown color; clay  to sandy  clay  loam texture and its  pH ranges  between 5.5 and 6.7. They  have also favorable physical properties  and good water holding capacity.
Calcanc  and Eutric  Fluvisols: Fluvisols  are very  young soils  developed in recent alluvial deposits  with weak  horizon differentiation and variable textural class  These soils  have brown to dark brown color and are composed of different sediments. The pH value of these soils is nearly neutral, which does not impair the availability of nutrients Calcaric and Eutnc Fluvisols are found in parts of Assosa Kurmuk Gizan and in areas South West of Bambasi (AsARC, 2006)
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Map 4.1; Location map of Da bus Irrigation Project command area
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The soil survey investigation (2014) carried out at detail level (1:10,000 scales) on a gross area of 14,864 1 ha at left bank indicate that five reference soil groups (major soil groups) were identified in the command area These include Vertisols (Haplic, Moolic, Pellic and Eutric), which cover large area than the other types of soils; Luvisols (Chromic. Nitic, and Hypereutric); Cambisols (haplic, eutric, and Clayic); Fluvisols, and Luvic nrtosols (Eutric) Fluvisols are soils mostly identified at the bank of the nver and Luvic nitosols cover the smallest area Moreover, some permanently unsuitable gullies were identified in the area, which include gully complex, stream lines and river banks dominantly with shallow soils* Leptosols  According to this  study, the soils  were developed on ailuvial plain at slope percentage of 0-2 (almost flat), 2-4 (gently undulating), 4-6 (undulating) and 6-8 (sloping).
The PH value of the surface soils of the project area ranges from 4.94 to 7.85, which is very strongly acid to slightly alkaline in the upper part as opposed to suitable level for agricultural purpose (6.0 to 7.5). As the result, the soil survey investigation study (2014) suggested an application  of  1.949  kg  limc/ha  to  overcome  soil  acidity  problem  and  attain  optimum yicld.The  Organic  Carbon  Percentage  (°C  %)  is  low,  which  is  less  than  4%.  The Carbon/Nitrogen ratio (C N) ranges between 7.1 to 10.5, indicating that an optimum to high humification and a response to Nitrogen is expected However, the average cation exchange capacity of the soils is greater than 46%. which is very high and indicating a reasonable degree of fertility for agricultural development The base Saturation Percentage (BSP)ranges between 45.51 to 97.65% indicating medium to very high fertility of the soil in the project area.  The  Electric  Conductivity  (EC)  of  the  soils  are  less  than  1.00  dS  m’1    (very low)indicating low salinity The bulk density values of the soils range from 1.1 to 1.76 g cm-3 and are within the acceptable range for agricultural soils (1.1 to 1.4 gcm-3). Thus, there is no cemented or compacted horizon within the soil solum and the root development will not be restricted by soil compaction in most of the soils.
4.1.3 Climate
Agricultural development is  affected by  several factors, of which climate (rainfall, temperature, sunlight, etc) is the major limiting factors The Benshangul Gumuz Region in general exhibits  both mild and hot temperatures. Lower temperature prevails  on higher altitude areas (the eastern parts), whereas low altitude areas, especially in the western part of the region tend to be hot According to Dabus Irrigation Project Climatology and Hydrology Study (2013), the climatic data of the project area was obtained from Assosa Gauge Station, and the average annual temperature ranges between 18 1 °C and 32.8°C and the mean is 25 45°C. The highest is recorded in the month of March followed by April SFebruary The minimum is recorded in the month of January.
Rainfall in the region is uni-modal and occurs for 6 or 7 months of the year, usually between April and October The mean annual rainfall is  about 1,042 mm. most being received between May  and October with the highest in July  and August Rainfall occurrence is generally  adequate both in amount and distribution in most parts  of the region, except in Kurmuk  and surrounding weredas. There are a solid 5 months  of dry  period ranging from November to March and the pick  monthly  average rainfall is  in the months  of July  The details are given under section 9 10
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4.2   The People
Volume IV - Part III Livestock Deveiopmenl Study Anal Report
Based on the annual population growth rale of 3%, the projected population of the Region and Assosa Zone are 909,271 and 360,328, respectively  while the 4 project weredas.viz, Assosa. Bambasi, Menge and Oda Buildig'u had an estimated population of 120.735; 56,450, 46,649 and 63,278, respectively  in the year 2012 Based on this  population projection, the average population density  in Benishangul-Gumuz  Region and Assosa Zone are about 18 and 31 people per square kilometer, respectively  The highest population densities are in Assosa (41 40) and Bambasi (3B.61 weredas. The detarls are illustrated in Table 1,6
The Benshangul Gumuz Region is composed of 90 ethnic groups (CSA 2007) and 85.4% of the population lives  in the rural areas  while 14.6% are urban residents, The indigenous population of 0GRS consists of five ethnic groups Berta. Gumuz, Shinasha. Mao and Komo accounting lor 26.7%. 23.4%, 7.0%. 0 6% and 0 2% of the total papulation respectively. The remaining 42.1% of the population are non-indigenous to the region mainly Amhara, Oromo and other ethnic groups The Berta ethnic group resides mainly in lhe 7 weredas of Assosa Zone and more than 96,3% ol the population of this ethnic group is Muslims (CSA. 2007). The Gumuz  ethnic  group inhabits  Metekel and Kamashi Zones.Metekel Zone is  also home for lhe Shinasha people while Lhe Mao Komo Special woida is home for Mao Komo people
As far as religion is concerned, nearly half (about 48.1 %) of the total population of the region is  Muslim, 35% Orthodox  Christians, 14.3% Protestant, 7.5% follow Traditional African Religions  while Catholics  constitute 0.7% (CSA, 2007) It was  also noted that significant numbers of resettlers were brought to lhe region from various parts of the country as a result of the national resettlement programme conducted by the previous government
With regard to languages. Arutani and Gumuz  languages  are the most widely  spoken languages and considered as mother tongues. Arutani is a language that is spoken by Berta people in most parts  of Assosa Zone Oromigna and Amharic  languages  are the second widely spoken languages Amharic language serves as the working language of lhe region.
In a study conducted by Alemayehu Abebe, el al (2013), lhe average age of household
heads of settlers was higher (han indigenous people probably; the older people in
Indigenous community are more engaged in gold mining rather than keeping livestock,
Moreover, indigenous community had significantly higher family size than settlers which could be attributed to polygamy in indigenous people (Alemayehu Abebe, el al 2013)
With regard to the type of marriage in the project area, 55 6% (N = 55) practice polygamy while 44 4% (N= 44) get married with a single wife. The number of wives  a household marries range from 1 to 4 where households marry 3 ana 4 wives account for only 10 and 4 per cent, respectively. An average farmer marries 2 wives, which accounts for 41 4 per cent of the total respondents  The number of wives  a farmer marries  depends  on wealth status, especially cattle population. Out ol the respondents married with 3 wives, 72 percent were tn betler-off strata while all of the households  marred 4 wives  were rich househo'ds (Table4.1),The average age of the respondents was 40./ years.
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Table 4.1: Frequency of wives per household head in the wealth status group
Number of wives per household head
Total
1
2
3
4
Wealth status of the
household
Total
better-off
medium
poor
6
18
20
44
18
17
6
41
7
1
2
10
4
0
0
4
35
36
28
99
4.3   Farming System
Farming systems could be defined as a population that has broadly similar resource bases, enterprise patterns, household livelihoods  and constraints, and (or which similar development strategies  and interventions  would be appropriate(FAO 2001: Doppler, 2002 in 3 Teklu, et al, 2010), Farming system in the project area exhibits  a combination of crop livestock  production where crop production dominates  the livelihood There are two major types  of cultivation in the area. The one dominantly  practiced by  the indigenous  Berta communities  inhabiting Assosa zone, is  hoe (Palle) based shifting cultivation while settlers practice penmanent farming using mofer attached plough These communities  have their own long developed farming practices; livestock  keeping, natural resource management, land holding and farming implements  are different among the (wo communities. Each farming system (FS) has  different cropping patterns, land use management and production potentials, and consequently  feed resources  for livestock  (AsARC. 2006) All the two systems  are ralnfed with limited irrigation practices. According to Getmel, A., et al (2005) however, the region has 3 farming system namely Sedentary, Agro-pastoral and Nomadic.
Shifting cultivation is an agricultural system in which plots of land are cultivated temporarily and then abandoned (FAO, 2001. Doppler, 2002 in 0 Teklu, et al., 2010). This system often involves clearing of a piece of land followed by several years of farming until the soil looses fertility. Once the land becomes inadequate for crop production, il Is left to be reclaimed by natural vegetation, and a previously  cultivated field will be cleared of the natural vegetation and planted in crops  again Permanent farming system is  an integration of crop-livestock production where oxen based crop production is  dominant (AsARC 2006) and crop and livestock  production practices  are interdependent, where cropping provides  animals  with crop residues  and aftermath and animals  provide draught power for ploughing and manure for fertilizing the crop land
The major crops  such as  sorghum, maize, sesame, ncug, groundnut, haricot bean, mango, banana, hoi pepper and sweet potato and stimulants  are important sources  of food and income for the farmers  in both FSs  (AsARC. 2006) Crop production is  dominantly dependent on rainfed agriculture although the potentials  of small, medium and large scales irrigation are very high
The land holding size differs  between indigenous  and the settlers. The indigenous  peoples own up to four hectares of cultivable land while that of settlers is in the range of 0.5 to 0.8 ha per household (AsARC, 2006). However, a study conducted with the objectives of assessing the livestock  feed resources  and feeding systems  of Assosa Zone indicates  that the farm size of households from shifting cultivation (SC) and permanent farming systems (PFS) were 6 04 ha and 1.26 ha, respectively The higher landholding of shifting cultivators may be due
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to expansion of farm land without restriction by clearing of forest either by shifting or without shifting to other places in addition to this, low population density of the area could have allowed individual farmer's larger landholding. The cultivable land in SC is replaced by new land at an interval of 5.66 years According to this surrey, 70.8% of farmers get new land by clearing of land without shifting. 11 1% by  clearing of land with shifting and 19.1% by fallowing (Beyene Teklu et al., 2011).
The average communal pastureland of shifting cultivators  and permanent farming communities were 1 63 ba per hh and 0.27 ha per hh, respectively. Farm sire allocation to crop production was 72.2% and to grazrng land was 27 04% in SC and 79.02% and 20.98% in PFS, respectively This implies that a large proportion of farm size was allocated to crop production (Beyene Teklu et al., 2011).
The livestock management system is mixed farming system. Poultry, cattle goats, sheep and donkeys are among the dominant livestock species found m BGRS Goats are widely raised for milk and meal and donkeys are popular pack animals, The results of the study showed that the respondents are engaged in agricultural activities dominated by mixed crop-livestock production and the rest were involved only in livestock production. Village chicken production is an important component of the mixed farming system.
The farmers are using old fashioned farm implements, crop varieties and farming practices which have contributed to low production and productivity. The majority of the indigenous communities, Berta, Mao and Komo in Assosa Zone and Mao-Komo Wereda, as well as Gumuz in Melekel and Kemashi zones use a small hoe, called 'palle" for land preparation (Figure Al) Palle is  used not only  for land preparation but also during planting and cultivation. However, Palle does not enable to cultivate the soil deep and sufficient land to feed a house hold. The other material which is used during planting is sharpened bamboo stick (se/utai). The stick is used la make hole to place the seed Sickle and panga (ge/era) are used for harvesting purposes The Gumuz make sickles from bamboo called "Gewoda’ for harvesting. Thus the crop production level is very low and people usually consume wild roots, wild animals  and bamboo shoots  to cope up with seasonal food deficits(AsARC, 2006).
The use of oxen for ploughing is  practiced by  the settlers  and partly  by  Berta and Mao communities. Shifting cultivation and hoe farming nas now been greatly reduced in Assosa zone mainly  due to the influence of the settlers. As  a result, the indigenous  system is gradually  being replaced by  sedentary  oxen based agriculture, Farmers  have naw also started to plant perennial fruit crops  like mango, papaya and banana around their homesteads  The region generally  lies  in a tsetse fly zone, which has  hindered the use of oxen ploughing and some efforts are being made to use the large population of donkeys for draught purposes (AsARC, 2006).
4.4   Infrastructure
The town Assosa, the capital or Benshangul Gumuz  Region is  large and busy  urban settlement with well-developed infrastructure. The towns' centre has  electricity  from the national grid, piped water, hospitals, clinics and pharmacies, primary and secondary schools and an agricultural college and a university.
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The major road that connects the region to major terminal markets is the one that connects Assosa with Addis  Ababa via Nekemte, which has  currently  been upgraded to an asphalt road. The region is  also accessible by  air transport There are three flights  a week  from Addis to Asossa via Jimma and gambella The overall inadequacy ol iransport infrastructure road net work  is  exacerbated by  poor road maintenance and the region is  still not well connected internally. Many  woreda towns are not connected with each other and some of the woredas in the project area can be reached form Asossa only via Oromia and Amhara regions  The major means  of transportation in the region are human portage and pack animals mainly donkeys There are urban taxi services (Minibus and Bajaj) in most wereda towns.
Although remarkable changes  are seen in telecommunication and postal service in certain towns of the region, it is still not well developed in some weredas and kebeles Moreover, even though digital telephone station is limited to a few towns, many of the woreda towns including some kebele councils have manual telephone systems.
4.5 Institutions Involved in Livestock Development
Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations that are involved in promoting livestock development activities  in the project area include regional, zonal and woreda level Agricultural Bureaus  and Offices, Assossa University. Assosa Rural Technology Multiplication Center, Agricultural Technical and Vocational Training College, Farmers' Training Centers, Bureau of Cooperative Promotion and Assosa Agricultural Research Center There are over 36 NGOs  operating in the region, however, none of them are participating in livestock development related activities or very few if available.
4.5.1 Bureau of Agriculture (BoA)
According to the information obtained from regional council, the settlement program of the regional government to bring the dispersely  placed farmers  together to deliver social services is underway Aboul 45,000 households were settled between 2011 up to 2013 and about 88% ol the plan has been achieved The remaining 1,559 households will be settled in 2014 For the settled farmers  all social facilities  such as  polable water for human and livestock  drinking, clinks, school, Farmers  Training Center (FTC) have already  been constructed and road construction is  underway. To ensure sustainability, it is  quite imperalive to focus on agriculture by availing improved technologies at reliable quantity and quality
The purposes of livestock production by the inhabilantsm the project area are for milk production (cattle, goats and sheep), meat production (goats, sheep, cattle, and chicken), income generation (goat, cattle, sheep, poultry and noney), as well as for transportation
(donkey). The coordination of the development aspects of these immense resources rely on the Regional, Zonal and Wereda Agricultural Bureaus.
The Agricultural Extension Department and Agricultural Input and Product Marketing Department are organized under the Regional Bureau of Agriculture. Animal production activities are organized under Agucultiiral Extension Core Process while the Animal Health Activities are organized as Animal Health Care & Quality Control Core Process.
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Currently, livestock  development related activities  are run by  theAgricuitural Extension Core Processthat is  accountable for both livestock  extension, improved livestock  and forage seeds  production and distribution to farmers  and other beneficiaries  As  compared to other regions like Amhara, Tigray, Oromia and SNNP regions, there are no centers to produce and distnbute cross-heifers, breeding bulls, shoats  and liquid nitrogen.As  the result, there is  an unmet demand for improved livestock and forage seeds
As  far as  livestock  development extension is  concerned, there is  a promising beginning in that 5,724 day old chicks and 927 cockerels and 3,764 pullets were distributed to farmers in the year ended 2012 The former was produced by the regional poultry multiplication center (Pawe) while the later was distributed by different NGOs. With respect to livestock extension packages  practiced by  holders  in Benshangul Gumuz  Region, a total of 555 holders  were involved in livestock  extension packages  during the period of 2011/12 About only  193 households  were involved in poultry  production package while the number of households engaged in dairy  development and beekeeping accounts  for 271 and 91, respectively. Almost all participants in the livestock development packages were from Melekel Zone and no participants  were mentioned from Assosa Zone.Moreover, about 53 per cenl of the households have practiced at least two types of packages concurrently within the reference period (CSA. 2012).
Rhode Island Red, White Leghorn and Bovans  Brown are the three poultry  breeds distributed to farmers for a long time in the region. Combolcha, Andasa and Bedele poultry farms were the main suppliers of Rhode Island Red breeds for the region The former is lhe chosen breed to be distributed to farmers as the breed is known for its good scavenging behavior, disease resistance and minimum loss  due to predators. Bovans  are synthetic commercial breeds  which stay  in production for only  one year and restocked again each year Thus, using this breed for cross-breeding with local breeds to improve egg and meat production is  questionable An introduction of Koekoek  dual-purpose chicken breed is  a recent phenomenon (since 2012) whichis  being multiplied in Pawe Poultry  Multiplication Center in the region.
Table 4.2: Livestock input distribution in the command weredas during 2012/13
S/N
Wercda
Day Old
Chicks
Cockerel
Pul tel
Breeding
bull
Cross
Heifer
Boar
goals
1
Assosa
830
131
345
1
1
2
B^mbasi
537
240
1283
15
3 ___
Menge
180
43
87
4       1 Oca Buildigiu
-
38
87
-
Total
________
1547
452
2302^
1
16
4
4
Source Regional Agricultural Input and Product Marketing Department
Pawe poultry  multiplication Center was  established recently  (2011) and located 390 km away from the regional capital assosa It is aimed at production and distribution of Koekoek dual-purpose chicken breed of South Africa in form of Day Old Chicks to be reared using Hay Box Chick Brooder, Fertile eggs to be hatched by local hen. three months old pullets and cockerels to be distributed to farmers and other urban dwellers.
With regard to farm capacity, the center owns  about 7.8 haland 2 brooder houses  of 36,000m!. one incubator of capacity, setter 15,682 and hatcher 5,040 It has  produced 42,179 eggs in 8 months of which 17,195 eggs were set and 8.297 hatched This 48%
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hatchability  is  however a poor performance and needs  rectification. The realized performance indicates  that lhe egg laying percentage ranges  from 68% and 70%, respectively,The center has distributed a total of 1,269 pullets and cockerels with a ratio of 1:5 to farmers in theyear 2012 However, the center is suffering from sevior water shortage and needs  immediate mitigation if poultry  impute supply  is  sustainably  produced and distributed It has also problems associated with organization structure, lack of brooder and growers houses and isolation pen. Working with single seller and hatcher is not a reliable approach in poultry farms
Cross heifers (50%) were supplied from Andasa Cattle Breeding Center (Chagni). Breeding bulls supplied by Holleta Research Canter and have been distributed to farmers in Assosa, Pawe, Dangur, Mandura and 9ulen weredas, Semen and liquid nitrogen are supplied from Bahir-Dar, Nekemt and Kaliti Artificial Insemination Center (NAIC) Forage seeds have been purchased from individuals  elsewhere in lhe country  and MoA According to Agricultural Input and Product Marketing Department, Oats, Rhodes  grass. Elephant grass, Cowpea. Pigeanpea, Sesbania, Luckeniaand Alfalfa are the most wanted forage seeds  by  farmers Table 5.2give improved livestock distributions made in 2012
According to lhe report of regional Agricultural Extension Department (2012), the Artificial Insemination extension embraces  16 out of 20 weredas  in the region where 16 trained technicians  carry  out the cross-breeding activityalong with procurement and supply  of Al materials and equipment. With regard to achievements, a total of 140 male and 136 female crossbred calves were bom since the commencement of Al activities in the region of which 203 and SO calves are Holstein Friesian and Jersey crosses, respectively. In the year 2012 alone, 238 heat synchrontzedcows and heifers were inseminated with Holstein Friesian and Jersey  semen and 24 male and 28 female calves  were born, which Is  an interesting endeavor and a good start for upcoming livestock  development interventions  of Dabus Irrigation Project.However, about 4.3 inseminations  were earned out per caw and 19.6 inseminations  were required to achieve a pregnancy. This  indicates  caution is  needed in heat detection, skillful insemination, proper use of lhe valuable semen and materials  with minimal wastage. Moreover, the mortality rate of the crossbred calves is higher and lies by 20 per cent (BoA, 2012). Moreover, out of the total 4 HF breeding bulls distributed to farmers m 2012, 50% died due to reasons like poor management, extension support and follow-up
Apart from conventional Aritficiallnsemination. the region has  set up a heat synchronizationprogram since 2012 in Bambasi and Assosa weredas for the first time The pregame was initialed by SLM (Sustainable Land Management] with a budget disbursement of ETB 50,000 for procurement of cyncromate and other input. According to Assosa Zone livestock  expert, the program is  being implemented in 13 out of 38kebeles  in Bambasi Wereda and 18 out of 74 kebeles in Assosa Wereda Unfortunately, the kebeles falling in to Dabus Irrigation Project command area were not included in lhe program due mainly to the remoteness of the kebeles. The program considered kebeles that are in close proximity to the Assosa and Bambasi wereda towns.Sixteen prominent Al technicians selected Irorn all over the region including Metekel Zone were participated in the program. It was planned to achieve 500 cows pregnant in the two weredas during 2011 fiscal year, however realized is only 123. It was also reported that all treated cows are expected to came in to heat within 3 to 4 days, however, there are cows exhibiting heat up to 10 days after insemination, some
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cov/s do not show heat at all and some are aborted (2 out of 300 injected) indicating the need for proper pregnancy diagnosis before treatment
A careful precautionmeasures presided lhe commencement of lhe program, i.e training was given to participating farmers and experts, insemination was targeted farmers around lhe wereda town, construction of shades  and backyard fodder development for zero-grazing were criteria's to recruit participating farmers m lhe program.
There are Governmental and Non Governmental Organizations  assisting lhe Al program through material and technical assistance. Sedeie tsetse control Center, Assosa and Pawe Agricultural Research Centers in collaboration with CHISP are participating actively in lhe tsetse fly control while World Vision Ethiopia has promised input support.
The above mentioned inputs such as pullets and cockerels, semen of different genotype, crossbred heifers and liquid nitrogen will be used as an input for the upcoming livestock development project Fortunately, some centers  such as  Pawe Poultry  Multiplication Centerand lhe Rural Technology Promotion Center situated at Assosa will supply the settling farmers with improved poultry breeds and bee hives at a subsidized price
Crop production is laborious and yields are disappointing due to the prevalence of deigning cultivation in a pre-Newtonian technology where even an oxen farm is rare in the Region. To curve this situation and to improve production and productivity of the indigenous people of the region, a department known as Improving Farming Practice of the indigenous people' has been formed by the regional council which to be implemented by Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development (BOARD). The primary objective of the department is enabling the indigenous society to use animal power Donkey is currently selected to be used to plough, since it is less susceptible for trypanosomiasis, cheap and possible to plough with single donkey  (Figure A2). BoARD trained 376 male and 3 female indigenous  farmers  and development agents how to plough with single donkey in the region (BGRS Information Bureau, 2007)
However, lhesedevelopment endeavors are not satisfactory as compared to size of poultry, cattle, donkey, sheep and goals and (he need for improved livestock species in the region There are also neglected areas of the sub-sector like beekeeping and fishery though lhe resources are rampant and can contribute a lot for realizing food security in the region Extension work with regard to animal feed development is also not satisfactory and improved forage seed distribution is negligible
Though efforts were made to improve animal health services by increasing area coverage, there are still limitations  in animal health institutions, skilled manpower and scarcity  of veterinary treatment service, which contribute to the impediment of animal production in the region. Due to the wet arid ecology of lhe region, challenges of animal health hazards such as  trypanasomiasis, internal and external parasitism and other economically  important diseases  are deterring the other wises  expected increase in animal production and productivity in the region
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4.5.2  Assosa Agricultural Research Center
Pawe and Assossa Agricultural Research Centers were established in 1985 with the support of Bako Research Center by lhe former Institute of Agricultural Research with the aim of generating agricultural technologies and information that improve the agricultural production and productivity in lhe respective areas of the region. Pawe Agricultural Research Center is mandated to take care of the Metekel zone where as Assosa Agricultural Research Center (AsARC) mainly  sen/es  Assosa, Bambasi, Homosha Kamashi, Yaso, maokomo special Wareda of the region, and Segi Mendi of western aromia regions (AsARC, 20061
The center is engagedin livestock, apiculture and fishery related research activities by giving focus on the following five species in that order of priority: goats for meal and milk, poultry, equines for draught cattle for milk and meat and Apiculture. The research areas include; characterizations of indigenous goat, poultry, donkey and cattle, on farm and on station; introduction and evaluation of exotic and crossbreeding poultry breeds, livestock husbandry and management practices for goat, poultry, donkey and cattle, animal feed and nutrition evaluation; grazing land management, livestock  diseases  (survey, identification and management) and evaluation of bee colonies and honey production practices.
Different annual and perennial grasses and legumes were evaluated at research site Amongst lhe annual and perenmaiforages and legumes. Dolicous lablab(LaWab purpureus). Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense); Cajanus cajanand Desmodium uncinatum (cv. silver) produced high dry matter yield (AsARC, 2006)
4.5.3  NGO Development Activities
Non-governmental organizations operating in the region are doing their best to mitigate the socio-economic problems of the people in the region. These days, there are more than eighteen international and local oriented NGO'Swithin the region. These NGO’s took part in the region in the areas of health and water, education, agriculture, gender and HIV/ AIDS, food security  capacity  building, good governance and the like in collaboration with the government, sectoral inslitutions as well as with the community of lhe region at large.
Most of lhe origins of the NGO’S in the region are from abroad, however, there are also local oriented NGO’s like hope enterprise and adult and non informal education association in Ethiopia (ANFEA), which are involved in enhancing awareness  about HIV/AIDS and provides education to the people of the region Among the expatriate NGOs in Benishangul Gumuz, World Vision, Oxfam UK, ZOA and CISP are some of the NGOs that are engaged in general agnculture.education and capacity building in particular in bee keeping, veterinary cooperative support and mrcrofinance. Their activities focused on cattle and goat rearing for fattening and ploughing, donkey distribution for transports beehive distribution and training on modern livestock  husbandry  practices  Some NGOs  like World Vision. CHF  were distributing cross-heifers and breeding bulls to farmers.
4.5.4  Training Institutions
There are 9 ATVET Colleges in the region The Assosa ATVET College is an agricultural college, which is under the ATVET programme since 1992. The duration of the training is three years and (he successful graduates are awarded Diplomas, A total of 744 male and
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289  female  students were  trained in the year  2004 E.C alone, however,  the number of trainees in the areas of livestock sub-sector could not be accessed. The college could be one of the sources of the supply of skilled manpower and can provide short-term trainings to the  proposed  projects  Though  established  recently,  the  Assosa  University  is  also  giving several agricultural courses for students who have joined the college from al' parts of the country including lhe southern region
4.6 Livestock Resources in the Project Command Area
4.6.1 Livestock Populationand Herd Structure
The overall output of livestock  sector assessment and formulation of appropriate development interventions  depends  on an accurate estimate of livestock  population. However, finding such information either in the project area, or the country, is still unsolved problem,
The basis for livestock population estimates are those agricultural sample surveys prepared by lhe Central Statistical Authority However, the reports do not cover the woreda and kebele level livestock  population estimates. Bureau of Finance and Economic  Development at regional (BoFED), zonal (FEDD) and wereda level, bureau and offices  of agriculture at regional (BoA). zonal and woreda level, international organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations  (NGOs) produce their own version of statistics. However, Lhe reports are contradictory and do not agree with regard to livestock population estimatesand difficult to relay on sources Nevertheless, different users do quote and use them indiscriminately
As a result, the reports of weredas and kebeles based on the 2012 livestock enumeration has been used to describe lhe livestock population characteristics of woredas and kebeies involved in the command area though they vary greatly with CSA (2012) figures These figures are associated with projected human population based on CSA (2007) to standardize the base year and obtain parameters such as TLU/HH, Population Density (persons/km )
2
and Livestock  Population Density  (TLU/km2), Tables  4.3and 4.4 show the livestock population estimates of the project weredas by different sources and the livestock population m the project command kebeles while Table 4.5compares lhe livestock population in the project command kebelesagainsl woreda numbers. The proportion of age categories  of cattle is given in Table 4 6
The Dabus Irrigation Project command area (12 kebeles) supports about 10,401 grazers which accounts for about 2,436 Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU) comprising about 612 cattle 525 sheep. 5,718 goats. 2,497 donkeys and 49 mules. The poultry population is estimated to be 9,431 heads (Table 4.4). The relative proportion of grazers and browsers in the project kebeles to the weredas involved in the command area account for 6.3 per cent and the corresponding TLU value lies by 4 1 per cent (Table 4 5). Gcals dominate the livestock numbers accounting for 65 percent, followed by donkey al 24 percent, cattle and sheep al 6 percent and 5 per cent, respectively.
Among the 4 weredas involved in the command area, the smallest number of livestock (TLU) is recorded in Menege and Oda Buildiglu weredas (7.216 and 8,399 TLU) while Assosa and Bambasi weredas breed the highest livestock population (17,997 and 25.983 TLU..
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January 201Table 4.3: Livestock population estimates of the project we red as by different sources
Oda 0uiW«glu Wereda
Ascsa Wcreda
Qarnbasi Wereda
Menge Wereda
Livestock
Species
Cattle Sheep Goats Camels Horses Donkeys Mules Poultry 
Assosa Zone, DoA
<2012} 864
1710
34,349 6.212 141 35.359
Menege Wereaa. OoA
(2012) 994
1.383
32.778 6.048 115 33.571 41.318
Assosa Zone. DoA
(2012)
4,096
3,493
8.939
3.367
9725
1431 29
17.268
Oda fiujkuglu Wereda OoA
(2012) 7 756
1.205 15765 2.440 45
____ ______ —«r
2 264 36 45.412
16020
Assosa Wereda. OoA
<2012)
19,200 3 762
20,686 4,132 66 49649 17 677 47.846
Assosa Zone. DoA
(2012) 32.519_____ 2,808
12,232 4,051 7
41 025 2.297
BamDusi WereJu. OoA
(2012) ^2.330
4.542                 4 542 17,988               27,241
4 079 4
12.380
UaA - Department ol Agriculture OoA - Office ol Agriculture
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Table 4.4: Livestock population in the project command kebetes
Wereda
Kebeie
Cattle
Sheep
Goats
Donkeys
Mules
Poultry
Bee
hives
------------ -
Total
TLU
TLU/HH
Mongo
994
1,383
32,778
6,040
115
33,571
41,318
7216.4
0.66
AFudindu
34
25
362
179
2
343
-
602
153.4
0.44
▲ Bela Fioa1
70
65
912
436
8
1.292
-
1,499
375.9
0.48
▲ Shaga
Demazin*
47
14
387
174
8
406
0
630
165.6
0.42
▲ Sinyor                         48
40
1.201
589
21
1.575
-
1,899
466.9
0 59
▲ Aleamer
174
53
1,340
466
3
1,107
2,036
496.2
1 00
Oda Buildiglu
7.786
1.20S
15,765
2,440
45
24,468
4,542
27,241
8,398.7
0.64
ABelanjero
53
37
472
93
•
823
-
655
134.5
0.44
▲Gambeladale
69
32
706
166
1
1,403
-
974
205.8
0.46
▲ Belfudi
17
15
398
90
2
1.083
-
522
996
0 28
▲Zumba
10
6
251
64
-
635
-
331
64.7
0.17
Asosa
19,200
3,762
20,686
4,132
66
49)649
17,677
47,846
17,997.0
0.59
▲ Mugufude
40
100
286
166
10
379
13
602
156.6
0.32
▲ Dabus All mi bag d
51
100
300
150
2
404
14
603
152.1
0.67
Bambasi
32,330
3,367
9,725
4.079
4
41,665
12,380
49,505
25,982.5
1.98
▲ Eda Dabus
38
52
490
98
-
437
-
678
129.8
1.11
Project weredas total
60,310
9,717
7B,954
16,699
230
149,353
34,599
165,910
59.595
0.96
Project Rebel es total
612
525
6,718
2,497
49
9,481
27
10,401
2.436
0.54
- is the 515 kebele of Manege Wereda lately disc osed but the livestock population has been included in Bela Fida Kebele Source: Compiled and Computed from Wereda and kebete level livestock enumeration of 2012
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Vo Ju me IV - Pad Hl Livestock D^vetopment Study Final Rcpgrt_
T bto
.    «.
population «P«5S.d M par «n. to 
~
r
Wereda Menge
Goats
32,778
1.10
2.78 1,18
3.66
4.09 15,765
2 99
4 48
2 52
1 59
20.686
138 1.45
Donkeys
Mutes 115
1.74
6 96
6.96
18 26 261
45
Poultry 33,571
1.02
-• Bee
hives
Total
I-
A Fudindu
A Bela Fida'
A Shaga Dcjriazin* a Sinyor
AAleamer
Sheep
1,383 1.81^ 4.70
101 2.89
Oda Buildiglu
342 7 85
4.73
4.83
17.51 7,786
0.68
■"
0.89
3.07 2.66
1.24
0.50
2 66
2 66
3.367
1.54 &.717
5.40
1.21
4.69 3.30
3.36
A Gam betadale
A Zumba
1 AMuguluds
A Dabus
| Atimibaqo ' a Eda Dabus
2 22                 5.73
Asosa
AHellu0i_
J9.200 0 21 0 27
7.21
2.88 9.74 7 71
2.440
3.81 Tao
3.69 2-62
4132
4.02 363
4,079
Tbs
A Belan]era
4 44
66 15.15
443 2 60
49,649 0.76
17,677
3.03                  0.81
1.46 3^63
1.52
4.60
4 93
27,241
2.40
3 58
1.92
1.22
47.846 1.26 1 26
TLU
7216 4
2 13
5.21
2.29
6.47
6 88
8,398.7
1.60 2 45
1.19
0.77 17^997,0
0 87 0.85
BambaSf
49,505         25,982.5
Project Weredas Total Project Reticles total
60.310 1.01
_
__
75,954 j e 51
4 230
1495
41 665 ____ 1.05
149.353 6.35
12,380
34.599
. —_________________ _  —— ------------ —j-  ——- - —
o.oa
1.37 165.910
6 27
0.50
4.OS
*■ = is the 5"' kebele of Menege Wereda lately
disclosed but the livestock population has been Included in Bela Fida Kebele
Source: Compiled and Computed from Wereda and kebcle level livestock enumeration of 2012
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The proportion of oxen is higher (42%) in the project command area followed by cows (29%) which is a clear indication that the inhabiting ethnic groups favor oxen for land cultivation (Table 4.6) However, the estimated oxen population in the Dabus Irrigation Project area is 13,350 while the cultivable area is about 53,290 ha The power output of oxen depends on the animals’ body condition, its nutritional status and health. Work rate varies with soil type, crop species and rainfall distribution Surveys conducted by different institutions in different areas of the country indicate that the work rate of a pair of oxen ranges from 1.51- 4.5 ha per season. Based on the work rate of oxen say 3 ha, the current oxen population is insufficient to cultivate the existing arable land To overcome this  problem, farmers  depend on hand tools (palle) Io dig ground and the complimentarily of oxen ploughing is not practical in the area This  is  happening due to the prevalence of trypanosomiasis  which is  the main constraint to livestock, especially  cattle development in the project area. As  the result, farmers  sale out oxen right after the ploughing season is  over in fear of death due to trypanosomisis (AsARC. 2013) Sheep, goats and donkeys succumb less to trypanosomiasis and survived to augment the livelihood of farmers in the area
According to Beyene Teklu, et al., (2010), the higher number of oxen in Permanenel Farming System (PFS) than in ShiftingCultivation (SC) could be related to use of oxen for plaughing of land and the higher number of cows in SC was due to the presence of enough grazing land per household for cows and also oxen which are not fully used for plaughing purpose
Table 4.6: Cattle by age categories in the project command kebeles
ra
I?
S
Ag
e categories of cattle
Kebeles
Ox
Steer
Cow
Heifer
Bull
Calf
Total
TLU
A Fudindu;
24
0
10
0
0
0
34
23.8
A Bela Fid a'
10
3
14
1
0
3
31
21.7
AShagi D?m«i'n
13
4
14
10
0
6
47
32.9
A Sinyor
18
2
20
0
0
8
48
33 6
A Al earner
109
9'
31
2
0
23
174
112 0
Kebele Total
150
18
79
13
0
40
334
224
% to total population
44 9
54
23.7
3.9"
0
120
WO 0
WO 0
3
pi
P
'5
CD
CD
■n
O
A Selanicra
24
0
19
0
0
10
53
37 1
A
31
0
20
7
7
4
69
48.3
A BsIFudi
7
0
6
1
0
3
17
11.9
A Zumba
6
0
2
1
0
1
'10
7.0
Kebele Total
66
0
47
9
7
18
149
104 3
% to total population
45.6
-
31 5
6.0
4.7
12.1
100.0
100 0
IU
o
Mi
w
<
AMugufude
10
6
a
12
0
4
40
28 0
^ADabus Alim-tijqa
14
5
10
16
a
6
51
35 7
Kebele Total
24
11
18
28
0
10
91
637
% to total papulation
264
12 1
19.B
30.8
11 c-
100
100.0
Assosa
a Eda Dibus
0
0
1
0
16
39
273
% to total population
0
0
55.4 I         2.6
41 Q
100.0
100,0
I Projec
t kebele total
242
29
166 J             51
7
84
579
405.3
| % to total population          |    41.8
5.0
28.7
8,8
1.2
14.5
1OO.0
100.0
Source
Compiled and Computed from respective kebele agricultural offices (November, 2013)
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4.6.2  Livestock Population Density and TLU/Household
The TLU holding per household is  almost the same m all weredas  and kebeles  with exception to Bambasi Wereda and Eda Dabus Kebele where an average household keeps about 2 0 TLU and 1.1 TLU, respectively. The average cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys and poultry holding per household in the command kebeles is 0 14, 0.12, 1.56, 0 58 and 2.2, respectively  and the overall livestock  holding per household accounts  for 0.56 TLU (Table 4.4) This is to men that an average family inhabiting the command kebeles of Menege, Oda Buildiglu. Assosa and Bambasi woredass keep on the average 2 heads of goat and poultry while over 35 per cent do not keep cattle and sheep in fear of trypanosomiasis. Every other farmer in the project kebeles keep a donkey.
Map 4.1 depicts the TLU holding per household in lhe project woredas and Table 1.6 gives human & livestock  population density  and livestock  holding (TLU) per household'  in (he command woredas  and kebeles  of Dabus  Irrigation Project area Similarly, lhe livestock population, species  composition and TLU estimate of the command weredas  and kebeles are given in Table 4 4
On the other hand, Beyene Teklu, et at, (2010), conducted a survey in Assosa Zone and found  out  that  the  number  of  cows,  goats  and  chickens  reared  per  household  in  shifting cullivation(SC)  was  higher  than  that  of  permanent  farming  system  (PFS)  (Table  4.7)  Low number of chickens and goats in PFS may be due to intensive cultivation of lhe land and reduced space for scavenging and development of browse vegetation which is a source of feed for chicken and goats, respectively Variation in size of herd per HH from place to place with the availability of water and grazing lands, prevalence of diseases and parasites as well as the management of the livestock owner have also been reported earlier (Tessema et al 2003 in Beyene Teklu. el al (2010).
Table 4.7;Number of livestock owned per household in (SC) and (PFS)
Livestock species
SC (N = 60)
PFS (N = 60)
Callie
4.7 ± 1.76
5 17 + 2,36
Sheep
3 55 + 2 50
4 27 + 269
Goal
8.32 ± 2.47a
4.65 ± 1.81b
Donkeys
1.44 ±0.89
1.158 + 0 50
Chickens
10.77 ± 1.64a
5 58 ± 2.93b
Cattle herd composition
Heifers
1.56 ±0.96
1.34 ±0.53
Bull
1_49 ±0.76
1.41 +0.56
Oxen
1.36 ± 0.76b
1.93 ± 0 74a
Cow
1.86 ± 1 15a
1 47* 0 65b
Source; Beyene Teklu, et al.. (2010)
According to BGRS Investment Office (2005), the average bird number in the household doesn't show significant variation throughout the region. The maximum average number of poultry per household is eight in Sirba Abay and lhe minimum is two birds m Odagodere while Lhe regional average is four which agrees with the current study
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Map 4.2; TLU Holding per Household in the Project Woredas
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A  study  conducted  by  Afemayehu  Abebe,  el  al  (2013)  to  identify  and  understand  the potentials  and  economic  merits  of  indigenous  livestock  species  in  Assosa  Zone  indicates that  the  overall  average  number  of  livestock  per  household  was  4.7  TLU  The  number  of goals  and  sheep  owned  by  indigenous  community  (4  9  and  0  8,  respectively)  was  higher than  that  owned  by  settlers  (2.2  and  0.3,  respectively).  The  number  of  ail  other  livestock species was not different across the communities.
Table 4 9 Herd structure and composition oer household in the study areas
Factors
Community
Indigenous,
N=87
M (SE)
settlers, N=26 (M±SE)
I
P
cow
2,5 (0.27)
2.3(0.50)
0 269
ns
Bull
1.1 (0.14)
0 7(0.18)
1.327
ns
OX
1.6(0.19)
1.3 (0.21)
0 980
ns
heifer
1.1 (0.15)
0.8 (0 21)
0.922
"ns
caff
0 9 (0.16)
0.9 (0 20)
0.109
ns
sheep
0.8 (0.22)
0.3(0.17)
1885
■
.goat
4.9 (0.73)
2.2 (0.70)
2.682
»•
Horse
0.0 (0.00)
0.0 (0 00)
-
-
Donkey
1.0(0.17)
0-7 (0.17)
1 052
ns
Mute
0.3 (0.02)
0 0 (0.00)
1.753
ns
Equines total
1.0 (0.17)
0.7 (0.17)
1 130
ns
chicken
5.9 (0 67)
5.7(1.03)
0.132
ns
TLU
6.0 (0 49)
4.6 (0.73)
1.472
ns
NS-  Non  ^anifiemr.  *^P<0.05.  **=P<OJ1,  ***-P<0.001
Source: Alemayehu Abrbe, et al (2013)
Based on livestock population Figures obtained from the respective weredas in lhe project command area (2012) Menege. Oda Buildiglu, Assosa and Bambasi woredas breed a total
□f 7,216; 0,399; 17,997and 25,903 TLUs (Table4 4) As far as livestock density (TLU/km ) is 
2
concerned, Bambasi Wereda ranks  first (17 3) in the project area followed by  Assosa
Wereda(6 2) while Oda Buildiglu (5,0) and Menege wered (4.7) are sparsely populated Ths 
livestock density of the command area is 7,85 TLU/km , which is below the regional average
2
(Table 1 10) However, the livestock population density of kebeles falling into the command area differs significantly where Aleamer Kebeleof Menege Weredaharbor higher number of livestock  per square kilometer (10 4 TLU) followed byDabus  AtimbaqoKebele of Menege Wereda(9.3)
The livestock  holding per household varies  greatly  with the wealth status  of the household The household survey  conducted on about 9% sample size,stratified in to 3 wealth status groups (better-off, medium and poor) indicates that rich farmersin the project command area breed about 6 cattle, 18 sheep and goats, 3donkeys and 14 chicken Medium farmers keep 2 heads of cattle, 14 shoats, and 2 donkeysand 12 chickens as compared to the poor who keep no cattle but 14shoats. a single donkey and IO chickens. The average TLU holding per household in the wealth classes of better-off, medium and poor accounts for 8, 4and 2 respectively while the pooled average lies by 4 5 TLUs (Table 4 9). From lhe table can be deduced that goatsand chicken are popular, as  they  are relatively  resistant to trypanosoma sis. and many  families  have medium flocks  of sheep Donkeys  am also important, especially by indigenous people as they are used to transport water from a distant source and farm produce to and from the market.
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Map 4.3. Livestock density in the Project Command kebeles
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Table 4 9: Livestock holding per household by wealth status group
Wealth status of lhe
household
Cattle
Sheep
Sheep
& Goals
Donkeys
chicken
TLU/HH
Better-off
Mean
6,33
6.00
18.29
3.04
14.00
7.92
Std Deviation
2 10
....
13.22
251
9 17
Mean
2 00
5.00
13.76
2.12
12 40
3.96
Medium
Std. Deviation
4
4.24
IB.47
1 09
0.07
Poor
Mean
*
1 00
14 35
1 22
9 85
2 14
Std Deviation
4I
15.02
0 44
6.70
Mean
5.25
4.25
15.67
2.37
12 36
Total
Std. Deviation
2.75
3.30
15.39
1.88
8 26
4.49
Source: Household level survey, December, 2013
Both focus group and community participants interviewed agreed that livestock holding per household have drastically  declined over the last 25 years, due to livestock  diseases, especially  trypanosomosis. The data obtained from community  consultation at Dabus Atimbaqo. Mugufude and Eda Dabus kebeies indicates that the previous number of livestock holding in the three wealth classes was much higher than the current figure and the reasons for the decrease in livestock  holding were reported to be disease, especially trypanosomosis. A rich farmer owed up to 2.000 cattle, 20-30 shoals and 4-5 donkey.
4.6,3 Livestock Speciesand Purpose of Keeping
Livestock  species  such as  poultry, cattle.goat donkey  and sheep predominantly  exist in Assosa Zone, in that order of decreasing population size. The livestock is primarily of local origin selected naturally over time and the production is subsistent The animals have multi functions and there are no specialized breeds. Natural mating is practiced in the study area as artificial insemination service is accessible only around wereda and zonal capitals
Livestock in the Project area are dominantly indigenous breed/types though there are few cattle crosses with Holstein Frisian and Jersey dam/ breeds. Regarding breeds, except a few goat and sheep that are considered as  types  or breeds  no formal identification and characterization have been undertaken The factors that determine the special distribution of livestock species include climate, vegetation cover, feed and water availability, agro-ecology and farming system The principal livestock breeds of importance are described below.
4.6.3.1 Cattle
Cattle comprise a large proportion of the livestock population next to poultry. The livestock breeds  have evolved under harsh environmental conditions  and are reputed to be well adapted to survive, produce and reproduce for generations, Though they have these good merits, they are of poor genetic make-jp and consequently their productive and reproductive performance with respect to milk, meat andfertihty is low.This is exacerbated by. disease, poor management and shortage of feed
The livestock of the region has not undergone any genetic improvement apart from natural selection and emprrical indigenous practices Moreover, research reports are too meaner and what is available is also lacking information with regara to breed/type. merits and demerits of the cattle in the area.
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Based on the preliminary researcher observation, economically and socially important merits of cattle resources  are found to be disease (trypanosomiasis) tolerance and relative milk production abilities  The production and reproduction oerformances  are like any  of Zebu cattle but can be -rr.proved through technological interventions  like feed conservation techniques  The opportunities  for cattle production are more natural potentials  than man made High prevalence of diseaseparticularly  trypanosomiasis.feed scarcity  during the dry season, and lack  of veterinary  services  are the main constraints  for exploiting important intrinsic worth of the cattle resources (AsARC, 2012).
Based on the preliminary  analysis, cattle in Assosa and Kamashl Zones  and Mao-Komo special Districts are raised for draft power, milk oroduction, wealth status expressions, and reproduction purposes  as  income sources  However the mode of production is  loo traditional and very subsistent Most of the respondents keep oxen only for a short period of time to reduce the risks  affiliated by  sever occurrences  of diseases  in particular trypanosomiasis (AsARC, 2012).
Most of rhe cattie are relatively large In body size; their hump is big. long legged, long-tailed and curved-horned with varied coat colors  ranging from white, black, red, and to a combination of different colors where the white color is frequently seen (Figure A3 and A4
A  research  conducted  by  Alemayehu  Abebe  et  al  (2013)  to  identify  and  understand  the potentials   and   economic   merits   of   indigenous   livestock   species   in   Assosa   Zone   of Benshangul  Gumuz  Regional  State  indicates  that  livestock  production  in  Assosa  Zone  is based  on  traditional  farming  systems,  shifting  and  permanent  farming  systems,  which  are practiced among natives and settlers farming communities, respectively
The mean milk yield of cows was 1.6 liters and 1.4 liters per cow per day in shifting and permanent farming systems, respectively. The lower milk  yield indicates  the absence of improved dairy breeds (crossbreeds) in the area which mainly related to wide infestation of the areas by trypanosomiasis. Average age at first calving and mean calving interval in the study areas are 44 months and 24 months respectively
Table 4 10: Breeding and milk production performances of cattle in the SFS and PFS
Farm type
Factors
Milk yield pet cow per day
Shifting cultivation.
N=87 M (SE)
Permanent cultivation. N=26
(M±SE)
1.6 (0.09)
Lactation period ( months)
6.9 (0 27)
Age at first calving (years)
Service rate per conception
’[ Calving interval (years)
Source Alemayehu Abebe et al, (2013)
3.6 (0 12)
2 2 (0 08)
2 1 (0.25)
1 4 (0 13)
7 9 (0.50)
3.7 (0.07)
2.3 (0.09)
1.6 (0.06)
The primary purpose of keeping cattle in the study areas was as draft power followed by milk production. In both farming systems cow is the most preferred animal and followed by ox.
T e highest preference of cow among other cattie is possibly related Io its multiply uses 
n
which include milk draft power, manure and other social importance(Alemayehu Abebe et al. 2013).
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As survey result indicated cattle (re)pr eduction performance of the study areas was lower than other areas  of the country, which could be attributed to feed related problem and trypanosomiases. So, improving feed problems by introducing feed conservation techniques and scaling uo of improved forage technologies and controlling trypanosomiasis can be an entry point to improve cattle productivity. Improvement options in cattle production leads to enhancement of crop production as they are very integrated,
4,6.3.2 Sheep
There is  no detailed information on sheep breedrtypes and characteristics in the project area. Sheep and goats play an important role in improving the economy of small farmers for those who are unable to keep large animals such as cattle in Ethiopia The sheep is not a common animal to see everywhere as cattle and goats do Sheep are rarely reared and accounts  only  for 5.4 per cent of the total population of the command weredas  (Table 4 3).The proportion of sheep accounts for only 2 per cent and 0.4 per cent of the regional and zonal grazers and browsers population .indicating the lower preference of farmers, due mainly to disease problem, especially trypanosomosis. As the result, studies conducted over sheep population, distribution, breed/type does not exist.
46.3.3 Goats
Goat population has special value in the Benshangul-Gumuz Region particularly in the drier areas where forage is scare to feed other ruminants.Thesespecies have adapted to graze freely without supplementary feeding in shrub and bushy areas (BGRS Investment Office (2005}.
The livestock of 8GR lowland areas are indigenous, which are nondescript type and do not have distinct characteristics, however, in Guba Woreda, there are sheep and goats breeds called Felata* Farm Africa, a British NGO has made the first attempt at identifying the goat types of Ethiopia in 1996 According to this survey, the goat typesidentrfied and distributed in Benshangul Gumuz Region is categorized under two names, viz, Nubian goats and Western Lowland Goals, which are also known by the name Shukria Langae and Hassen as well as Shankela and Gumuz, respectively. The former is distributed in the and and semi-and agro climatic zones of north-western parts of the country (Wegera) on the border with Sudan and kept mainly for milk production in both urban and rural areas According to FARM-AFRICA (1995), the predominant coat colorof Nubian goats is black (72%) with occasional white and red patches on a black background. Moreover, some physicalcharacteristics include- polled goats were not observed, males are hairy and have hair on the thighs (12%) and beards are present on all goats while wattles were not recorded. Single births are common (97 1%) followed by twin births (2 7%) and triplets are rare. The average number of Kids born per breeding female is 2.1. The average body weight of male and female goats of Nubian origin accounts for 30 kg and 34 kg, respectively.
The Western Lowland Goatslypes are distributed in western lowlands bordering Sudan in Metekel, Assosa and Gambella areas 'where Wet Kolla (sub humid Savannah) agro climatic zones  and agro pastoral farming system predominate The Western Lowland goat is relatively short (male 67 cm and female 63 cm at withers), with a straight facial profile Tne main ccat colors are white and fawn with some black and gray occurring mainly in patches Most male goats have straight horns (85%) oriented backwards (77%) The study further
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indicates that there are 12 % polled male in the population. A ruff is present in 96% of all mates and beard and wattles in 70% and 12 %, respedively(Figure A6 and 7) They are remarkably  prolific with 56% single births, 41% twin births and 3% triplets The average number of kids per breeding female is 3.5 (FARM-Africa, 1996). Males and females weigh on the average 35.5 kg and 33.9 kg. respectively
On the other hand. Getinet Ameha., et al (2005), characterized goat types of Benshangul Gumuz Region using multivariate analytical techniques and farmer's identification criteria According to this study that considered the whole 20 woredas within 3 zones and 2 special wo-edas morphologically, five different goat types, namely Felata, Arab. Gumuz, Oromo and Agew were identified in the region. The dominant goat types found in semi-arid part were Felata, Arab and Gumuz goats. Agew and Oromo goal types were found in sub humid parts of the region. The reported trypanotolerant attribute of Felata, Arab and Gumuz goal types might be the reason for their abundance in the region According to this study.Felala goats are mainly  used for milk  production while Agew and Oromo goals  are used for meat production.The Arab and Gumuz goat types are considered as a dual-purpose type The aggregate average body weights of Arab, Felaia, Oromo, Gumuz and Agew goats are 37.9 kg, 27 8 kg, 41 5 kg 37 8 kg and 42,3 kg, respectively
Thesefive types could be grouped into two major families on the basis of lheirphenotypic similarity level identified earlier (FARM-Africa, 1996): Nubian family and Small East African family,The former to which the Felata goat type belongsis  characterized by  its  typical Roman-nosed facial profile and lobbed ear form and it is known for Its good milking ability. It is distributed in the and and semi-arid regions were pastoral farming system predominates The later (Small East African family) includes  the other four goat lypes  of the region Arab.Oromo, Gumuz and Agew goal types, with mainly concave and straightfaciai profile This family incorporates a large heterogeneous population of goalsin the region (Getinet Ameha, el al, 2005).
However, in this study the Arab, Oromo andGumuz goat types were clustered togetherbased on the similarity among these three goat types, which could also Despeculated from the functional and adaptations similarity inlowlands Thisgroupmg was relatively simitar to the grouping made by Nigatu (1994 in Getinet Ameha. et al. 2005) who described goats with such character as coastal goats under Small EastAfncan Family
The geographical iocation (sub-humid zones  of Benshangul-Gumuz  region) and the production system it dominates (sedentary agriculturists) isolate Agew goat from other goat lypes It is dominanl in the sub-humid part of Metekel zones where sedentary agriculturist dominates. Nigatu (1994 in Getinet Ameha et a( 2005) characterized tne same goat type with the same phenotypic feature and geographical area as Northwestern highland goat.
The dominant production system for each goat type in the region is different and Oromo goals were raised in sedentary agriculturalist areas of the sub-humidzones of the region; Gumuz goats were confined around the agra-pastoralarea of dry to sub-humid zones and the Arabs dominated in sedentary to agro-pa st ora I areas.Melekel and part of Kamashl zones are home for Gumuz goats while Arab and Oromo goats predominates lhe area around Assosa and part of Kamashi zones (Getinet Amena. et a! 2005)
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The name of each goat was given after the dominant tnbe that generallyowns the particular goal type The indigenous  goats  were usually  namedafter specific  ethnic  groups  or geographic location In addition to this theciassituation of the mator types was largely based on morphological prphysical characteristics (Mohammed et al, 1999, in Getinet Ameha et al,
Map 4 4 Benshangul Gumuz National regional stale, sample sites and distribution of goal types in the region (Getinet Ameha, et al, 2005)
Similar to that of cattle and sheep, systematic breeding is not practiced to produce superior off-spnngs to be parents that would have better performance in aspects of production and reproductive traits Goats in the project area are managed in flocks usually kept by either boys or girls (Figure A6 and A 7) They graze mixed with sheep or alone in natural grazing areas within and around the kebeles During the night, they are kept in corrals with sheep constructed of wood, stone and thorny bush branches so that they could be protected from predators and night escapes
Goats in the region are kept for income source, home consumption, manure supply, religious values, and Irve animal saving methods. And their specific mode of use includes: meat, sale, breeding, and rarely for milk production (AsARC, 2013)
Constraints of the goat production system were related to health, breeds inferiority, shortage of grazmg/browsing land, lack of veterinary services, and shortage of labor, supplementary feeds and abortion.
4.6.3.4 Donkeys
Information regarding equines with respect to feeding, diseases and breeding aspects is meager regardless of the fact that these animals play a key role in the agricultural economy pf the country where poor infrastructure and very ragged topography in many parts of rural Ethiopia have made transportation by vehicle inaccessible.
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Today, donkeys  continue to serve their destiny  in the epoch of motorized vehicles  and advanced transport systems in the poorer regions of the world, particularly in Africa where transport infrastructure is  underdeveloped Though they  are key  draft, transport and pack animal sources  for the majority  of the poor, donkeys  in Ethiopia are highly  neglected, stigmatized and have passed unnoticed as  trivial animals  in the Ethiopian historical chronicles (Ketene Ejeta., el al (2011).
Kefena E., el al (2011). re-evaluated some of the donkey  populations  previously  identified and explored new ones  from which they  confirmed the existence of six  distinct donkey populations  and rejected one donkey  population that was  misidentified previously, namely the Jimma donkey copulation previously reported as it failed to qualify the set criteria. Inthis study the donkey populations of the country has been grouped into four distinct clusters: 1) the dwarf and hairy  Abyssinian donkey  population that inhabit highland ecology  on both sides  of the great Rift Valley  except the Hararghe highland; 2} The tallest, elegant and unique coat colored Sinnar donkey  population lhal inhabit the western lowlands  along the Ethio-Sudanese border, 3) light grey  coat colored, shinny  skinned and rose headed Omo donkey  population that inhabit the southern arid and semi-arid lowlands  and; 4) Ogaden, Afar and Hararghe donkeys  that inhabit lhe north-easter, eastern arid and semi-arid lowlands and Hararghe highlands, respectively
Based on this study, the donkey population of the project area (Assosa) belongs to Sinnar breed, which are tall with variable coat colors such as white leopard, black and brown White and leopard coat colors  are common, which have ndge on their ribs  Sinar is  lhe most peculiar donkey  population wrth unique morphological characteristics  in Ethiopia They  are heavily working animals in the western lowlands and rare or absent beyond The population is sparsely distributed in the northwestern lowlands along the Ethio-Sudanese boarder from Humera in north-west to Assosa in the west
The overall body size evaluation that took into account body heights (height at wither, height at back and height at rump) and body length showed that Abyssinian jack population was the shortest while Sinnar jack  population was  the tallest However, though Sinnar donkey  was significantly the tallest of all donkey populations, they are thinner and lean when compared, particularly  with Afar, Ogaden and Omo donkey  populations  This  showed that donkey populations sampled from arid and semi-arid lowlands are fatter and blocky (Kefena. E., et al 2011).
Donkeys  and mules  kept under extensive husbandry  which allows  free grazing, usually mixed with other livestock species in the project area Horses are non existence in the study area
WUh regard to the purpose of keeping, donkeys are the main type of pack animals in the area used to transport people, water, house hold materials, crops, and firewood from one place to another. Mules are used mainly to transport peoples from one place to another In addition to its use as working animals. Sinnar is an excellent desert-adapted animals used for riding Sinnar jacks (Shokile/allele in Oromifa language) are the primary choice for mule breeders. They rarely found beyond the western lowlands and if any, they are exclusively usedto produce a mule that command premium price in Ethiopia Based on these unique and peculiar phenotypic characteristics Kefena. E . et al (2011) speculate that its ancestral
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trunk might be different fromtherest of donkey population, but needs to be verified further bygenelic studies
According to farmer’s  perception, trypanosomosis  is  claimed to be the leading health constraint of cattle and donkeys Biting fly (Boje- Berta). Rheumatism (Rih Amharic), foot rot. internal parasites eye disease and wound sometimes seen on the back are also the major constraints of donkeys in the project area.
4.6.3.5 Chicken
The term poultry includes chickens and miniature counterparts, the bantams (kapokkies in Afrikaans), as well as ducks geese and turkeys These domestic fowl are an important part of the world's commerce and industry and form a considerable portion of the diet for many of the world's people. Chicken are most popular, widely raised and consumed birds in Ethiopia in general and project area in particular. The major purpose of chicken production in the country is for food as meat and egg.
Village chicken production fits quite well with the conditions of rural households due small feed cost, space requirement and low price of the animals In addition, the local chicken sector constitutes a significant contribution to human livelihood by being affordable sources of animal protein and contributes significantly to food security of poor households. The feeding and housing management is  ver/ traditional, as  chickens  are extensively  free ranging around the backyards
Despite its  importance, village chicken production system in Ethiopia is  generally characterized by poor performance of local chicken in terms of egg production, small egg size, slow growth rate, late maturity, an instinctive inclination to broodmess  and high mortality of chicks (Teketel Forsido, 1986; Aberra Melesse, 2000). On the other hand, local chickens are known for their ability to resist disease, thermo-tolerance, good egg and meat flavor, hard eggshells, high fertility and hatchability (Aberra Melesse, 2000)
Poultry rearing has a special value in each family house in the project area and almost all farmers raise local poultry as back yard practice The regional information indicates that there are two types of indigenous poultry which are molted and non-moiled type. The molted chicken is locally named as Sudan or Chaka or Aikorel. This type of chicken is known by laying more eggs with shorter brooding season and producing tasty meat Molted chicken has more diseases resistance ability than non moiled one(BGRS Investment Office, 2005).
Most of indigenous  chickens  are. thus, non-descript, unimproved and are usually characterized by small body size, late matunty, low yield in egg number and egg weight, small clutch sizes, long laying pauses  and an instinctive inclination to broodiness. Nevertheless, associated with low productivity are special desirable characteristics of local chickens such as their low input requirements adaptability to the harsh conditions and ability to produce special product qualities (pigmentation taste, etc.) that are highly valued by the local producers and consumers.
The average annual egg production from the native hen is between 40 and 60 and the weight of one egg is about 39-46 g compared with improved layers that have average weight
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of 58 g per egg The low egg production is  related to broody  characteristics  of indigenous hen Similarly, there is marked difference in meat production of the two breeds. Thus, local male bird reaches a weight of 1 52 kg in about one year white commercial broiler reaches market weight of about 1 6-1.8 kg within 46-52 days. Information from experts indicates that the local breed could reach the same weight within 6 months  of age(BGRS Investment Office, 2005}
Among the local chicken strains found in the project area, the Angete-Melata (means Naked neck) strain, which are locally known as Plapla’ or Arigreeg (Arutani) is well known for better performance compared to other strains  (Figure A10). They  are short legged and with featherless  neck  It is  believed that these types  of birds  were originally  brought from the highland (PADS, 2004). Teketel (1986) and G/Yohannes  (1997) reported that the Angete- Melata strain had significantly  larger body  weights, higher egg production associated with heavier egg weights and higher egg mass outputs, which were all significantly different from other local chicken strains  The reduction in feathering intensity  through the naked neck gene may enhance the insensible heat loss through exposed body surface.
Keepingchicken for meat and egg production using high yielding breeds(Rhode Island Red, Bovans  Brown andPotchefstroom Koekoek) through extension programdo existent but not widespread (Figure A11. A13 and A14) The common exotic bird is Rhode Island Red which is  known for better production of eggs, meat and also used to upgrade the Indigenous chickens through cross-breeding.
The genetic  value of local chickens  may  be exploited through crossbreeding with exotic chickens  to improve productive adaptability  and product qualities  Because of the genetic distance between indigenous  and exotic  chickens, a higher degree of heterosis  in some productive performance traits  and adaptation to environmental stress  would be expected. This approach would further help to combine the adaptability of the indigenous chicken with the productivity  of the exotic  improved stockwith additional advantage of the heterosis effects, which are expected to be higher under unfavorable environmental conditions (Cunningham, 1982).
Crossing indigenous  chicken with exotic  egg type chickens  had significant effects  on egg numbers, egg weight, and total egg mass In a crossbreeding study carried out. at Debre- Zeit Agricultural Research Centre. Ethiopia (Alemu. 1995) indicates  that the annual egg production of F1 crosses was 146 eggs per hen. which is far better than eggs produced by local hens On the other hand Aberra Melesse, et al (2005). conducted a study on Naked neck (Na) and F1 crosses of New Hampshire (NH) and (Na), Lohmann White crosses (LW) and (Na) to assess the effect of long-term heat stress on performance traits and found out that the performance of local Naked neck  strain is  significantly  improved as  a result of crossing with pure layer breeds Accordingly, egg weight of angete melata was 44 7±4.98 while its cross with Lohmann White and New Hampshire breeds is 54 9+5 04 and 53 5±4 92 gram at normal temperature (18-20Qc). respectively  The laying rate (Hen-day  and Hen- housed production (%) at normal temperature indicates that 39.2, 67.2 and 67 6 for hen day and 39.2. 66.8 and 67.6 for hen housed, respectively. On the other hand, local Naked neck hens consumed over 30% more feed than Fl crosses (5 0, 2.80, 2.88 kg feed per kg egg mass, respectively) and proved to be very poor feed converters (Aberra, 2005)
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Potchefstroom Koekoekis  another exotic  breed being multiplied in the region The breed known by the nickname Potch Koekoek, is a South African breed of chicken developed in the 1960s  al the Potchefstroom Agricultural College in the city  of Potchefstroom. It was developed by cross breeding a number of other breeds like Black Australorp, White Leghorn, and Barred Plymouth Rock to obtain specific characteristics of each, making the resulting breed more suitable to Southern African conditions The breed was intended as an excellent dual purpose, free ranging chicken with excellent laying capabilities as well as a very large structure for meat production. Pure Koekoeks  have an exclusive black-and-white barred appearance (Figure A12), with the chicks sexable soon after hatching due to unique gender markings  Potchefstroom koekoeks  are also known for maintaining good egg production, even with poor quality  or insufficient feeding The average male and female weight of Koekoek birds at the age of 20 weeks is 2 4 kg and 1.7 kg. respectively An average egg production and egg weight (gm) accounts for 198+-8.8 and 55.7, respectively. They reach sexual malunty al an age of 130 days and are also known by their yellow skin color, brown egg and red comb(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polchefstroom_Kockock)
Diseases, mainly Newcastle, and predation were the major constraints in all areas surveyed Other constraints included the lack of technical information, capital and credit services to expand production through improved feeding, and housing. Both incidence of chicken disease and predator attack were found to be higher in the wet season (May to November) than in the dry season (October to April).
4.6,3.6 Beekeeping
Apart from livestock rising, some of the Berta and settler community members practice traditional beekeeping. However, information obtained from agricultural offices, key informants and direct communication with farmers in Dabus Atimbaqo, Mugufude and Eda Dabus kebeles indicate that farmers in the area are not acquainted with beekeeping.
According to CSA (2012), the Benishangul-Gumuz Region had 230,241 bee hives while the regional report based on 2012 wereda level livestock enumeration accounts for 266,118.
On the olherhand, the gap analysis  conducted by  companng honey  productivity  using traditional and modern technology including the aggregate of the two practices indicates that honey productivity under traditional technology in Bemshangul-Gumuz Region was found to be lower compared to its neighbor (Amhara Region), the National Average and the Best Performing Region (Gambella) by about 51.6%, 31 6% and 82.3%, respectively, during the year 2008/09 Similarly, productivity of honey using modern beehives in the Region was lesser by 53.9%, 58 4% and 76,1% as compared to its neighbor (Amhara Region), the National Average and the Best Performing Region (Tigray  Region), respectively. The average honey production per hive per annum for Bemshangul-Gumuz Region. Neighboring Region (Amhara), Best Performing Regions (Gambella) & the National Average accounts for 5.0, 10 4, 7 4 and 28.5 kg from traditional beehive while the yield from modern beehive accounts for 8.B. 19.2. 21.3 and 26.9, respectively (MoFA. 2010).
There is no single beekeeping technician in the region indicating how neglected the sub sector is According to Agricultural Inputs and Products Marketing Department the regain has a plan to fill the gap by training livestock development experts at Holeta Bee Research Center
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Dabus Irrigation Study and Design Project _________________ Livestock Development Study Final Report Table 4.11: Number of bee hives in the region
Bee hive
Total hive           With colony
Without colony
% colony
92.370
66.00
a Modern
271,692 4 175
1.399 2^6,118
179.322 1 788
586 176,948
2,307
42.83
A Transitional
1 A Traditional
813
89,170
41 89
66-49
Source' Agricultural Inputs and Products Marketing Department. 2012
Honey  collection is  practiced by  the natives  from forests  and cracked rocks  in a very primitive way. Consequently there is a need to introduce improved bee hives in the high lands of the region and also raise awareness of natives In the lowland to reduce the damage of the natural resource base in the region.
The region has a Rural Technology Promotion Center with modest human power and good workshop facilities. Currently the center is producing modern bee hives, some models of pumps, ploughs, tie ndgers, shelters  and stoves  The center has  not yet gone into full- fledged production, except beehives, which are even short of meeting the demand of the region, because of shortage of timber. The region's vast bamboo resource could somehow augment the wood requirement for the construction of beehives
AsARC (2013) identified the honey bee pests, predators and diseases and their economic importance. Apiculture is  a very  common practice in Assosa. Bambasi and Mao Komo weredasand a good means for income generation Honey production from one beehive is estimated 8-10 kg. But in recent years, this  activity  is  hampered due to extensive deforestation in the area. Diseases of flowers are becoming very common incidence, so that none of the farmers is practicing bee culture in the locality (AsARC, 2013)
Ants, Wax moth, Small hive beetle and Spider were relatively frequently found to occur in three of the study weredas (Assosa, Bambasi. and Mao komo). Whereas, Cockroach, Birds, Death head hawks moth, Bee lice, and premantides were found to occur very rarely in the study areas As far as bee diseases are concerned. Nosema and Chalk brood in Bambasi Wereda, and Nosema and Amoeba in Mao-komo Wereda were very  rarely  occurred Households were limited to rank the disease economical importance due lack of awareness (AsARC, 2013).
4.7   Fishery
4.7.1 Fishery Resource Potential of the Region
Fish resources are dependent on water resources The region has abundant surface water resource primanly rivers and streams Except for the smaller tributaries, all the main rivers onginate from the highlands of neighboring regions, mainly Oromiya and Amhara. Maximum flooding of rivers occurs in July to September as a result of high run off formation from the catchments. Lowest flow occurs from December to March where many seasonal streams get dry (ESAP, 007) The main rwers of the region are indicated on Table 4 12
Tne rivers are rich in fish diversity and commercially important 'ish species like tilapia catfish and Nile perch inhabit in the water bodies of the regions The min rivers in Assosa Zone
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where active fishing occurs include Ortdel and Oreya in Menege Wereda (tilapia): Dabus River in Bambasi Wereda. Daka (Daja). Bimbo. Kimbu, Sutiba pond in Tonga Wereda Al Dabus sub basin, the mam river channel is River Dabus, which is one of the largest rivers crossing the region. There are a number of tributaries that can be exploited for fishery, River Dabus has a wide segment of flooded areas particularly near river mouths of Sonka, Washo, and Koshm rivers  The Fundure River spreads  out around Selama Gebeya creating a suitable environment for fishing to the people m the adjacent villages (ESAP, 2007)
4.7.2 Fish Species Diversity
The knowledge of fish species and their distribution is very important for the management of fishery in the region. The survey covered all three administrative zones (Melkel. Assosa and Kamashi) of the region, indicates that there are 106 fish species in White Nile and 64 in Blue Nile drainage system of the country (Golubtsov and h/lina, 2003 in ESAP, 2007). Almost all rivers of Ihe region are connected to the Abay River. Therefore, a large number of species appears in the rivers of the region.
According to the results of the joint Ethio-Russian biological expedition team's taxonomical survey (JERBE report 1992, 1996 and 2000 in ESAP, 2007) twenty-six, eight and seven fish species  were identified fromAbbay, Dedessa and Dabus  Rivers, respectively. The differences in numbers of species inhabiting various river systems are largely attributable to the size of the river as represented by its basin area. The main fish catches are Barbus and Clarlus species (ESAP. 2007).
4.7.3 Fish Production, Preservation and Consumption
Fishing is practiced mostly by natives of the region for self consumption and local markets. The landing sites are mostly isolated due to absence of roads. The fisheries of the region are unlike the rest of the country mainly subsistence based on the main rivers and flood plain. Fishing activity is generally traditional, and is based on local made materials. In all of the fishing areas fishermen are not able to increase their catch because of scarcity of modern fishing gears and poor road access to the potential markets (ESAP. 2007) Moreover. Ihe high temperature in the region makes it difficult to handle fresh fish for a longer period of time after catch.
Due to the lack of catch data il is difficult to know the catch composition in the catch. However, according to the list of different field reports 53 fish species are so far identified in the water bodies of the region at different time. The most common species are not more than 25 (ESAP, 2007).
A substantial portion of the fishery catch is sold in fresh and dried form. Fresh fish is retailed at village and landing sites directly to consumers (mainly farmers}. Marketing of fish in gulled
□r  prepared  form  is  very  rare.  Sun  dried  fish  prepared  in  most  rudimentary  fashion, traditionally and at low input cost.
According to the key informant from Eda Dabus Kebete, only a few species dominate in the catch around the year and their local name, size and weight are indicated in Table 4 13
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Landing is every week and sold at the market of Atimbaqo for Birr 50 per 4 kg fish (medium size) and consumed in the form of Rost fish, sauce (Key Wot, Amharic) and Dried form.
The fish handling system in the region is  traditional and unhygienic. After the catch (frommost of the water bodies) the fishermen have to walk by average for 2- 5 hours to the nearest traditional market, carrying fish in sacks on the back of donkeys, in order to bring their catch to the traditional market, as there is no road access to the river side. Considering in to account the time needed unfit the fish is ready for cook in the hands of the consumer, the fish stays for a longer time without any means of preservation in the hot climate of the region. At this condition post harvest losses of fish occur during the numerous steps from catch to market.
Table 4.12:Main Rivers of the region
S/N
Name of Rivers
Location zone/Woreda
Type
1
Abay
in the region
Perennial
2
Dabus river
Asossa
Perennial
3
Didesa river
Kamas hi
Perennial
4
Gilgel belesrrive
Metekel
Perennial
5
Beles river
Metekei
Perennial
6
Sonka river
Assosa/Bambese
Perennial
7
Bull Negero R.
Assosa
Perennial
a
Lypapo river
Metekel
Perennial
9
Selga river
Assosa
Perennial
10
Suare-Debsa
Metekel bullen
Perennial
11
Hoba river
Assosa
Perennial
12
Hardy river
Metekel
Perennial
13
Budisky river
Metekel
Perennial
Barber river
Metekel
Perennial
15
Dura river
, Metekel
Perennial
16
Baro river
Border of Benshangul & Gambell R
Perennial
17
Gambela
Asosa
Non-perennial
18
Burzy
Asosa
Non-perennial
19
Ashin a
Asosa
Non-perennial
20
Kuna
Asosa
Non-perenntal
21
Da;e
Asosa
Non-perennial
22
Ondil
Asosa
Non-perennial
23
Stianga
Asosa
Non-perennial
24
Keshimando
Asosa
Non-perennial
25
Kurbe
Asosa
Non-perennial
26
Atsejunl
Asosa
Non-peiennial
27
Sonka
Asosa
Non-perennial
20
Harergana
Kamashi
Non-perenniat
29
Worabu
Metekel
Non-perennial
30)
Chandi(upper)
Metekel
Non-perennial
31
pGehse
Metekel
Non-perennial
32
Kila
Metekel
Non-perennial
Source (ESAP. 2007)
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Da bus Irrigation Study and Design Project________ Table A 13: Fish species in the Didesa Sub basin
Volume IV - Part Hi Lives lock Dey elopm e nt Siu dy F i nal Report
Scientific name
Author
Year
Poihmyrus isidori
Valenciennes
1646
Alestes macro lepidotus
Valenciennes
1349
Barbus intermedius
Ruppel
1837
Raiamas ipali
Bouienger
1901
Labeo forskalli
Ruppel
1835
L cylindricus
Peters
1652
Varicorhinus beso
Ruppel
1839
Garra quadrimaculata
Ruppel
1836
G. cf.dembeensis
Ruppel
1836
Neomacheilus abyssinicus
Boulervjer
1902
Bagrus docmak
Forasskal
1775
| C^eochramis nilotrcus
Unne
1758
Source- ESAP, 2007
Table 4.14 Dominant catch species in Eda Dabus Kebele
Name
Weight (kg
S/N
Characteristics
Arutani
Commen
Name
Large
Medium
Smail
1
Nech Assa
Yeguz
Barbus
>10
4
1
2
Tiqur Assa
Aqarollo
Cat fish
>10
>4
>1
3
Key Assa
Agolantu
-
-
-
4
Mulish
-
-
-
5
White body with black strips
Ashebel Benet
-
Sun drying is  common in all parts  of the region. Preparation of fish for drying is  slightly different from place to place. Fish is  filleted, cut into large strips  and hung up to dry  on sitings for three or four days Due to high atmospheric humidity in the region, the dried fish become moist and exposed for insect infestation. The major constraints  of dried fish are easily  mfesled by  insects  and produce bad smell due to lhe oxidation of fats  that is  not appeal to consumers.
According to ESAP (2007), the so-called Nigerians  or Felatas  settled along Dabus  River about four years ago (It is believed they came from Nigeria), have highly skilled on fishing and fish handling techniques. The supply of fresh fish Io lhe Bambasl town is increased after they  settled in Bambasi woreda This group also used salt for fish preservation They  mix sail and whole fish in the polypropylene sack and stir it to make fair distribution of salt on fish.
4.7.4 Fishing Gear
According to ESAP (2007), the fishermen use traditional fishing methods  and gears  and some of these are: 1) Scoop net or Reed sieves known by the local name "Yehs', usedin lhe shallow riverbanks to catch small size fish Due to its easy handling the gear often used by women and children, 2) Cast nets the net is made entirely by hand from plant fibers by twisting and rarely rrom twines that extracted from car lire and its use is limited to shallow waters. 3) Spears it is used to spear the fish after the fishermen have spotted it, 4) Hook this is a simplest farm of fishing which requires only a line and a oaited hook Hook and line fishing is inexpensive but easy. 5) stupefacient or poison plants lhe fishermen use naturally
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occurring poison plants lo catch fish deadly or unconscious It is one of Iraditional method widely used for fishing The poison 15 prepared from crushed bark locally known 33 ‘Genor", 6) Traps  or "Gambudi" it is  made of bamboo and it has  a shape like hives  (basket type) They  use different sizes  of traps  Farmers  used a bunch ar duster of sorghum for attraction fishbi.it mos( of them use nombaited
4.7.5 Constraints and Opportunities
It appears that the potential for the development of riverine fishery is vast Furthermore, the fishery  sector's  contribution to the local economy  seems  to be enormous  However, these potentials  are now under estimated. The necessary  attention has  not been given to this sector by  concerned and relevant institutions  The neglect starts  right from the Bureau of Agriculture. There is no assigned fishery officer in the structure of the regional bureau There is  obvious  shortage of trained manpower and budget to make the essential activities Opportunities identified include
•    The settlement of the community, mainly the Gumuz that follows along the course of
the rivers.
•    The Gumuz people in the region have strong tradition of fishing and use fish in their daily diets.
•    The availability of targe water bodies and untapped fish stocks, which are of
commercial importance,
•    Existing and growing demand for fish and fish products
•    The comparative advantage of fish as cheap and nutntious food.
•    Alternative sources of household cash income for fishery operators.
•    Alternative source of food during food deficit seasons for rural people.
•    Favorable economic environment for small scale private industries
Despite the above mentioned opportunities for sectoral development in the region, multiple constraints  are hampering the fishery  development and are indicated below Major constraints are identified as follows
•    Lack of research outputs (and limited expertise) and extension support 10 river fishery in general
•    Low tevel of fishing technology and organization
•    Lack of onshore infrastructure such as landing facilities and access road
•    Under development of the fish marketing system
•    General lack of information on the, socio economic and fish stock
•    Insufficient knowledge of the techniques of fish handling and preparation for sale or consumption.
•    During rainy season the river level becomes high and fishing is very difficult
4.8     Livestock Diseases and Veterinary Service
4.8.1 Livestock Diseases
The  livelihood  of  nearly  95%  of  the  population  is  subsistence  farming  m  the  region  The enhancement of even this subsistence farming is precluded by the smalt number of
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livestock, which is commonly attacked by enzootic diseases, and frequently by paroxysms of epizootic  episodes. According to the Office International des  Epizooties  (OIE). notifiable diseases are classified into A, B and C lists. Out of (he 15 diseases in list TV, seven are endemic  to Ethiopia. These are Contagious  Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP). Lumpy  Skin Disease (LSD), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), New Castle Disease (NCD), Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), Sheep and Goal Pox and African Horse Sickness (AHS). From list 'B , some 20 out of the 72 are endemic to Ethiopia and more than 10 from list *C are found in the country.
Trypoanosomosis  pasteurellosis  Contagious  Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and internal and external parasites  are themajor livestock  diseases  in the region. As  evidenced by regional, zonal, wereda and kebele secondary  data as  well as  data collected directly  from households  residing in the impact area, trypanosomosis  is  the main killer disease (hat left farmers  without oxen and cow to plough crop land, and feed children with milk  and milk products  The disease restricts  the keeping of domestic  animals, especially  cattle, shoats and equine and limit the development of mixed farming by  affecting the composition and uses of livestock and direct economic toss from the treatment expense and need more close emphasis and propose appropriate mitigation measures.
Trypanosomosis is one of the major impediments to livestock development and agricultural production in Ethiopia in general and in the project area in particular Ethiopia is situated at the East end of the African tsetse belt. In Ethiopia, tsetse flies are confined to southwestern and northwestern regions between longitude 33’and 38*E and latitude 5’and 12 N and area
U
covers  220,000  km .
2    Five species of  Glossina  including G  m.  submorsitans,  G.
pallidipes,
G, tachinoides, G.f fuscipes  and G. longipennis  have been recorded in Ethiopia In Asosa Zone, the cyclical vector, G. morsitans sub mors itans and the mechanical vectors, horse flies (Tabanus) and stable flies (Stomoxys) were recorded (Abebe Fromsa. el al.. 2011)
Similarly, theresearch conducted by  AsARC (2012) under the title "communitybased trypanasorruasis and tsetse fly control trial in Assosa and Bambasi weredas indicates that trypanosomosis  to be the major hindering factor of agricultural production of the area, by limiting the power of draft animals, especially oxen This is by disturbing the normal energy balance of the animals  & finally  causing serious  mortality  of huge number of animals Consequently, many farmers became ox less & forced to use cows & heifers for tilling & leading farmers to become lame even to secure their food
Table 4.15: Summary of names of major livestock diseases by animal types
Name of Major Livestock Diseases In their Order of Importance
Livestock
Type
Firs 1
Second
Third
Regional Survey
Zoal Survey
Regional Survey              Regional Survey
1 Came
Trypanosomiasis
Trypanosomiasis         Pastrollosis                         Anthrax
2. Goals
3. Sheeo
PPR
PPR
Sheep i goal pox        Internal Parasite
PPR
PPR
Sheep & goat pox               Internal Parasite
4. Equines
T rypanosomiasis
Trypanosomiasis
Internal Parasite                 External Parasite
| 5 Poultry               NCD
NCD
Source: Regional and wereda survey (November, 2013)
Fowl Cholera Cocci di os is 
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4,8.1.1 Bovine Trypanosomosis
Volume IV-Part ill Livestock De/elopmonl Study Final Report
According to NTTICC < 1996)lsetse infested area of theBenishagul Gumuz Regional Stale is around 31,000 km Previously calculated figures showed that about 38 5% of the national herd of cattle is  vulnerable to trypanosomiasis  al any  time The most -mportan! trypanosomes  affecting cattle inEthiopia and Bemshangul Gumuz  Regional State are Trypanosoma congolense, T. vivax and T. brucei.
The presence of animal trypanosomosis is a major constraint to the introduction of highly productive exotic dairy animals and draught oxen to lowland settlement ard resettlement areas for the utilization of large land resources. This is due Io the chronic nature of the disease (hat result in anaemia and depletion of body condition and/or the predisposition of trypanosome infected cattle to other concurrent infections  that further aggravate the emaciation Since more than 90 per cent of crop production in Ethiopia is dependent on animal draught power mainly on ploughing oxen, many large fields lie tallow due to a tack of these animals in trypanosomosis infested area, which worsens the food supply and living conditions  in affected areas. Moreover new areas  are being invaded and settled communities are being continually evicted by the advancing tsetse fAbebe Fromsa, et al., 2011)
Abebe Fromsa, et al. (2011), conducted a study to determine the prevalence and identify the different species of cattle trypanosomes prevailing in Asosa district and found out that the most common trypanosome species identified were T. congolense (66.7%) followed by mixed T  vivax  and T. congolense (19.4%), T  vivax  (9 3%) and T  brucei (4.6%) The prevalence was higher in older and poor body conditioned animals butdidn't vary between sexes and peasant associations. This study was conducted in the major tsetse and tsetse born trypanosomosis  bell area and recorded overall prevalence of 28 1% bovine trypanosomosis and concords with the reported prevalence of 24.7% from the neighboring Mao*Komo special district due to the similarity in the ecosystems.
4.8.1.2 Equine Trypanosomosis
Abebe Rahmelo and Wolde A (2010) conducted a preliminary  survey  on four peasant associations  (PAs) selected from Asosa and Homosha distncts  in Senishangu! Gumuz Regional Stale to estimate the prevalence of trypanosome infection in equine species (donkey and mule), identify the trypanosomes species encountered and investigate flies playing a role in the transmission of trypanosomosis The results of this study indicates that the overall prevalence of trypanosome infection in donkeys was 6 3% (n = 21) and none of the mules  examined were positive far trypanosome Infection. This  study  also reported significantly higher prevalence of trypanosomosis indonkeys with poor body condition than with good body condition animals.
Trypanosoma congolense (52 4%) was  the most common trypanosome species encountered during the study  period followed by  Trypanosoma brucei (28 6%) and Trypanosoma vivax (19.05%). As with cattle, all the donkeys infected were above two years of age This may be most likely a result of the tsetse's feeding preference for older animats or may be due to restricted grazing of young animals near homestead where there are less number of tsetse flies The fly survey result revealed the existence of Glossina (tselse fly)
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and  other  biting  flies  belonging  to  the  family  Stomoxys.  Tabanus,  and  Haematopota Glossina morsitans sub morsitans was the only cyclical vector detected in the study area
All the mules examined in this study were found to be negative for trypanosome infection Other than small sample size, this might be attributed to less contact of mules with the tsetse vectors as they are usually kept around villages unless needed for transportation Unlike mules, donkeys are the major type of oack animals and often travel long distances crossing a high tsetse challenge areas dunng the day time when fly activity is high and consequently, are more exposed to tsetse flies than mulesfAbebe Rahmeto and Wolde A . 2010)
4,8.1.3 Trypanosomosis in Small Ruminants
In mixed farming system in the study area where different species of animals are kept togelher in communal grazing land, tsetse and biting flies would preferably attack cattle, leaving most of the small ruminants uninfected Another factor contributing this, include the low feeding success of tsetse on sheep and goat This might be related to their smaller body size and anti-feedmg behavior such as leg kicking and skin ripping (Belachew Bacha, et al.. 2013)
On lhe other hand, goats as compared to sheep have been reported to be resistance to trypanosomosis and lhe prevalence of trypanosomosis is low in goat than in sheep This was usually related to tsetse feeding behavior of goat and docile nature and wool cover of sheep The low prevalence rate might be because of tsetse and biting flies prefer cattle than other domestic animals However several studies reported on the prevalence of trypanosomosis in goats (Belachew Bacha. et al.. 2013).
According to Belachew Bacha, et al (2013). of the total 410 small ruminant examined during the study period 28 (6.8%) animals were infected with trypanosomosis of which 15 (3.6%) were sheep and 13 (3.17%) were goats. The species  identified in the infection were Trypanosoma congolense 12 (42.8%) Trypaanosoma vivax 7 (25%). Trypanosoma brucie 3 (10.7 %). mixed infections were also identified. The prevalence of Trypanosoma species in each small ruminant is Trypanosoma congolense 6 (40%), 6 (46 1%). Trypaanosoma vivax 4 (26 6%), 3 (23%), Trypanosoma brucie 2 (13.3 %), 1 (7.7%), mixed infection of Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma vivax 2 (13.3%), 2 (15.3%) and mixed infection of Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma brucie 1 (6 6%), 1 (7.7%) in sheep and goat respectively
From the total of 276 (67.3%) small ruminants which were greater than 6 month old 23 (5.6%) of them were positive for trypanosomosis. On the contrary out of 134 (32 7%) which were less than 6 month only 5 (1 2%) of them were found to be infected Since adult animals of lhe study area were generally kept in the field for long period of time which might predispose them to fly bite than the young animals. Higher prevalence was reported in sheep (7.1%) than m goat (6.5%) The finding is higher than other reports elsewhere in lhe country  but agrees  that sheep are more susceptible to trypanosomosis  than goats (Belachew Bacha. et al (2013),
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4.8.1.4 Diseases of Secondary Importance
Trypanosomiasis  infestation, internal and external parasites  ar.d contagious  diseases  are among (he major animal health problems  in the region The most prevalent diseases  of livestock  are Trypanosomiasis, anthrax, pneumonia, pasterolosis  and blackleg. Internal parasites  such as  nematodes  in large and small ruminants, and equines  are prevalent External parasites, such as ticks, miles and lice are common problems on small and large ruminants  in all the zones  New castle disease and coccidsis  are also common poultry diseases in the regron
During the course of discussion with the key  informants  and households  on the major disease problems  in their area, it was  learnt that some of the above-mentioned epizootic diseases  such as  Contagious  Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CE3PP), Contagious  Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) or Reluba (Arulani),Pesle des  petils  ruminants (PPR).Pasteurellosis  (Gororssa), Trypanosomiasis  (Gendi), Eye disease (Arebati. Arutam),Internal (Keripateh Arutani) and External parasitosisare abundant in the project area and threaten not only  the livelihood of the farmers, but are also reasons  for blockage of international trade The insidious  effect of parasitosis  that leads  to poor growth, low body weight gain, and reduced productivity  is  the major concern to herders  and professionals. External parasites such as ticks and miles are incriminated as major cause of down grade of hide and skin. Ethiopia's second export, next to coffee Ticks are also responsible for teat damage reducing milk production.They are a major hurdle to livestock productivity.
An epidemic  of Contagious  Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) has  been confirmed in Assosa, notably  in Menge, Bambasi, and Oda Builgiglu woredas  in 2008 and caused a heavy loss in goats A complete loss of goals was reported in Menge and Bambasi weredas and farmers  managed to restock  in recent years, According to animal health workers  in Menge, Bambasi and Oda Buildiglu weredas, CCPP occurs  during dry  seasons  between January  and May  while CBPP occurs  al the beginning of light ram NCD of poultry  is common in the area and prevails throughout the year. An incidence of sheep and goat pox is a recent phenomenon through Ethio-Sudan border, which is about 40 km away from Menege wereda
The native Berta people have been using traditional methods  to treat both human and livestock diseases for generations However, lhe farmers currently started to appreciate the importance of vaccination, treatment against diseases, ecto-and endo-parasites in almost all project areas
4.8.2 Veterinary Services in the Project Area
With regard to veterinary  service delivery, the current set-up includes  the Bureauof Agriculture and Rural Development veterinanans (DVM), Animal Health Assistant (AHA) and Animal Health Technicians (AHT) that provide clinical and immunization services
Veterinary clinics and health posts were established in all weredas and most kebeles of the project area. However, they are not equipped with veterinary utensils, equipment and drugs Moreover, majority of the kebeles are inaccessible by vehicle and motorbikes and on foot mobilization were the must.The animal health infrastructure and services tn the project area are given in Table 4 17 and 4.18,
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Dabus Irrigation Study and Design Project________________________ Lr/^sf rxk Development Study Finai Report. Table 4 16 Ratio of Veterinary Manpower to Veterinary Livestock Unit
Description
Number
Livestock 
population (TLU)
Unrt/livestock
Population {TLU)
Assosa
Number of Kebeles
74
17,997
Veterinary clinic
1
1 /17 997
Health post
63
1 / 286
Veterinarian
1
1/17.997
Assistant Veterinarian
109
1 /165
Assistant Health Tech
2
1 /B.000
Sambas/
Number of Kebeles
38
25.903
Veterinary clinic
1
1/25 983
Health post
27
1/962
Veterinarian
1
1/25,983
Assistant Veterinarian
45
1/577
Assistant Health Tech
10
1/2.598
Menege
Number of Kebeles
24
7 216
Veterinary clinic
1
1/7,216
Health post
9
1/802
Veterinarian
-
-
Assistant Veterinarian
20
1/361
Assistant Health Tech
2
1/3,608
Oda Buildiglu
Number of Kebeles
25
6.399
Veterinary clinic
1
1/8.399
Health post
22
1/382
Veterinarian
1
1/8,399
Assistant Veterinarian
22
1/382
Assistant Health Tech.
1
1/8.399
Source Ca/cu/ated from the regional survey data, November 2013
Government clinics  are in most cases  located in wereda capitals.Static  clinical services delivery such as diagnosis, treatment and surgery is carried out by wareda level clinics and veterinary posts The farmers bring the sick animals to the nearby clinic or health posts for veterinary  interventions  The users  of the services  are mostly  those residing near to the clinics. at radius of about 10-15 km Extension of the veterinary services to remote corners of the country that mainly encompasses the remote areas was very limited
The available veterinary manpower to the livestock population (TLU) is in the ratio of 1 AHA: 165 TLU in Assosa Wereda, 577 In Bombs wereda. 361 in Menge wereda and 382 TLU in Oda buildiglu Wereda. According to ILRl standard the available veterinary  manpower is sufficient to the currently  inhabiting livestock  population. However as  mentioned above, most of the kebeles are inaccessible and vehicles, veterinary drugs and vaccines, materials, equipments, utensils, budget and electric power are in short fall. Hence, the weredas should give emphasis on the above mentioned bottlenecks to meet a full range anima! health care Tabie 4.16 shows the ratio of veterinary personnel to Tropical Livestock Unit
in relation to veterinary personnel, the wereda survey has shown that three weredas have a Veterinary Doctor (DVM) out of a 4 weredas in the project area while none of the weredas reported the presence of veterinary laboratory technicians. Two lab technicians were
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presented  at  the  regional  level.  The  number  of  the  veterinary  personnel  in  the  region  from different sources is summarized in the Table 4 17
Table 4 17 Number of veterinary staff in the project area
No
Woreda
Professional Category
No of kebeles
DVM
AHA
AHI
Others
Total
1
Assosa
74
1
109
2
-
112
2
Bambasi
38
1
45
10
7
56
3
Menge
24
-
20
2
*
22
4
Oda Birtidiglu
25
1
22
1
-
24
Source: Regional Survey (Oecember 2013) Table 4.18. Animal health infrastructure by woreda
S/N
Weredas
Standard
clinics
Animal health post
Standard
Sub
standard
Total
No
kebeles/
wereda
Per cent
Coverage
1
Assosa
1
20
43
64
74
86,5
2
Bambasi
1
15
12
28
38
73.7
3
Menge
1
3
6
10
24
41.7
4
Oda Burldiqlu
1
16
6
23
25
92.0
Total
4
54
67
125
161
77.6
Source Regional Survey (December 2013)
With regards to veterinary infrastructure in the project weredas. the per cent of total kebeles in the project weredas  account 86 5%, 73.7%, 41.7%, and 92% for Assosa, Bambasi. Menege and Oda Buildiglu weredas, respectively and the aggregate mean lies by 77 6 per cent. The results  revealed that despite the severity  of livestock  diseases  in the region, especially trypanosomiasis, which affected most the livestock species in almost all weredas of the region, the overwhelming majority of the animals were not either vaccinated or treated due to inaccessibility  and shortage in veterinary  supplies. Table 4 19 summanzes  the number and percentage of animals  vaccinated, afflicted, treated and died during the year 2011/2012 in Assosa Zone
In general, the Agricultural Sample Survey conducted by CSA (2011/12) indicated that the percentage of animals, except cattle, vaccinated against various diseases was found to be low As a result, significant proportions of different livestock species were infected and died due to various diseases For instance, only about 17% of goat population in Assosa Zone was vaccinated against various diseases during the year 2011/12.
The percentage calculated from CSA (2011/12) revealed that about 22%, 60%. 74% and 55% of the afflicted cattle, sheep, goals and donkeys died from various livestock diseases, respectively In general, the results have shown high death rate of animals due to diseases Accordingly, more than 20%. 30%. 43% and 26% of the total cattle, sheep, goats  and donkey  population were lost due to deadly  diseases  in Assosa Zone during the year 2011/12.The percentage of poultry afflicted and died from diseases is misleading due mainly to some mistakes in poultry data collection as the afflicted and death figures exceed the total poultry population in the zone (Table 4.19)
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Table 4 19: Number and Percentage of Animals Afflicted, Treated & Death due to Diseases in Assess Zone
Volume IV — Pari III Livestock Development Siudy Final Report
r
1 Livestock
1 species
Total
number
of
animals
Vaccinated
Afflicted/Diseased
No                  %
Treated out of
Afflicted/Dis eased
Death  due  to  non disease courses
Death due to disease
I No
No
%
-
i Cattie 63 B60 58 021 90 9 58 596 91 0
55.921
SheeD 18.706 5.596
Goat 192 640 32.329
29.9
16.8
9.616
114,008
51.4
59.1
4 505
33.921
1 Donkey 25.978
| Poultry j 393 331
12621                 48.6
548.696 |             139 5
7 244
T
%
95 4
46.8
29 0
57.4
No
853
6,264
-
1.3
-
3.2
-
No
12,912
5 754
84 086
6.949
Out of total animal (%)
20.2
30 a
436
26.7
Out of
affile ledAliseased (%)
22.0
59 8
73 8
55.1
“7[
-
49,050
B9J
54 897
140
423 220
107 6
Source CSA Agricultural Sample Survey (2011/12)
77 1
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4.9    Livestock Products and Consumption Pattern
Information obtained from key  informants  and participants  of the household survey  in Mugufude. Dabuss Atimbaqo and Eda Dabus kebeles indicates that farmers in the project area do not poses cows and have no tradition of beekeeping and as the result they depend on purchased honey, milk and milk products Conditioned bulls are purchased from Bambasi wereda at the time of ceremonial festivity. Egg is not a common product to see everywhere and expensive if any.
Given ample area for animal feed production and remoteness of the geographical setting, the traditional diet of both indigenous  and settled farmers  in the project area does  not depend on livestock products supplemented by maize and sorghum as is common in most pastoral and agro-pastoral areas  of Ethiopia. Recently, because of the rampant disease, especially trypanasomosis and the consequential loss of livestock and dearth of meal and milk supplied, lhe farmers have begun to eat more grain and other foods devoid of livestock products.
The analysis  of average daily  milk  productivity  of cows  indicated that Benishangul-Gumuz Region performed relatively  lesser than its  neighbor, the National Average and the Best Performing Region in the country  (Harari/Afar) (Table 4 20). However, lhe productivity  of cows  m Assosa Zone is  almost equivalent to the neighboring Amhara Region and lhe national average while it is lesser lhan lhe best performing region
The regional and zonal average honey production per traditional hive is much inferior to the Amhara, the national average and lhe best performing SNNP Region This  lower honey production is associated with the number of harvesting per year where in Amhara and SNNP Regions, honey is produced 2 limes a year while in BG Region honey production is practiced once a year.
i able 4.20 Livestock products and productivity per unit
Livestock products
Asssosa
Zone
BGR
Amhara
Region
National
Average
Best Performing
Region
(Harari/Afar
Cow milk
1.47
1 36
1.5
1.54
2 13
Honey (Transition al)_
2.06
4 65
8.78
7.65
10.37
Source: Calculated from GSA(2Q12)
4.10  Livestock and Livestock Products Marketing
4.10.1 Prices for Livestock and Livestock Products
According to agncultural marketing research conducted by  AsARC (2013). there is  no adequate information on marketing channels, infrastructure (transport, storage, processing facilities, and quarantine service), marketing efficiency and once formation. Information on market integration, intra and inter regional trade flows are also scarce The effect of existing marketing practices and opportunities with the Sudan are not adequately studied, very little is known about lhe agricultural inputs market in the region and the pros and cons of the indigenous marketing practices of the indigenous people during natural calamities, especially at times of drought are not adequately assessed.
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The marketing system in the region for most of the products can be characterized as very weak due to poor road facilities, transportation, market information and poor marketing skill of farmer. However, the all weather roads under constructions to interlink different weredas, wilt give a qood opportunity  to improve the marketing system of agncuttural commodities  Previously  the domestic  and cross  bcrder markets  were equally  important, however, currently  the domestic  markets  play  the dominant role in the region (AsARC, 2013)
m the             area
Livestock r
jrices in the survey area
Current Price for
Mean of
HH
Mean of Kebefes
Mean of
Weredas
Zone
BoA
BGR
BoA
Pooled
mean
Ox
5.104,89
5,240.00 I
6.000 00
6,500.00
6,600.00
5,888 98
Cow
3.894 76
3,800^00[
6,00000
5.000 00
5,100 00
4.758 95
Heifer
2,591.67
3,000.00
3.833.33
3,950 00
3,950 00
3.465.00
Steer
3.339 29
4.750 00
4,000.00
4,100 00
4.150.00
4,067.86
Calf
1.29444
1,420 00
1.866 67
-
-
1.527 04
Ram
936 11
610 00
900,00
650.00
800 00
619.22
Ewe
612 50
530 00
aoooo
850.00
-
696 13
Buck
450 00
450.00
900.00
700 00
700.00
620.00
Doe
425.83
416.67
565 00
650 00
-
514 38
Yearling
450.00
425.00
460.00
-
445 00
Mature donkey
2.231 25
2.030.00
5,D00 00
2,000 00
2.200 00
2,692 25
Mature horse
8,392 50
8.000 00
10,000.00
-
-
6,797 50
Mature mule
a.250.00
6,000 00
-
7,125 00
Skin
40.00
-
22.33
40.00
40.00
35.58
Hide
50.00
-
23.33
50.00
50.00
43 33
Cow milk
10.00
L
12.33
15.00
17.00
13.58
Butler
85 00
80 00
90.00
85 DO
95.00
85.00
Egg
2,50
2 50
3.00
2.50
3 00
2.70
Honey
52,25
37.50
61.67          70 00
7000
58 28
survey.
■_ 2013
The price of livestock is dependent on the season, which is associated to availability of
forage which determines the body condition of the animals and productivity. In general, price
of animals is higher dunng dry seasons than in wet season due to the high demand for
slaughter animals such as castrated cattle, goats and sheep occasionally created in neighboring country (Sudan) and highland towns during Christmas and other festivals The average market values of different livestock species and age categories as gathered during the survey period (November, 2013) are summarized rn Tabte 4 21.
The price for a litter of milk in Assosa town is birr 18 while after curdling half a liter yoghurt is sold for birr 13 m the restaurants and snack bars An egg from local hen is sold for Birr 3 in the town Assosa while in the metropolitan city, Addis  Ababa it is  sold for Birr 2.50 An average price for kg honey and butter accounts for Birr 85 and 70, respectively Livestock smuggling along the frontiers of Ethio-Sudan border is very strong and fetches a lucrative price Conditioned bulls and shcats purchased from Bambasl and Assosa areas are trekked to Sudan on foot. For example, an average bull is purchased far birr 5.000 tn the Bambasl market and sold for ETB 13,000 to 14,000 in the neighboring Sudan markets
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4.10.2 Markets and Marketing Route
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The marketing rout in the project area is undeveloped and marketing systems are backward and none business oriented It is common to practice cross border marketing in the project area, especially  along the borders  of Sudan. Both legal and illegal livestock  marketing systems  are operating at different magnitudes  in the Benshangul Gumuz  Regionthrough Ethio-Sudan cross-border cattle trade Absence of adequate marketing infrastructure such as  resting, feeding and watering area dunng trekking to marketing leads  to weight toss, trauma and diseases. As a result high livestock weight loss and huge livestock deaths occur during trekking long distances  to get market Moreover, there is  no market information system undertaking market study  and analysis  based on the parameters  of production supply, demand, marketers and prices.
In general, there are no organized marketing points  in the project areas  Majority  of (armerspractice bush marketing and town center marketing.The main marketing points include Assosa and Bambasi. Poor road network, shortage of transportation facilities, high profit margins  that goes  to lhe middle men, poor storage, processing, weighting and standardizing services are hindrances lo the functioning of lhe modern market system in lhe project area.The major constraint to the live animal trade in the project area is absence of stock routes along which animals could be trekked to the market centers, absence of resting places; poor communication system and lack  of trucks  for transportation away  from the leading roads.
The market centers are characterized by poor market facilities and infrastructures; absence of sufficient retailers and wholesalers; and. absence of financial institutions such as banks and micro finance institutions Moreover, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia exists only inAssoa and Bambasi towns  while there are no bank  services  in the Menge and Oda Buildiglu we red as.
The roads  connecting the project kebeles  are not available and severely  damagedif any. Most of the feeder roads that connect the village market to main market are dry weather roads and cannot serve the community throughout the year This m turn negatively affects lhe marketing condition of the area
4.11 Feed Resources
Livestock  feeding in Benishangul-Gumuz  Region and Assosa Zone is  predominantly (81 6S% and 81 02%) dependant on green fodder (grazing on natural pasture) followed by crop residual (9 16% and 7.58%) Other sources of livestock feed include hay (1.9% and 0.94%), by-products  (0.89% and 1.14%), improved animal feeds  (0.09% and 0.19%) and other sources (6.26% and 9.11%), respectively (CSA, 2012) Similarly, Beyene Teklu, et al . (2010), conducted a study  to assess  the effect of farming systems  on livestock  feed resources and feeding systems in Assosa Zone and lhe value index of major feed resources calculated from ranking results  of respondents  from shifting cultivation and permanent farming system during wet and dry  seasons  indicates  that natural pasture, crop-residue, browse, hay, agro-industrial by-products and stubble grazing are the major feed resources in that order
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Natural pasture was the most commonly utilized feed resource in both farming systems and grazing is  the predominant form of ruminant feeding When natural pasture becomes  less available during the dry season, farmers in the study area supplement crop residues for their livestock. Feed shortage is worsened when farmers burn lhe natural pasture assuming that they  can kill tsetse fly  and obtain flush grass  in the coming season. As  with CSA (2012), similar results  were obtained in the current study, where grazing accounts  for 94 per cent and lhe share of crop residues account for only 5.6 per cent.
Apart from this, crop residues  are also used for construction, fuel and used as  source of cash income In both Permanenet and Shifting Cultivation Farming Systems of Assosa Zone, the largest proportion of crop residues was used for livestock feeding than for any other uses because of lhe critical shortage of livestock feed during the dry season In SC, sorghum and maize stovers were used as feed more than other crap residues available in the area. Pulse haulms were the least utilized crop residue as a source of feed and sale (Beyene Teklu, el al . 20110).
Table 4.22. Feed resources for animats
Feeding type
Frequency
Percent
Valid Percent
Cumulative Percent
Green feed
Valid          GrazJng
Crop residues
Total
Total
36
40
5
89
161
22 4
29.8
3.1
55.3
100.0
40.4
53.9
56
100.0
40.4
94.4
100 0
In the PFS, sorghum stover was used for fuel more than other crop residues while, teff straw was used for livestock feeding. Respondents from this farming system also indicated that the utilization of sorghum stover and maize stover as a source of fuel was due to the scarcity of fire wood in the area Teff straw was less utilized as a source of fuel because i| was lhe main source or feed during dry season. Therefore, crop residues contribute most of the DM intake especially during the dry season.
The size of land for crop production and the availability and accessibility of fire wood were major -easans  for differences  in crop residue utilization between SC and PFS Teff straw was the first priority as a source of feed in PFS than SC. In both farming systems, crop residues play a significant role as source of livestock feed during the dry season when grass dry out(Beyene Teklu, et al , 20110)
Feeding of crop residues for different class of animals dunng lhe dry season vary between lhe two farming systems  depending on the severity  of feed shortage and the existing condition oF animals. By respondents from shifting cultivabon weak animals are given first priority to be fed with crop residues followed by drought animals, while in permanent fanning systems the first priority of feeding crop residues is given for drought animals followed by sick animals Sheep and goats are given the least prionty(Beyene Teklu, et al 20110}
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After harvesting the crops, livestock are allowed to graze stubbles of maize, sorghum, left, and pulses between October and December The stubbles are accessible to all animals in the community. The highest proportron of respondents  from both farming systems  graze animals on aftermath of maize followed by aftermaths of sorghum and pulses. Less number of resoondents from SC was grazing animals on aftermath of any of the crops due to the availability  of ?arge grazing lands  and less  amount of aftermath (Beyene Teklu, et al., 20110).
4.11.3 Agro-industrial By-products
Oil seeds  such as  noug (Guizitia abyssincca), groundnuts  (Pios  Americana) and sesame (Sesamum indicum) are the major cash crops  produced by  small holder peasant householders  in the Benshangul Gumuz  Region However there is  only  one small-scale edible oil processor operating in the town Assosa (Assosa Farmers Cooperative Union). This cooperative extracts edible oil mainly from Niger seed or black Birdseed (Noug) Mowed by groundnut and soyabeans and supplies the livestock breeders with seedcakes such as noug cake,soybean meal and groundnut meal Sesame and soya beans are strategic oil seeds for foreign currency earnings.Oil cakes are an excellent concentrate feed for both ruminant and non-ruminant livestockwhen mixed together and with appropriate additives are often referred to as “concentrate'
This small-scale oil processing cooperative has a nominal capacity of 70 quintals per day (8 hours) and about 25.500 quintals of noug cake per annum. The cake is supplied to milk union in Addis Ababa and fatteners, dairy and poultry keepers in the town Assosa al an average price of Birr 300 per quintal- The producer price of noug cake in the town Addis Ababa and Bishoftu is about Birr 450 and 550, respectively.
However, a study conducted by Beyene Teklu. et al (2011) in the Assosa Zone indicates that about 90% of respondents  from SC and 83.3% from permanent farming system respectively, reported that there were no agro-industrial by-products  available on local market for their animals partly due to the remoteness of the area The supplemental feeds available in the area were noug cake and salt but farmers rarely utilize noug cake because it is expensive.
Even though there are limited accessibility  of agro-industrial by-products  in the area respondents  supply  agro-industrial by-products  to their animals  during the dry  season to mitigate feed shortage. In SC, lactating cows got (he first priority of feeding agro-industrial by-products followed by draught animals In PFS, the first pnority of feeding agro-industrial by-product is given to draught animals followed by lactating cows Farmers purchase agro industrial by-products to feed oxen and cows during peak time of ploughing and lactation (Beyene Teklu, et al., 2011).
4.11.4Cultivated Forage Species
Cultivated forage species are not widely produced in the study area. However, attempts were made to improve the supply and quality of traditional forage in a few weredas by the
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Regional Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development (BoARD) and Assosa Agricultural Research Center (AsARC). Napier grass, oat. lablab and sesbania have been introduced earlier (AsARC, 2006). According to CSA (2012), farmers planting improved animal feeds for livestock feeding accounts for 0.09% and 0.19% in Benshangul Gumuz Region and Assosa Zone, respectively The study conducted by Beyene Teklu, et al. (2011) indicates that small proportion (20%) of the households from PFS but only very small number (3.3%) from SC plant improved forage Io alleviate feed shortage during the dry  seasons  due to weak extension services and limited involvement and devotion of research institutions.
According to BoFA, (2010), there was significant gap in Benishangul-Gumuz Region in the total households  practicing improved animal feeding where the vanance was  found to be 54%. 20% and 63% as compared to the neighboring Amhara Region, the National Average and the Best Performing Region in the country (Tigray Region) in terms of Percentage of Households Practicing Improved Animal Feed
Improved forage crops such as oats were distributed to farmers by Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development (BoARD) as presented in Table 4 21 The performance of forage species was found to be good except that the forage species were found to be susceptible to termite attack Since termite problem is prominent in the area, it affects bolh forage and food crops being grown in the area.
4.11.5 Natural Pasture
4.11.5.1 Conditions and Management of Natural Pasture
The major source of livestock feeds in the project area is natural pasture, which accounts for over 81 per cent (CSA. 2012) Pastureland is  communally  owned and free grazing is practiced in the whole region Animals are not restricted in the dry season where as in wet seasons, free grazing is restricted to avoid crop damages (AsARC, 2006 and Beyene Teklu, el al.. 2010).
Beyene Teklu. et al (2010), has also studied forage species of the natural pasture of Assosa Zone and identified and determined their chemical composition and in vitro dry  matter digestibility  (IVDMD).According to this  study, the mam feed resources  to livestock  in SC were natural pasture, and was  ranked first both during the wet and dry  seasons  Crop residue were ranked 2nd followed by  stubble grazing as  source of feed during the dry season. Farmers were not engaged in hay making Quality grass species for hay making are not available Among the most commonly  used browse species, lowland bamboo (Oxytenanthena abyssinica) is the most abundant
According to Beyene Teklu. et al (2010), communal grazing land (CGL) is a natural pasture subjected to common use or unrestricted access Riverside grazing land is an area in the range of 600 m on both sides of mam rivers It is pal of CGL and is generally mis-managed because it is a common watering place in the area where large numbers of animals are concentrated especially during the dry season
Besides  being fodder for the livestock, forage grass  legumes  and fodder trees  found in natural pasture are essential for soil stabilization providing ground cover and windbreak to
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prevent soil erosion, and contribute to soil fertility  through decomposition of organic  matter and microbial nitrogen fixation The fluctuating feed supply  and poor quality  of these available feeds, especially  during the long dry  season, are major constraints  to increasing livestock productivity in dry land areas.
Critical feed shortage mainly  occurs  during the months  of December to April, at the time when the natives  burn grasses  and bushes.Burning is  one of the traditional pasture management systems  in the project area Burning is  practiced to make the area more accessible, avoid snakes  and ticks;reduce the incidence of trypanosomosis  and initiate the re-growth of oalatable vegetation However, during the bad years, when the rainfall delays, animals suffer from shortage of feed, and are moved to nearest riverbanks where they can get adequate pasture and water Feed shortage in mid to highland areas is more critical as crops occupy more lands. As a result, farmers in this area keep less number of animals and manage (hem in a better way (AsARC, 2006).
4.11.5.2   Floristic Composition
The vegetations of the project area Is composed of grasses, shrubs, legumes and various browse species, which are the main source of livestock  and wildlife species  Grasses  are herbaceous (non woody) monocolyledonous plants Browse is often considered to be leaves and twigs  of shrubs, woody  vines  and trees  available for animal consumption (Pamo and Pieper, 2000) Browse species are the main livestock feed during the dry season According to Her locker (1992. sited in Muluneh, 200S), seventy  eight percent of all woody  and herbaceous plants are useful as fodder.
Natural grazing is the main source of teed for livestock and Hyparenia rufa is the dominating grasses  species  covering about 40% of the total grazing land. Other grass  species  like Cynodon daclylon, Guizotia scabra, Pennisetum polystachion and Echino chelea pyramidolis. also exist in lower quantity  (AsARC, 2006) However, the productivity, quality and digestibility of this grass is not studied.
According to INBAR (2010) and Beyene Teklu. et al (2010). the Benshangul Gumuz Regional State is still covered by natural vegetation classified into 8 types, namely: dense forest, riverine forest, broad-leaved deciduous  wood lands, acacia woodland, bush land, shrub lands, boswellia wood land and bamboo thickets. There are more than 55 indigenous tree species  in the region According to these studies, the project area is  endowed with lowland bamboo plants (Cxytenanthera Abyssinica) mainly in Bambasi and Assosa weredas In both farming systems  bamboo is  the most commonly  utilized feed resources, fed as supplement to donkeys at night in SC and to oxen in PFS by cut and carry feeding system. Farmers also utilized it as a source of human food (fleshy shoot) Bamboo thickets grow in areas where the content of the soil Is poor, it covers wide range areas of the region and the region is estimated to have about 440,000 hectares of bamboo thickets
With regard to flonstic  composition of the rangelands  of Assosa Zone, Beyene Teklu, et al.(2010),collected data from two farming systems  (shifting cultivation: SC and permanent farming system PFS) and two grazing types  (communal grazing land CGL, riverside grazing land RSGL) and identified a total of 18 grasses, 2 legumes, one sedge. 2 forbs and 17 trees/shruos from the natural pasture of both farming systems (Table 4 23).
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Table 4 23 Relative abundance of grass species under different grazing types and farming
systems of Assosa Zone (Beyene Teklu, et al.. 2010)
Species
Longevity
Cl ASS
SC
PFS
CG
RS
CG
RS
Aristide adscens/orws
Perennial
DS
p
-
•
-
Brachwia hurmdicola
Perennial
DS
p
P
-
-
Cenchrus ciliaris
Perennial
DS
-
P
■
p
Chloris prieuriBurf
Annual
DS
c
-
p
-
Chloris pycnothrix
Annual
LD
-
-
D
D
Cida ovate
Annual
DS
p
-
p
Crotaiaria spinosa
Annual
DS
-
P
-
p
Cynodon dactylon
Perennial
HD
JC
-
c
Cyprus' pulCheHUi
Perennial
DS
c
P
-
-
Diyrttiria abyssinica
Perennial
DS
D
D
-
-
Eleusine flocci foila
Perennial
HD
-
-
p
p
Eraqrosfrs barrofreri
Perennial
DS
p
p
-
Hyparrben/a coii/na
Perennial
DS
D
D
c
c
Hyparrhen/a hirta
Perennial
DS
□
D
Hyparrhenia rudis
Perennial
Ds
I-
-
D
D
Hyparrhenia rufa
Perennial
os
-
-
c
C
Indigofer spinosa
Annual
DS
P
-
-
p
Pennixetum catabasis
Perennial          i
_HD
C
C
p
c
Rhychelytrum repens
Annual
LD
P
-
-
-
Sporobofus pyramidaits
Perennial
LD
-
-
D
D
HD = highly desirable, DS = Desirable; LD = Less desirable. CG = Communal grazing. RS = Riverside. SC: Shifting cultivation; PFS: permanent farming system P= present (> 1% and < 5% of DM); C = Common (>5% and <20% of DM), D = Dominant (>20% of DM); - = not available
According to this study, even though the proportion of grass species appeared to be higher than legumes and sedges in SC, their desirability/palatability was low; as there were very few highly  desirable, but large numbers  of desirable grasses. Chloris  prieurieun, Cynodon daclylon, Cyperus pulchellus. Hyparrhenia coIlina, and Pennisetum catabasis were common species Digitaria abyssinica and H hirta were dominant in the communal grazing areas of SC P. catabasis was the common grass species, while D abyssinica, H. collina and H. hirta were dominant in riversides. The communal grazing areas  have a relatively  higher percentage of highly desirable and desirable grass species than the overside grazing areas Large numbers  of livestock  graze around riversides during the dry season because rivers are used as a source of water for livestock and this has increased grazing pressure.
Heavy  grazing changes  species  composition, reduces  productivity  and increases  erosion; proper grazing management aids  recruitment and persistence of desirable species, poor management hastens  the demise of preferred species  and ultimately  leads  to their replacement by  other species  The productivity  of these feed resources  is  triggered by population expansion and over exploitation In communal rangelands  high stocking rates, few rest periods, frequent close grazing and fire are factors that debilitate rangelands and controlling these factors are important principles of rangeland management.
According to Beyene Teklu. et al. (2010), the size and forage quality  of the communal grazing areas  of both farming systems  in Assosa Zone are decreasing from time to lime mainly due to expansion of farmland and replacement of palatable species by less palatable species  like Sporobolus  pyramidaiis  and Hyparrhenia collina (Figure A17) species  About
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59.1% of the cause of reduction in grazing land size in SC and 37.5% in PFS was  the expansion of crop production. As a result the feed obtained from grazing lands is inadequate both in terms of quantity and quality throughout the year The major causes for deterioration of forage quality were over dominance of less palatable species like Hyparrhenia in SC and Sporobolus  pyramidalis  in PFS. Hyparrhenia hirta was  the most abundant species  in the communal grazing land of SC and it suppress less competing species like legumes resulting in poor quality  forages  In addition, the population growth resulted in high demand of cultivable land per household to meet food requirement within the limited land that led to cultivation of pasture land and reduced grazing areas. This  might have caused loss  of palatable forage species  due to high grazing pressure. Reduction in pastureland and expansion of farm land were more prominent in SC than PFS.
According to this  study, highly  desirable species  were highly  preferred by  the animals ‘whereas less desirable species were less preferred The reduction in the proportion of highly desirable species  might be due to their gradual disappearance through overuse and disturbance by  livestock  and human beings. Shifting cultivation (SC) does  not favor the growth of highly palatable species and allows their replacement by the less palatable ones; and overgrazing which is  prominent in permanent farming system (PFS) would eliminate highly  palatable species  first and give way  to the less  palatable ones, both situations  are causes of the decline of palatable species. Excessive and protracted overuse of land paves the way for invaders or undesirable plants to dominate the area (Teklu. et al. 2010).
With respect to woody species composition, Beyene Teklu, el al (2010) identified 17 woody species from the two farming systems of which 53% were highly desirable. 23% desirable
and 22% less desirable Oxytenantheria abyssinica and Acacia seyal were more palatable and made up the largest proportions of the highly desirable (HD) species. Acacia seyal, O abyssinica, Cordiana africana, Coreopsis baraniana, Grewia ferruginea, Rhus natalensis and R retinorrhoea were common and dominant species in SC, but O abyssinica (bamboo) was 
the most dominant species in riverside and communal grazing lands of both farming systems which can be utilized as source of livestock feed, human food (fleshy shoot), fuel,
construction and income generation for the rural people
4.11.5.3 Forage Biomass Production
Biomass production or yield Is one of the most important measures used in assessment of natural pasture Biomass (yield) usually refers to the weight of organism (plants present at one time (Pieper, 1978, sited in Muluneh. 2008) Forage biomass production inventory 
includes only the above soil surface estimation as biomass below the ground is important for plant function.
Mixed crop-livestock  production in the project area almost totally  depends  on native pasturegrazing/browsing as indicated under section 4 115, with meager crop residues in both SC and PFS. Simitar survey conducted by Beyene Teklu. et al., (2010). indicates that major feed resources available in SC and PFS of Assosa Zone include herbaceous pasture, crop residue. browse, hay. agro-industrial by-products  and stubble grazing are the major feed resources. Grasses such as C pychnolrix. H collina. Digitaria abyssinica, H. hiita, H rudis and S pyramidalis were dominant in the study area According to INBAR (2010).Woodlands and shrub lands are the dominant forest resources in BGRS. covering 77% of the Region.
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Bamboo representing 9% of the region occurs  extensively  below 1600 masl. Shrub lands/bush lands cover 28% of the area of the region whale grasslands cover about 3% of lhe total area of the region The cultivated area occupies  about 5% of the area, where shifting cultivation is the credominant agricultural practice in the region.
However, the basic  forage resources  availability  fluctuated widely  over time and space. Availability  and distribution is  also seasonal, that animals  are underfed or malnourished during the long dry periods Whatever is available is also highly lignified, low in energy and especially protein and is unpalatable The fluctuating feed supply and poor quality of these available feeds, esoecially during the long dry season, are major constraints to increasing livestock productivity in dry land areas.As a result, especially young animals are vulnerable to nutritional stress in dry periods because of their competition with human for a dimimshjng supply of milk.
According to previous estimates of natural pasture (Alemayehu Mengistu, 1998), the natural pasture yield for the lowlands is 1 ton DM per ha per year while on seasonally waler logged fertile areas, yields of about 4-6 Ions DM/ha could be obtained According to Coppock (1994) and PADS (2004), the dry matter production of arid zone is less than 1 ton per hectare per year. The MoA estimate (1984) was  15 and 0 56 tons  DM/ha for the highland and lowland respectively (Alemayehu Mengistu, 2003)
Beyene Teklu, et al . (2010) estimated the biomass production of herbaceous species in Assosa Zone and found higher dry  matter yields  in communal grazing Lands  (CGL) in Shifting Cultivation (SC) farming system than the Riverside Grazing Land (RSGL) in Permanent Farming System (PFS). The estimated total herbaceous  biomass  productionof the CGL in SC was 2,495 kg/ha and that of the RSGL in PFS was 1,244 kg/ha. Continuous overstocking of RSGL decreased the proportion of desirable forage species and encouraged invasion with unpalatable species such as S pyramidalis and H, coIlina.
To estimate the annual dry matter production of the grazing areas, land use land cover study is vital, where the area is categorized in to land use units Such study is missing in the current study. However. Woody Biomass Inventory and Strategic Planning Project (WBISPP, 2003), using Arc  view/GIS software, determined the areas  under different land cover for areas under the current project. The survey was as detailed as ft was in Amhara and Tigray regions  and the results  are summarized in to nine main land coverlypes  (Bare land, Cultivated land, Grassland, Lowland Bamboo,Natural Forest, Shrub land, Water bodies WetlandandWoodland) (Table 5.23) These Land Cover classeswere used by the consultant to estimate the Biomass Production, Carrying Capacity and Grazing Capacity. Grazing land was defined by WBISPP land cover dataset as grassland, shrub land, cultivated areas, and wood land.Table 5.23 indicates the area for each Land Cover type together with estimated air-dry  herbage yield The geographical distributions  of the main Land Cover types  are shown on Map 5 3
It can be deduced from Table 4 24 that all categories except 1 (bare land) and 2(waler bodies) and the major parts of categories 4 and 8 are capable of producing herbage for the livestock consumption in form of grazing, green feed or hay. Table 5 23 indicates that there are approximately 757.072 ha of land (99 3 per cent of the total area) contribute, in varying amounts, to the nutrition of the project area s livestock and wild nerbivores
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Map 4.5. Land Use/Land Cover map of Dabus Irrigation Project Command Are
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Table 4-24: Land Cover Types and Herbage Production of Dabus Irrigation Project Area
Volume IV- Part III L.vestock Development Study Final Repurt
r
Weredas in the project area
1 Land Cover Types
Assosa
Samba si
Menege
Oda Buildiglu
Project Area Total
1
Herbage
Yield
(tortfha)’*'
Area
(ha)
DM
(ton)
Area (ha)
DM
(ton)
Area
(ha)
DM
(ton)
Area (ha)
DM
(ton)
Area (ha)
DM
(tom
I Bare land
i
—   ------- — Cultivated land
—
-
3,565 1
-
-
-
•
•
249 0
-
3.814
-
0.9
27,491 6
24,742
6327 6
7495
9,090 4
8,161
8.3802
7.542
53,290
47,961
Grassland
2.3
1,333 9
3.066
1136 0
2,613
1,729 9
3.979
2,055.9
4,729
6,256
14,388
Lowland Bamboo
0.9
43,413.2
39,072
71191.1
64,072
15,662 7
14.096
16,839.4
15,155
147,106
132,396
Natural Forest
0.9
230.1
207
1255.9
1.130
554 1
499
8304
747
2,870
2,583
Shrub land
0.6
86,470.3
69.176
7962 5
6.370
37,420 5
29,936
33,791 6
27.033
165 645
132,516
Waler
-
43.7
-
332.2
343.0
-
369 8
-
1,089
-
Wetland
07
537 4
376
0.0
-
168.5
118
544.7
381
1,251
875
Woodland
0.9
126,300 4
113,670
56029.6
50,427
89,805.6
80,825
103,615 6
93,254
375,751
338,176
CM production
269,386
250,312
146,235
132,107
154,775
137,635
166,676
148,842
757,072
668 896
DM/ha
— -t _—ZT3T "
-
i • •             M A C** .
0.86 |
0.90
0.89
0.89
0.88
1        ▼ 1.1_______ x i
Source Calculated from Woody biomass Inventory and Strategic Planning Project (WB1SPP. 2003}
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4.11,6 Feed Supply and Demand Condition
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4.11.6,1   Stocking Rate, Carrying and Grazing Capacity
These three parameters  used for range-forage inventorying are used very  often haphazardly  and usually  create confusion by  readers  To avoid this  confusion definitions to these grazing potential indicators are given first
Carrying capacity  of a rangeland is  defined by  the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations  (FAO; Pratt, 2005) as  maximum number of herbivores  that can be supported on a sustainable basis  based on a daily  Dr/ Matter (DM) intake of 2.5-3 % of their live weight, usually  expressed in livestock  units  (LSU) or TLU, One LSU is  defined as a 500 kg bovine, one LSU requiring 5 0-5.4 tones of DM per Year, However only 30- 45 % of herbage is  available for livestock  since up to 70% is  irarnpled, consumed by insects  or decomposed, and cattle cannot graze on very  short grass. Furthermore, excessive defoliation of herbage in one year is  likely  to reduce availability  in subsequent years,The actual number of livestock  on a specific  area at a specific  time is  defined as slocking rate and expressed in Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU).
For ecological reasons ■ as severe climate, low rainfall, rocky soils, etc. - the rangelands are Linsuited for stable rain fed agriculture The potential of these lands is expressed in terms of grazing capacities  (PADS, 2004) Grazing capacity  is  defined as  the maximum animal numbers which can graze each year on a given area of range, for a specific number of days, without inducing a downward trend in forage production, forage quality, or soil. According to FAO (1992) grazing capacity is defined as themaximum number of animal heads of a given type that a land unit can support sustainably during a defined growing season far specific production use.The practice generally  is  to stock  so as  to prevent overutitization d( the available forage in all but the most extreme drought (Stodart, L D et al. (1975) The grazing capacity will be expressed using both hectare per Large Stock Unit (ha LSU-1) and hectare per Tropical Livestock Unit (ha TLU-1).
The grazing capacities  are assessed using three basic  methods, namely  1) grazing experiments  with stocking rates, fodder yields  and livestock  production. 2) methods  to correlate rainfall and biomass  production in the rangelands, so as  to estimate the grazing capacity and 3) inferences from recorded grazing capacities in similar range conditions The notion of grazing capacity  must be used with caulron. It works  properly  in commercial ranches, while in open rangelands  (pastoral lands) it Is  much more approximate (PADS, 2004). The determination of grazing capacity of any grazing land is important because it; 1) helps stockbreeders to determine the number of animals that can be sustainably maintained on a given range unit, 2) serves as a planning tool to attain livestock output targets in natural grazing environments and 3) provides guidelines to ensure continuous economic returns
With regard to the current study  area, the total Dny  Matter production is  estimated at 6£8.896ton out of 757,072ha grazing area The average bromass  production per hectare grazing land is  about 880 kg and ranges  between 880 kg in Assosa Zone to 900 kg in Bambasi Zone.Table 4.24 shows the Dry Matter production in the project area.
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The average stocking rate in the project area is  about 0.08 TLU per hectare and ranges between 0.05 TLD/ha in Menge and Oda Buildiglu woredas  to0.18 TLU/ha in Bambasi Woreda indicating that very  few animals  are grazing on the vast area.With respect to carrying and grazing capacities, the theoretical capacity  of the grazing landsin the project area is about 0 12 TLU per hectare or 8.6 ha/TLU. This indicates that grazing lands in the project area are supporting lesser number of livestock  below their maximum carrying capaciiy.The grazing capacity ranges between 8.4 to 8.8 hectare per TLU with the smallest area requirement in Bambasi Woreda and largest in Assosa Woreda (Table 5.25) The total number of livestock that can be sustainably supported by the grazing grounds of the project woredas is estimated to be 87,965 TLU while the existing population is only 59.595 TLUs.
Table 4.25 Feed supply and demand conditions in the project area
Woreda
Area
(ha)
Dry Matter
Production
(ton)
Livestock
Papulation
(TLU)
Dry Matter
Requirement
(ton)
nMJhs
(ion)
Slocking
Rate
Carrying
Capacity
.CCi,
Grazing
Capacity
(GC)
Assosa
289,386
250.312
17.997.00
41.056
0.86
□ 06
011
8.79
Bambasi
146,235
132,107
25,982 50
59,273
0.90
0 1B
0.12
8.42
Menge
154.775
137 635
7,216.40
16,462
0.89
0.05
0 *2
8.55
Oda
Buildiglu
166.676
140,842
8.398.70
19.160
0 89
0.05
0 12
8 52
Total
757,072
668.896
59.595
135.950
0.88
0.08
0.12
861
Source Computed by the consultant {2014)based on Table 5 25
Similarly, the biomass  production and carrying capacity  estimation conducted by  Jinka Agricultural Research Center (2011), indicates  that the carrying capacity  of Dassenech Woreda is about 0.107 TLU/ha with an average herbaceous vegetation biomass production of 805 kg DM/ha. Rale Irrigation Project. Livestock  Development Feasibility  Study  (2010) has  evaluated stocking rate and carrying capacity  for Dassenech Woreda based on the available feed resources and estimated at 0.38 TLU/ha and 0.28 TLU/ha, respectively.On the other hand. Pastoral Areas Development Study (PADS, 2004). has evaluated the grazing capacities  by  correlating the herbaceous  vegetation production with rainfall regimes. The overall grazing capacities of Ethiopian rangelands are estimated to vary from 2-12 ha/TLU.
4.11.6-1 Feed Balance
The project area supports about 59,595 TLU which accounts for 12 5 per cent and 0 13 per cent of the region's and the country's livestock population, respiectively (Table 1.6). Despite the large livestock population in the typical mixed farming areas of Assosa, Bambasi, Menge and Oda Buildiglu weredas, the productive and reproductive potential of the livestock and their crucial role in the farming systems  is  far below the expectation.Disease, especially trypanosomesis, under feeding and malnutrition, poor genetic potential with respecl to milk, meat and egg production and poor husbandry  practices  are among the major factors constraining livestock  production in the project area As  a result the livestock  is  facing higher mortality rate, poor productive performance and disappointing fertility.
Thus, animal feed is one of the major constraints to livestock production. To evaluate the feed supply  and demand conditions, the annual Dry  Matter requirement to adequately maintain one TLU was  calculated on the basis  of 2.5% live weight per day, which is equivalent to 2 28 ton per annum per TLU.
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Dry Matter product ion (ton)
Dry Matter required (ton)
Balance (ton)
660,896
135,950
532.945
Theannual feed requirement for the livestock  population of 59.595TLU (Table 4.25) is estimated at135.950ton. On the other hand, the available feed estimate from natural pasture (grassland, bush & shrub land, woodland welland)and crop residues  is668,896 ton out of 757,072ha.This  indicates  that there is  an apparent 532,945ton dry  matter surplus  in the project area over and above the maintenance requirement (Table 4.26).This  surplus  is mainly  due to the relatively  low livestock  population m the project area due to various livestock diseases, especially trypanosomosis Moreover. this superficial feed surplus seems not real due to the following reasons:
•    It assumes that the total feed produced (grazing, crop residues) is consumed 100% However in reality, this is not true, since grazing on natural pastureinvolves some
70% wastage due to selection, trampling, consumption by insects or
decomposition, and cattle cannot graze on very short grass
•     The total feed requirement estimation is based on the maintenance requirement and the  requirements  for  production  and  reproduction  are  neglected  even  though  the animals   produce   milk,   meat,   wool   and   egg.   If   one   considers   the   production requirements   together   with   maintenance   requirement   of   the   animals,   this   feed surplus will disappear.
•     The total feed produced in the lash seasons, especially in the shifting cultivation is not   totally   utilized   due   mainly   to   inaccessibility,   lack   of   knowledge   in   feed conservation   and   drinking   water   shortage   in   areas   where   ample   pasture   is available Moreover, after the onset of the rainy season, the excess fodder produced in  the  grazing  land  lignifies  as  the  dry  season  progresses  and  results  in  poor digestibility leading to lower energy and protein supply.
As the precipitation in Assosa, Bambasi, Menegeand Oda Buildiglu woredas is better, the vegetation cover and growth is  good, however, the presence of trypanosomosis  restricts animal production and what is  produced is  not consumed Furthermore, as  the types  of vegetations are more of bush and the grasses growth is fast and they get mature before livestock consumes them all.
The problem of feed supply in the project area is. thus, a question of quantity and quality rather than merely quantity issue. Therefore, quite apparently, the consideration of actually consumable dry  matter and feed requirements  for production together with maintenance requirements will definitely lead to figures other than the above.Considering the feed losses (70%) alone will reduce the available feed supply to 200.700 ton per annum, which covers the maintenance requirement by 147% and clearly indicates that the grazing lands in the project area are supporting lesser livestock population belowthe theoretical maximum.
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4.12 Water Resources and Watering Livestock
Benshangul Gumuz Regional State has abundant surface and ground water resources with several big perennial rivers flowing across the state. The region forms parts of the Abay and Baro-Akobo basins and the region's surface water resource can be grouped into five sub basrns: Didessa, 0aro. Dabus, Deles and Main Abay. All the main rivers originate from the highlands  of neighboring regions  mainly  Oromia and Amhara, except for some smaller tributaries (AsARC. 2006).
In spite of abundant water resources of the region, safe drinking water for the human and livestock  population was  in a short supplyJtsdislribution and occurrence through time and space is erratic for example, in the Westernand North Western part of the region Kurmuk. Menge, Sherkole and Guba, there are lack of both surface water and ground water sources 
especially  in dry  season (BGRS- BOWR 2007. in Abdulkerim Musa Mohammed (2010). Most of the region's water supply is mainly through traditional dug wells and to some extent to boreholes. Towns like Assosa Mandura, Bullen etc are obtaining their water supply from bare holes Rural villagers are using small spring, which have a very low yield The type of water in the region is  predominantly  bicarbonate: Pure or transitional CaHCO3 type. In addition lo the calcium types of ground water, NaHCO3/pure or transitional/ and transitional, Ma Ca HCo3 types of ground water are Known in the region. Moreover, the hydrogeology study/1991 / of Asossa and Aba Ramla rivers revealed the existence of mineralized ground water in the region (BGRS Information Bureau, 2007).
According to Deyene Teklu et al. (2011), the main sources of waler in both farming systems in Assosa Zone dunng the dry season are rivers, springs and pond River is about 92% and 87% of the water sources to livestock during the dry season in SC and PFS respectively. Most of the farmers in the two farming systems watered their animats twice a day, only very small number of them water once in a day or two days Livestock are trekked less than 1 km to get to water in SC as compared to the PFS
The water utilized by people and animals is highly contaminated and is generally poor, due to contamination and salinity Polluted water disseminates both human and animal diseases According to Abdulkerim Musa Mohammed (2010) in the village of Asosa Woreda flowing streams and springs arecommonly used sources of drinking water. Traditional shallow wells are common in the rich people's homestead. However, almost, all of the traditional sources of water areunsafe, low yielding, seasonal, and far from the village.
Waler shortage is  common in the weredas  especially  during dry  seasons  of the year (January to April).Moreover, the communities rely on unimproved sources for both human and livestock use and as the result water born diseases are common in the project area. In rainy  seasons, the water supply  is  tapped from surface sources, mainly  ram-fed ponds though some of them have to travel long distances  to get a continuous  supply  of water Humans too prefer surface to groundwater, due to economic reasons (closeness) and taste preference, despite higher health risks (PADS. 2004)
Livestock  watering frequency  primarily  depends  on the season, type of ivestock  and distance from watering points The common practice of watering livestock m areas where watering points are far from settlement villages is. cattle every 3 days and sheeo and goats
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every 5-7 days. Farmers who are residing close to permanent rivers and water points water their animals every day
With regard la distance of watering points  farmers  in Shaga Demazin, Belfudi, Dabus Atimbaqo and Zumbatrek their animals a long distance while residents in Belanjero, Sinyor, Gambeladale and Eda Dabus water their animals within their vicinity. Table 4.27 gives the distance of watering points the farmers trek their animals from home.
Table 4.27- Distance of watering point (km) (from each Kebele)
Survey kebeies
N
Minimum
Maximum
Mean
Alfiamer
Belafida
1 Belanjero
Belfudi
Dabus Alimbaqo Eda Dabus
Fudlndu
Gambeladale
Mugufude
Shaga Demazin
Sinyor
Zumba
Total
9
9
6
7
7
6
6
9
a
2
8
6
83
1
5
2
2
5
1
1
3
5
25
2
20
1
30
15
3
35
30
15
30
10
35
30
15
22
35
1067
12.78
2.50
25.29
25.00
8 33
11.00
5.89
18 38
27.50
5 56
2D 33
13.44
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5.      LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL IN THE PROJECT AREA
The major potentials of the region as a whole and study area in particular include, rampant perennial rivers  with good base flow and unexoloited cultivable land and fertile set! The suitable topography and agro-ecology for diversification and/or intensification using irrigation to produce high value cash crops is also very high potential The huge number of livestock and suitable grazing and browsing areas  together with active age manpower and keen interest of stakeholders and beneficiaries at all level is an asset for any future development in the area.
The major livestock and forage development potentials of the project area include
•       Encouraging  policies  and  strategies  with  respect  to  agricultural  development  in general and livestock development in particular
•       Reasonable number of livestock population by species which are good meat, milk egg, honey, hides & skins producers,
•      All are indigenous livestock types tolerating the harsh environment, high incidences of livestock diseases especially trypanosomiasis, critical shortage of feed in quantity and quality and scarcity of water sources,
•      Good traditional experiences of managing livestock including apiculture and fishery,
•       Potential of producing fodder/pasture for livestock using the Dabus River for small scale fattening of cattle, sheep and goats; poultry, beekeepingand dairying for egg honey andmilk production from improved chicken, honeybee and crossbred cows.
•      Availability of reasonable amount of agro-induslnal by-products, which includes by products  of  oil  extraction  and  flour  mill  from  medium-scale  industries  for  dairying poultry production and finishing cattle and shoals in the feedlot.
•      Higher national and export market potential for live animals, beef, mutton, milk, egg honey, bees wax, hides and skins
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6,    CONSTRAINTS TO LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT
Livestock development in the project area has various orobiems that challenge lhe intensive livestock  production and its  sustainabte futurity  both in terms  of household income generation and poverty  alleviation, The project area is  facing environmental, economical, technological, institutional, and infrastructural constraints. Being the component of mixed farming system, livestock production is an important 3rea that limitsboth food self-sufficiency and food security  and constrained by  a combination of factors  Constraints  .imiting successful and sustainable animal production and productivity  in lhe project area are summarized as follows:-
6.1 Prevalence of Rampant Livestock Diseases
According to the information collected from regional, zonal, wereda and kebele Agriculture and Rural Development Offices as well as households in the project impact areas disease is the top rated constraint in both farming systems. Both infectious and parasitic diseases are affecting thousands  of livestock  resulting in high mortality  and morbidity  and productivity losses Trypanosomosis is lhe major disease affecting cattle, shoals and equine as lhe area is  one of the tsetse fly  belt areas  of in country. Among others, internal and external parasites, peste des pelits ruminants (PPR), Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP), Contagious  Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Black Leg, sheep pox, New Castle Disease (NCD) and tick  borne diseases.etc  are the major problems  impeding livestock  production and productivity  in the area. Often drug supplies  and veterinary  services  are limited to farmersand calf, lamb and kid mortality  is  often reported to be very  high. As  the result, farmers  medicate their animals  using their knowledge and tradition of ethmo-velerinary practices, shortage of veterinary  services  and facilities; lack  of animal quarantine centers especially in border areas (Sudan) to control trans-boundary diseases and shortageflack of budget and logistics  have significant influence on livestock  disease prevention and conirolendeavors
6.2 Shortage of Feed and Water Supply
Besides the rampant diseases that impede the production and productivity of lhe livestock in the area, quality and quantity wise insufficient feed production s lhe second most important
f
bottleneck for livestock development in lhe area Feed is always deficient in permanent
farming system while the apparent feed deficit in shifting cultivation may be due to the
invasion of the communal grazing land by less palatable species of forages like Hyparrhenia that hinders development or other species resulting in feed deficit (Beyene Teklu. et at
2011). Feed shortage in lhe area becomes very important in the dry season when pastureland is burnt and rainfall is delayed (AsARC, 2006).Shortage of graz-ng land due to expansion of crop production practices, deforestation, low level of awareness on improved livestock feed management practices, lack of awareness of farmers to conserve feed
resources for use in lhe dry season and lack of land use policy and guidelines are the major causes for the observed insufficient feed supply.
Shortage of waler is also a common tragedy in the area Key informants and households m the surveyed kebeles  highlighted the shortage of safe water for livestock  It was  reported that water constraints were more critical during dry season. Shortage and intermittent rainfall has exacerbated the situation.
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6.3  Poor Livestock Production and Productivity
The indigenous livestock species have been selected naturally towards survival rather than production. Generally the productivity of livestock is disappointing due to insufficient animal health services, poor animal feeding practices, low level of livestock  breed Improvement initiatives  and low level of awareness  on livestock  management practices  by  the local communities
6.4 Low level of Awareness and Poor Livestock Management Practices
Livestock  production in the Region was  predominantly  based or traditional practices  while the introduction and application of modem/improved livestock  technologies  (including apiculture and fishery development) is ver/ minimai in the Region. Moreover animals are left to graze free in the grazing land with minimal monitoring and making barns  or collecting pens to manage the cattle Is not practiced. Thus, there is a need to enhance the livestock management capacity/know-how of local communities  through organizing awareness creation, sensitization and training on improved livestock  management practices  including the promotion of improved animal feeding, livestock health and oilier related livestock sector im pro ve ment/d e velopm ent
6.5  Low level of Livestock Improvement Initiativesin the Region
The livestock  sector development has  been constrained by  a lack  of a livestock  breed improvement initiative in the region. Thereis no livestock breeding and multiplication centers except for establishment of poultry production centre in Pawe town in recent years There was also shortage of adequate supplies of improved animals from neighboringAmhara and Oromia Regions  Furthermore, the major livestock  breed improvement constraints  in the project areainclude lack  of improved livestock  breeds, shortage of trained personnel on artificial insemination coupled with shortage of artificial insemination equipment and utensils, low level of awareness by local communities, lack of adequate research on livestock breed improvement and low level of attention for livestock breed improvement endeavor
Milk, meat and egg production is by far the most important aspect for keeping livestock in the crop-kveslock mode of production. On the other hand available stock of livestock species often lack  the genetic  capability  to achieve potential production within their environment, despite their adoptability to the harsh environment and resistance to diseases and the supp'y of low quality  and quantity  feed However, there exists  a wide genetic  variation, which provides  a sound basis  for selection of superior animals, preserve genetic  merits  while raising their level of production to serve the increasing demand for milk meat and drought power for the ever-growing human population.
6.6  Livestock Marketing Constraints
livestock  marketing sector in the region was  mainly constrained by  (i) existence or illegal cross-border livestock  trade to neighboring country  (Sudan) which was  partly  due to unattractive livestock price in the local market, (il) lack of modern livestock market facilities and services characterized by absence of adequate marketing infrastructure such as resting, feeding and watering area during trekking to marketing which leads to weight loss, deaths’
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trauma and diseases, (in) lack of market for hide and skin n the region lack of market facility to enhance hide and skin trade along with appropriate organaationai structure to help develop the sector, (iv) lack of animal quarantine centre in the region (V) lack of livestock market information system (VI) unavailability  of formal livestock  actors  including livestock marketing cooperatives  and licensed livestock  traders  lack  of rr/estock  product processing and agro-mdustries. poor quality of livestock and livestock products supplied to the market
6.6  Poor Capacity and Low Level Attention to the Sector
The regional, zonal and wereda level survey indicated that poor capacity of implementing actors  in terms  of technical knowledge and logistical skills  combined with nadaouate financial resources are limiting the livestock development endeavor in the region It was aMO reported that poor attention was given for the sub-sectors such as beekeep'ng and fishery m terms of allocation of budget, deployment of qualified expertise and loqislrcal resources
6.7  Less Trained and Inexperienced Manpower
The lack  of capacity  of institutions, staff, and resources  in implementing development activities in the project woredas is crucial The limitation of the capacity is in terms of skirled manpower, welt defined institutional structure and production equipment/matenata including office supplies  is  hampering the livestock  development endeavor in the project area The number of trained manpower in the area of animal production and health deployed m the project areas is loo limited and concentrated in the wereda capital due to lack of offces transportation and budget The budget for development activities  rs  very  limited except monthly salary of the assigned staffs.
6.8  Knowledge Gaps
The research activities lhai ware carried out in the project area to date are not adequate to generate new and appropriate technologies to promote the mode of production in the area and thereby  improve the economic  conditions  of the households  The available research information is loo scanty to make an appropriate policy design and planning both by the policy makers and by researchers, Moreover, there is no facility and infrastructure adequate to promote fully-fledged research at national level Because of this, there is a larger gap in knowledge basis  of the livestock  species  in the protect area Major gaps  include lack  of reliable data on human and livestock  population, merits  and demerits  of the indigenous livestock species especially cattle, sheep, equine, honey bee and fish resources, land use land cover, vegetation resources, the degree of bush encroachment, level of degradation, the extent of disease problems and impacts, etc.
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7.     LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT INTERVENTIONS
7.1    General
Based on lhe above-mentioned methodological approach. analysis  of past development efforts, assessment of resource base, identrfication of needs, development opportunities and investigation of constraints.six  livestock  development 'nterventions  have been proposed for the mixed farming communities  in the project command area These include'1) cross 
breedingindigenous  cattle to produce crossbred heifers  (2) small scale dairy  farming 13) cattle and shoats fattening, (4) milk processing and marketing, (5) poultry production and (8) beekeeping
The proposed livestock interventions are restricted to indigenous cattle improvement through cross breeding to produce crossbred heifers for small-scale dairy farmmgm line with
livestock breeding and improvement policy of the country; milk collection and processing
from crossbredcallle population through establishing milk collection group and cooperatives cattle and shoats fattening using backyard forage and conserved feed, poultry production
using alfalfa, luklna and cereal grains and honey and bees wax production using
intermediate hives
The project will occupy most of the dry and wet season grazing grounds currently used by
lhe farmers in form of permanent farming and/or shifting cultivation The total gross area occupied by the project is17.330ha, while the corresponding livestock population and household numberin the project command areais estimated to be 1.360TLU and 1.299 respectively Thus, lhe total number of households expected to be embraced by the livestock development project is1,298 Thedetailed proposal for livestock holding per household and description of livestock development Interventions arediscussed in the following section
7.1.1 Previous Recommendations of Livestock Holding Per Household
Halcrow (1975) proposed crossbred improved zebu for meat and milk production and in a later studies (1986). he proposed the use of Boran breeds rather lhan zebu crossbred cattle for beef production According to Halcrow (1975). the Afar settlers  are to be permitted to graze 2 5 TLU per family on irrigated Rhodes grass pastures developed on 0 5 ha where only productive animals were to be allowed on lhe pasture with milk, beef and mutton as the desired products.
Nedeco (1982) recommended an allowance of only one lactating cow plus one follower (1 5 TLU) per settler family. According to this study, an irrigated pasture yields hardly any profit but 11 is socially desirable
The Third Livestock Project (1986, ref. 19. in MacDonald. 1987) proposed a maximum of 10 mature cattle or their equivalent in LSU on the project 3rea at any  one time for each pastoralist family Pastoralists will be encouraged to keep their most productive stock an the irrigated pasture, particularly breeding cows and their calves, and three to four year o'd oxen for finishing before marketing Goats and camels will be discouraged
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WWDSE (2005) in its  Kessem Kebena Dam & Irrigation Project study  estimated 3,168 pastoral families utilizing the project areas and keeping a livestock herd of al least 11 86 TLU per family  Similarly, the study  earned out on Tendaho Dam and Sugar Project by WWDSE (2005) estimated 2,500 families utilizing the project areas and keeping a livestock herd of at least 12 TLU per family. However, the Livestock  Development Study  of Kuraz Sugar Development Projectproposed a total of 16 65 TLU holding per settling pastoralist and agro-pastoralist with corresponding species of 15 65 TLU cattle and shoats and 2 donkeys to transport agncultural produces and commodities to and from the marketing centers.
Devereux (2006), estimated a TLU holding for pastoral, agro-pastoral and settled farmers of Somali region at around 20, 20 and 8 respectively According to this study, pastoralists own more camels  and shoats, but agro-pastoralists  own more cattle and donkeys  Farming communities have much lower values (averaging 8 TLUs), while urban households have a negligible amount (0.9 TLU),
7.1.2 Recommended Livestock Holding Per Household in the Current Study
As described under section 5 6, indigenous and settled farmers inhabiting the 12 command kebeles keep on the average 0 14, 0 12, 1 56. 0.58 and 2 2. cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys and poultry population, respectively while the pooled aggregate TLU holdings per household accounts  for 0 56 TLU (Table 4 4) This  is  to men that an average family  inhabiting the command kebeles  of Menege. Oda Buildiglu, Assosa and Bambasl woredas  keep on the average 2 heads of goal and poultry while over 85 per cent do not keep cattle and sheep in fear of trypanosomiasis. Every  other farmer in the project kebeles  keep a donkey  Other studies  conducted in Assosa Zone, indicates  that the overall average number of livestock per household ranges  between5.3 to 5.7 TLU in permanent farming system and shifting cultivation, respectively (Beyene Teklu, et al , 2010 and Alemayehu Abebe, el al (2013).
The above mentioned lower livestock holding per household is under extensive management system where the prevalence of disease, especially trypanosomosis hampered the livestock holding per household. Under irrigation schemes, however, potable water for humans  and livestock will be brought to their door gate, livestock feed requirement will be fulfilled over improved forage species amassed from the backyard, and quality and quantilywise sufficient green and conserved feedwill be produced and supplied year round Moreover, the improved livestock  species  will be managed indoors  to reduce the trypanosomiasis  incidence and much more control measures will be implemented. Under this condition, there is no reason to keep fewer numbers of animals in fear of trypanosomosis Here mgh yielding indigenous animals will be selected and crossbred to produce crossbred heifers for the small-scale dairy farming venture The question of feed shortage, disease and the resulting mortality and low productive performance of livestock  will abolish giving way  to reliable and sustainable production conditions.
Thus, considering relatively  higher number of household members  keeping selected high yielding cattle species, and relatively modern technologies that the settling farmers adopt, a livestock holding of 9,3 TLU per household for settling farmer at any one time in the project area has been recommended, which includes 7 dairy stock with followers. 4 fattening bulls 8 fattening shoats. a donkey  to transport fresh milk  and commodities  to and from the marketing centers and 25 layers and 5 cocks This proposal agrees with the Third Livestock
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Protect proposal of 10 TLU for Afar pastoralists Devereux (2006) has also proposed a TLU holding of 9 for a farming community in Somali Region.This holding per family will be utilized for the proposals of livestock and feed development interventions in the current study.
7.2 Cross Breeding Indigenous Cattle to Produce Crossbred Heifers
7.2.1 Rationale
Some research results indicate that the cattle in this area are poor milk and meat producers. According to Alemayehu Abebe et al. (2013). I he mean milk yield of cows is about 1 6 liters and 1.4 liters per cow per day in shifting and permanent farming systems respectively. The lower milk  yield indicates  the absence of improved dairy  breeds  (crossbreds) in the area which mainly related to wide infestation of the areas by trypanosomiasis. Average age at first calving and mean calving interval in the study  area are 44 months  and 24 months, respectively. Moreover, age at first calving is  about 3.6 and 3.7 years  in shifting and permanent farming systems respectively
Thus, though indigenous stock is adapted to lhe various agro-ecological conditions and also survives in harsh environmental situations, there genetic make-up is poor and consequently their productive performance with respect to milk and meat is low This is exacerbated by disease and poor management.
The introduction of high yielding forage species in form of irrigated backyard fodder would yield quality  and sufficient dry  matter Nevertheless, the cost of establishing an irrigation scheme is  virtually  high and its  economical use necessitate the use of high yielding temperate milk  breeds  such as  Holstein Frisian and Jersey  However, the harsh environmental conditions; high ambient temperature (heat stress), humidity, endemic  fatal diseases prevalent in the project area do not allow the introduction of those pure breeds. An ambitious attempt of Amibara dairy with 263 exotic Holstein Frisian cows managed on 254 hectares of Rhodes grass/Alfalfa irrigated pasture land has resulted in serious skin disease (Streptolricossis) and all cows  were sold off for Birr 200 - 300 each and lhe farms  were finally  closed (MacDonald. 1990) Moreover, the availability  and prices  of crossbred dairy cows/heifers in the country is not within the reach of farmers
Even though local breeds are low producers, they are tolerant to different diseases endemic to the country, high temperature, poor nutrition and management. They  are lhe adopted species  to perpetuate and reproduce in such unfriendly  environment to feed the poor families with milk and meat and a source of income from sale of the surplus To maximize lhe yield of these indigenous  stock, the animals  should oe exposed to improved management, feeding and their genetic  improvement through cross  breeding is a priority calling task
Based on lhe above-mentioned basic limiting factors., it is recommended to initiate a cross breeding programme between indigenous  and temperate dairy  breeds  such as  Holstern Friesian and Jersey to produce crossbred heifers in the project area to maximize both milk and meat production.
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7.2.2 Objectives
When designing a breeding strategy the objective of the operation should be clearlydefined. The objectives of the improvement scheme should be based, among others,on the reason for which the communities keep the animals, the potential of the breedin question and the national interest associated with the breed Unlike the deveiopcdworld, cattle in Ethiopia are not specialized for a specific  purpose. They  are multipurposeanimals. They  are basically used for milk  and meat production and traction power Improvement for these attributes depends on definition and subsequent selection forvarious traits (Aynalem et al.. 2011)
Thus,  the  main  and  specific  objectives  for  cattle  cross  breedmgand  improvementin  the project area are given below:
7.2.2.1   Main Objectives
•     To produce crossbred in-calf heifers for settling farmers to start with small-scale dairy farming in the project area
•     To increase milk and meat production of indigenous cattle breeds in the project area so as to improve the food security and food self-sufficiency of the population
•      To   produce   pedigreed   and   relatively   disease   free   stock,   especially   venereal diseases,
•     To  increase  employment  opportunities  and  generation  of  self-employment  through the promotion of milk and meat products business,
•       To   reduce   investment   costs   for   cross   herfers   purchase,   which   otherwise beunbearable to individual settling farmers.
7.2.2.2   Specific Objectives
•      Genetic  improvement  of  indigenous  cattle  breeds  for  milk  and  meat  production through cross breeding and further selection and improvement.
•     Development of dual purpose bieeds,
•      Initiation  of  performance  recording  system,  which  will  assist  in  selection  of  elite breeding stock
•     Selection  of  superior  crossbred  bulls  from  village-breeding  scheme to  be  used  for artificial insemination (Al) and natural mating in National Artificial Insemination Center (NAIC) and bull stations elsewhere in the country
7.2.3  Breeding Strategies
As has been alluded to earlier, the production system of the project area dictates the cattle cross breeding, selectionand improvement strategy to be adopted In the traditional livestock farming, the level of animalmanagernent and nutrition cannot support the potential of the so- called high yielding improved breeds. Thus, introduction of pure exotic breeds is not feasible This makes a strong case for theulilization of the locally available and adapted cattle breed in combination with improved genotypes coupled with improvement infeeds, health care, housing and general management
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The genetic  improvement of indigenous  non-descriptcattle for milk  and beef production could be approached through introduction of genetic  material from outside by  crossbreeding Accordingly, the use of Artificial Insemination with heat synchronizationwould fasten the genetic  improvement for milk  and meat traits. Moreover, calf-crops  can be harvested at definite lime in the year where feed supply  is  ample and disease prevalence is  low The produced crossbred females  will be raised on irrigated backyard forage and be ready  on time to commence the intended small-scale dairy  farming by  the settling farmers  In this programme, milk  and meat are the main outputs.Any  milk  beyond the household consumption is  sold to the milk  collection and processing groups  or direct to consumer, market, hotel. *estaurant, etc  or is  converted in to products  of long shelf life (butter, cheese, etc).
The strategy  followed is  that settling farmersfrom lhe project command area will be selected and trained in the area of cattle breeding, selection, mating, record keeping and other relevant practices  in the cattle breeding and improvement process  Thus, each settling farmer will receive a strong impute for the breeding and improvement of the livestock population at hand. It is  envisaged that each settling farmer will act as  model for the next settling farmers  who follow all lhe methods  used by  the initial farmer and learn from their experiences. The major criteria for selecting the participants  of the cable breeding and improvement programe include willingness  to keep the proposed cattle breed, produce improved forage crops  in the backyard and keep records  of all activities  of the breeding and forage development operations.
The programme intervention is  designed in such a way  that livestock  breeding and improvement activities  can be carried out with manpower and materials  available on the project office and participating family. This  strategy  will be linked with the Backyard and conserved feed development components  in which most of the farmers  that are willing to participate in the cross  breeding programme will be those that participated in forage production and feed conserving activities of the project
Cows and heifers of local breeds are low milk and meat yielders and can be purchased from the nearby  areas  of Assosa Zone as  a foundation stock  Selection from village herds  of Assas  Zoneor elsewhere will be by  simple proceduresmvolving judgment by  eye depending on the objective for which the breed is  to beimproved Traits  like milking ability, size, conformation and condition will be considered.
The estimated number of households  participating in the breeding programe will be 1.29fiand lhe base population would be on the average 10 364indigenous  cows  over the
r
protect period of IO years.Thisin turn means, on the average, 130 households  will settle under irrigation scheme each year Given lhe size of the area each settler owns  and the level of management, it is  suggested that the number of cattle in each household be constant over years.
Initially  9 best heifers/cows  of the indigenous  breed will be purchased from Assosa Zone and/or elsewhere in (he region and distributed to each settling household to form the community  breeding population by  the project office Considering 75% calvrng rate and 4% mortality, we would expect 3 male and 3 female calves  The 3 female calves  form the future dairy  stock  for small-scale dairying at household level Males  will inter the fattening
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program© at the age of about 12 months.All breeding and selection activities  would take place within the scheme, which would be the source o( all male and female stock  in the system
Currently, NAIC is  the responsible organization to collected, process  and distributed semen from improved crossbred bulls  of different genotypes  to areas  that run both pure breeding and cross  breeding programes.lt is  strongly  recommended to establish Artificial Insemination Center at Assess  which will be run under the auspices  of Regional Bureau of Agncullure and Rural Development and cater for the distribution of semen, liquid nitrogen and other consumables.
Cows  will be inseminated by  Artificial Insemination (Al) technicians  deployed to the project area and heat wrli be synchronized using cyncromate hormone based on the chosen time of the year At the same time, castrating and culling scrub bulls  and heifer should become part of the breeding and improvement programme.
Because of improved feeding and management techniques  coupled with improved health care, the milk production of indigenous cows is expected to double in the first year, from 608 liter to 1,215 liter and increase by  about 1.5% each year thereafter Similarly, with improved management, feeding and health care and the fertility  rate is  also expected to grow from 50% to 75% due to reduced open period and reduced calving interval.
All these activities  of breeding and feed development will definitely  requrre an entity  that is well organized, equipped and filled with subject matter experts  who are well educated and experienced to tackle such tasks  The project office will be working with regional, zonal and wcreda level stakeholder organizations  and will be stationed at Assosatown. The project office would be responsible for overall organization and performance of the cross  breeding and livestock input delivery to settling farmers.
The improved feeding., health care and general management conditions, which wilt bo combined with genetic  improvement of the future livestock  generation, would definitely  be gradual, long lasting and costly  Thus, as  the breeding program serves  the poor settling farmers, the government should provide technical and financial assistance to the scheme on a long-term basis  The proposal to commence cross  breeding and improvemenl of indigenous  livestock  breeds  may  look  impractical. However, lei a thousand miles  journey begin with a single step.
Moreover, the full participation of settling farmers  is  crucial for theeffecliveness  of the breeding program Farmers  will involve in many  activitiesincluding record keeping, animal selection, forage production and conservation, etc. While commitment from each party  is  the cornerstone for success  of such schemes, by-laws  need to be prepared, agreed and legalized. Inlhe by-laws, the roles  and responsibilities  of each stakeholder need to be fully ar.d clearlydefined
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7.2.4  Project Components
7.2.4.1   Artificial Insemination with Heat Synchronization
Indigenous  cows/heifers  will be purchased from local breeding areas  and inseminated with graded HF semen delivered from the NAIC As  the construction of the upcoming Renaissance Dam will be a reality  in the near future, the roads  to Assosa and other project weredas  will possibly  be asphalted making the semen and liquid nitrogen transportation simple. All cows  of the settling farmers  will be heat synchronized as  has  been commenced in Assosa and Bambasi weredas  to harvest contemporary  calve groups, which will benefit among others  In the selection program© of the crossbred population Al technicians  will be deployed to the settlement area and carry  out day  to day  insemination activities. Since all extension activities  are advocated and popularized by  Bureau of Agriculture, all the necessary  inputs  such as  liquid nitrogen. HF semen and Al consumables  will be facilitated by Regional Bureau of Agriculture in collaboration with the project office and NAIC.
Table 7.1: Cost Estimation for Cattle Cross Breeding programme over 10 years ( 000)
S/N
Items
No. of
Items
Unit Cost
Total Cost
l Birr in ’0D0)
Investment cost
i
Indigenous cows/herfers purchase
10,304
5.000
51.920
2
Establishment of Al center
2
100 ODD
200
3
Al crush
6
35,000
210
4
Motor cycle
7
70,000
490
5
LN container, 35 lit
6
15,000
90
6
LN container. 3 lit
6
5,000
30
7
Al-gun
12
200
2
3
Others
IS
LS
6,5
Sub total
52,949
9
Contingency @ 10%
5.295
Total
58.244
Operating cost
1
Fuel & lubricants
LS
LS
500
2
Heal synchronization
LS
LS
500
3
Consumables
LS
LS
130
4
Maintenance
LS
LS
30
5
Contingency© 10%
66
Total operating Cost
1226
The activities  under this  package are establishment of main artificial insemination centers and construction of crushes  in appropriate areasequipped fully  with transportation facilities, especially  motor cycles, semen, Al equipment and liquid nitrogen. Two Al stations  will be established together with animal health posts  so that in-heal cows  and heifers  are inseminated with HF semen and two Al technicians  w 11 oe deployed to each station. Table 7.1 gives the quantity of Al equipment together with their corresponding investment casts
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7.2.4.2 Forage Development
Volume IV - Part 'll Livestock Development Study Final Report
To estimate the land requirement for forage development sufficient for year round feeding, a complete ration has been formulated for each group of breeding animals and the total feed requirement together with land accusation has  been presented under section 9 of this livestock development study
The feeding regime for breeding population is  based on high quality  roughage as recommended by  MWRC (2003). The feed mix  or ration would consist of Elephant grass (Penisetum purperium), Alfalfa (Medicago saliva) and Lukina (Leucaeana leucocephala) augmented by Rhodes grass hay and noug cake No concentrate feeding is foreseen, as this is expensive and not economical at this level of productivity of animals The area required to develop backyard fodder and hay for each settling household is estimated to be 1.5 ha and the total area foreseen for forage development in the project command area is estimated to be 1,947 ha (Table 9.6)
A free access to minerals and drinking water is prerequisite To satisfy the mineral and other micronutrient requirement mineral salt lick  will be made available. Clean water will be provided to the stock  ad libitum In order to avoid contact with other animals  and save energy loss due to lengthy walks, the shed will be constructed near to the water source or the waler will be brought to them
With regard to feed cost per household, each settler will require about 6,690 Birr for initial seed purchase and a recurrent cost of 816 Birr each year This, however, does not include the costs for land preparation and initial planting as it involves higher cost and expected to be covered by the project office
7.2.4.3 Animal Health Services
The cows, heifers  and growers  will be vaccinated regularly  against contagious  diseases such as  Anthrax, Blackleg. Pasteurolosis. CBPP, CCPP. PPR. etc  For the control and eradication of trypanosomiasis, vector-traps and/or sterile male techniques can be employed together with prophylactic  and treatment measures. Animals  will be sprayed against ecto parasites  at regular intervals  depending on the level of infestation All cattle can be de wormed al the end of the dry season (May) before the rain starts and at the end of rainy seasons (October).
The diseases can be controlled through organized and established animal health extension services  The service can be effective, if it possesses  basic  infrastructures  such as  animal health clinics and health posts for diagnostic and treatment facilities and quarantine stations for incoming animal disease control mechanism around the mam clinics  within the close proximity  to theseltlement area Along with infrastructure development, qualified manpower development and supply of facilities such as equipment, instrument, veterinary products and transport will be part of the interventions
To attain the above goal the hnimal Health service has  to be organized and establish an infrastructure and develop effective diagnostic  and service delivery  systems. The programme component envisaged the construction andestablishment of 2 independent
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clinics  and 2 health posts.procurement of veterinary  instruments, drugs  and vehicles  and training of Animal Health Technicians  and Para-vets  Thus, there will be one standard clinic and health post in each settlement area with one veterinarian, two animal health assistant (AHA) and 2 animal health technicians (AHT).
Although the Government Veterinary  Services  in the project areas  is  responsible to deliver the basic  animal health services, the project office is  the most responsible organ established under administrative headquarters  such as  Assosawithin close proximity  to settlement area to facilitate and deliver animal health services in the project area
Table 7.2: Cost estimate for veterinary facilities
Veterinary clinic (2)
Animal health post (2)
No
item
Total cost (Bln m 000)
unit cosl
total cost
unit cost
ictal cosl
1
Establishment
150.000
300.000
100.000
200.000
500
2
Equipment Supply
130.000
260,000
70.000
140.000
400
3
Operating Cast
100,000
200.000
50.000
100,000
300
Total
760,000
440,000
1.200
For establishment of 2 veterinary  clinics  and 2 Animal Health Posts  a total of ETB 1,680.000 is  required. The financial requirement is  divided in to three parts  ETB 500.000 for establishment, ETB 400,000 for equipment supply  and ETB 300,000 for operation (Table 7.2).
7.2.4.4 Housing
Separate shed that is  provided with feeding and watering facilities  both for breeding and fattening stock will be constructed. Young bulls will be housed in group sheds while cows will be maintained in open shade with adequate loafing areas, manger and water trough with access  to continuous  water supply. In order to keep hygienic  condition, the floor needs  to be well drained and must be filled with mixture of sand and clay  and where there is  hard floor, good bedding shall be provided The roof can be zatch to keep the barn cool Outside the shed, the exercise area should be fenced As  houses  are made of local materials  such as wood and zatch, the investment costs  will be minimal and estimated to be 52,500 Birr per family.
7.2.4.5  Record Keeping
Success  in genetic  improvement to a larger extent depends, among others, on accurate recording of the farm operations  and periodic  analysis  of the data to design future plans  and take corrective measures  as  appropriate As  part of the breeding management, all the necessary  records  with respect to milk  production, feeding, health, breeding, etc  will be kept in both the project office and farmers  involved in the breeding programme Performance recording is  the foundation for selection and further improvement of the slock  at hand Breeding and improvement of livestock  comprises  three tools  performance evaluation selecting the future breeding stock  and mating the best male with the best female The reliability of these steps depends entirely on the quality of record keeping
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Dala to be collected at brrth on regular basis  include animal dentification number, sex, sire number, dam number, date of birth, date of calving, lactation number, disposal date, and disposal reason In addition, dala on body  weight, milk  production and reproduction traits 
including   growth   performance   traits   birth   weight,   weaning   weight,   body   weight   every   3
months,  reproduction  trails  first  service  date  calving  dates,  parity  and  miBc  production  traits lest day milk yield (for example every month) and lactation end date should be recorded
The trails  listed above should be recorded in the community  herds  Recording in the parteoatjng community  should be kept as  simple as  possible In addition to the basic records  (identification, sex. sire number, dam number, date of brrth. date of carving) test day milk  records  could be kept While the community  participates  in the recording process development agents  should engage in these activities  Additionally, staff from the project office, NAIC and agriculture offices should support the recording in the community
With regard to the Iraits to be used for selection, it is established that the more the number of traits  targeted in an improvement program the slower would be the rale of genetic  progress Therefore, as the improvement is for dairy and beef, it could be based on lactation rrnlk ytekj, age at first calving, calving interval, growth performance (yearling weight) and calf survival to weaning As  the scheme gets  strengthened, mechanisms  to include trails  such as  calving ease, feed intake, feed efficiency and meat quality traits could be considered
The project office and the NAIC are responsible for individual animal identification, performance recording, analysis  of the dala, and decision-making The processed data has to be relumed to each farmer to make the breeding decision. The settling farmers need to be trained so as to ensure quality information, understand and use the processed information
Moreover, success  in genetic  improvement to a large extent depends  on designing a simple but effective breeding strategy  Once the breeding plan is  in place there has  lo be a follow up of the whole operation. Pad of a breeding program has to do with regular analyses of the output/outcome of the program. Such analyses  should demonstrate the genetic improvements  obtained in ail important trails  and also the effects  on total output of products and per unit of measurement, and the economic  impacts  at both farm and national levels  If regular monitoring cannot be conducted for uncontrollable reasons, similar studies  could be done as  research projects  at certain intervals, whereby  data of the recording scheme are used to analyze the genetic  changes  in different traits  and to study  the population structure (Aynalem et al. 2011).
7.2A6 Training of Participating Farmers and Technical Staff
Emphasis  will be given to enhance the livestock  management capacity/know-how of local communities  through organizing awareness  creation, sensitization and training on improved livestock  management practices  including the promotion of improved animal feeding, animal health and olher related livestock development areas
For the cross  breeding of indigenous  cattle to produce crossbred females  in the project area, it is  quite imperative to tram development agents, regional, wereda and kebele level experts engaged in animal husbandry, forage production and animal health extension workers  who will attend a day-to-day  work  on the breeding ana improvement activities.Highly  trained subject matter specialists  should be assigned as  trainers  of technical staff at village level
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Volume P/ - Pwt Al Lr/*r*ltGO Qrr/ci!rp,"*'r1 Fmal
Table 7 3: Training cost estimation for cattle breeding and improvement
Project
year
Number of
trainees IHH)
Material Cost
Per trainee
Training
Days
Trainee
Perdiem/day
Trainer Per
dienv'day
Total
<ETB.l
1
155
50
10
70
200
118.250
2
155
50
10
70
200
118.250
3
155
50
to
70
200
118 250
4
155
50
10
70
2C0
H 8.250
5
155
50
10
70
200
118.250
6
155
50
10
70
200
118150
7
155
50
10
70
200
110 250
0
155
so
10
70
2G0
113.250
9
155
50
w
70
200
118 250
10
153
50
10
70
200
115.750
Total
1.181,000
7,2.4.7 Project Costs and Phasing
The physical projections  and associated budgets  depend not on herd expansion but on increase in productivity through breeding and improved management The anticipated costs in lhe project area include, purchase pnce of local cows/ heifers, Al cost, feed, labor cost medrcal costs and construction of sheds, offices, clinics, etc.
Investment Cost
Animal breeding and improvement endeavor is costly but kt is lhe only way out to improve lhe living standards  of the livestock-keeping farmers, import substitution and foreign currency  earnings  of the country  It involves  costly  processes  such as  stock  purchase, construction, Al and animal health, recording, selection, and training and extension activities Since, the cross breeding process is capital intensive though the returns are achieved within two or three years, a considerable technical and financial support from the government or donor agenciesis  required Because of these reasons, only  prominent capital and running cost items have been considered The investment and recurrent costs are given in Table 7.4 and 7.5.
Table 7.4: Investment costs for livestock breeding and improvement in the command area
S/N
Description
Unit
Quantity
Unit Cost
1
Purchasing initial breeding slock
Total Cost
( 0001
NO
10,384
5.000
51.920
2
Establishment of Al center
»
2
29,122.000
3
1 Establishment of veterinary clinic & AHP
58.244
»
2,
4
450000
Forage development
900
LS
1208
6682
5
Sheds
8.673
M7
136,290
6
Training
500
68.145
1548
763
Total kJ Q -
1.181
189,063
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Operating cost
Lr/estccfr
Volume IV - Pad ffl Study F^al Repcri
The operating cost estimates  for the cattle breeding and improvement project, spread out over the lifetime of the project is  presented on Table 7 5 The total ccerating cost per command area per project year is about Biir 1.698,600
Table 7.5 Operating costs for livestock breeding and improvement per command area
SN
Description
Operating
Cosl/Project year
Tolai ooeraSr-q
CcsUProjed life
1
Heifer transport
523.200
5232,000
2
Al cost
122,600
1.225 COO
3
Vet operating cost
30 000
300.000
4
Salary of lechn sluff
039.500
8 395.000
5
Forage Development
183 300
1,833 000
Total operating cost
1.598.600
16.985.000
7.2.4,8  Benefits and Beneficiaries
The strategy  aims  at improving the living standards  of farmers  by  increasing the productivity of lhe livestock  population in the command area rather than increasing the herd size Dairy cattle keeping could integrate very  well with irrigated forage development and would be an excellent source of additional employment and income to lhe farmersin the project area The cattle utilize backyard Forage like Elephant grass. Rhodes  grass, and Alfalfaand tree legumesefficiently and provide valuable products such as milk butter, cheese, etc
The cattle breeding and improvement project will increase the productivity  of indigenous livestock  owned by  1 298 households  In the project area Through the genetic  and environmental improvements, there will be an increase in milk  and meat production, which undoubtedly  leads  to higher per capita milk  and meat consumption, an increase in family income, improved household food security  As  can be seen from Table 7 6. due to cross breeding and improvement in feeding and health care, the value of output per settling household increases by about 3.5 fold in the second year and 27 fold thereafter except in the third year where all indigenous  cows  will be sold out and only  crossbred heifers  are kept :n the herd The incremental value of output reaches  to about Birr 2,440 per yearfrom incremental value of milk production due to breeding and improved management practices
The direct beneficiaries  are all settling farmers  participating in the cross  breeding programme With the anticipated programme, it is  assumed that the 1,298hou5eho!ds  who are participating in lhe prgramme will be benefited at the project full development 1.033 cows  will be heat synchronized and bred with pure Holstein Friesian semen using Artificial insemination each year About 23technlcal staffand 1,298 farmers  will be trained during the programme life
Moreover, the envisaged benefits  of cattle cross  breeding and improvement project whose aim is  production of superior crossbred females  to be used for upcoming small-scale dairying in the project area, which could have caused huge government investments  on heifer purchase from abroad and/or locally if available.
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Table 7 6; Proiected physical and financial increment as the result of breeding and improved management to cattle herds per family
Phase I: Cross 
breeding Drogam
Phase II Smalbscalc dairying
S/N
Description
Model
herd
l
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
Dairy cows
1
0
6
0
3
3j
3
3
3
3
3
2
Milking cows
1
6
6
0
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
Milk production
336
0
8.100
0
6.100
6,405
6.550
6,710
6.063
7.015
7,168
4
Off-lake
0
2
6
0
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
5
Manure (ton)
9 125
102 2
76.65
2555
51.1
51.1
51.1
51.1
51.1
51 1
51,1
6
value of output
4,055
17,451
169.668
1.363
112.325
117.205
119.645
122,085
124.525
126.965
129.405
7
Incremental value of output
-
12.596
152.237
(168.325)
110,963
4.880
2,440
2.440
2.440
2.440
2.440
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7.2.4.9  Environmental Impact
Vo4urr« IV - Part Ml Uv*vc<> Development Study Fetal Report
The project will no! have any  adverse effect on the environment Instead, there will be a change from traditional to modem system ol livestock  management. The few numbers  of animals, which coincides  with the carrying capacity, will have positive impact on the environment by  reducing the pressure on the grazing land Similarly, the introduction of improved grass  and legume species  'Will intensify  the vegetation cover of the grazing land, thus offsetting the erosion hazard
7.2.4.1ORisks and Ri3k Aversions
Luck  of exoenence and willingness  of indigenous  farmers  in cattle cress  breeding and improvement activities, reluctance to keep records  of their herd and not wiling to sell therr best sire to semen stations, will be a potential risk Another risk may be that the farmers may be willing to sell (heir males  at the very  younger stage, which fetches  an attractive pace through middlemen and illicit trade
7.3   Milk Collection and Processing
7.3.1 Project Rationale
Keeping crossbred dairy  animals  under improved feeding, heallh care and general management will undoubtedly  lead to surplus  milk  production over and above the demand for calves  and household consumption. With respect to milk  yield, the on-station and on-farm research results  conducted by  Adami-Tulu Agricultural Research Center for mid rrft valley 
and  similar  areas  indicated  that  50%  blood  level  Borana  X  Simmental  crosses  yielded  12
and 10 litter milk  per day. respectively, Similarly, the 50% blood level Borana X Jersey crosses yielded 10 and 8 litter milk per day. respectively. However, the milk yield of the 50% Borana X HF crosses is higher and lies by 14 and 12 litter milk per day. respectively. On the other hand, a cross  breeding programs  between Arsi and other local breeds  with Fnsian treed conducted in Arsi Region, indicates  that the lactation yield of 50% crosses  was  2 352 liters  with butterfat content of 4 4% Moreover, with increased level of breeding, feeding, health care and general management, a further increment of milk  to the level of 1 5% is expected.
Mekonnen Haile-Manam (1994), estimated calving interval, age at first calving, number of services  per conception and pre-weanmg mortality  rate of Boran cattle and their crosses artificially  inseminated with Friesian based on data collected from Adami-Tulu Abemossa Boran Cattle Crossbreeding Ranch Accordingly  the result were 525 and 487 days  for calving interval, 46 8 and 31.5 months for age at first calving. 1 81 and 1 61 for number of services  per conception and 4 0 and 2 9% for pre-weanmg catf mortality  rate, respectively Moreover, the daily  weight gam of Boran and Fl-crosses  was  535 and 638 g, respectively The mean age at first calving and calving interval of naturally  bred Boran cows  were 41.8 months and 442 days, respectively.
Indigenous  stack  is  adapted to the various  agro-ecological conditions  and also survives  in harsh environmental situations  Though they  have these gooct merits, the livestock  of the country are of poor genetic make-up and consequently their productive performance with
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Votama iv - Pan an
Livestock C*j^*f<^rr*e^t Study Era! Pec<**
respect to milk, meat hair etc  is  low This  is  exacerbated by  disease and poor management The annual off-take for cattle, sheep and goats  rs  estimated at 5%. 13% and 25 %. respectively  Due to low productivity, per capita consumption of milk  and meal is  low (16 kg and 10 kg, respectively) The annual losses  caused by  diseases  are estrmated to oe 8-10%
(cattle). 14-16% (sheep) and 11-13% (goats) of herd and flock  population (PADS. 2004) Though their productive and reorcductive performance is  disappointing and below their counterparts  elsewhere in Africa, cattle production, however, plays  an important role m the economies of farmers and pastoralists and the country at large
The farmers  in the project area lack  appropriate processing technologies. Which transforms the excess  row milk  into less  perishable milk  products  which can be stored as  dry  season reserve Moreover, the milk  suoply  in wet seasons  exceeds  the liquid milk  demand for consumption and gets  wasted unless  otherwise processed in to products  with higher shelf life However, the scattered settlement pattern, the poof transportation system, the ifaw demand for milk  products  such as  butter and cottage cheese, do not warrant the processing of liquid milk  in to milk  products  Rather the collection of cow mrlk  and resale 4 for uroan consumers  and export to Assosa, Nekeml and as  far markets  in Ethio-Sudan borders  will fetch a remunerative price while milk  in excess  of liquid milk  marketing can be processed in to butter and cottage cheese Moreover, the construction of the Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile and (he emerging metropolitan towns  nearby  create a good market for dairy products
Therefore, since milk  is  a perishable product, which requires  an immediate marketing or short lime preservation until marketing, an excess  should be changed in to a product with longer shelf life For this  effect, it is  important to establish milk  collection and processing group among the settling farmers wives
7.3.2  Objectives
The objective of this  project is  to establish milk  collection and processing cooperatives  which could facilitate the liquid milk  and milk  products  marketing network  to consumers  in the nearby  markets, and elsewhere in the country, which in turn will motivate the milk  producers in the area This  will contribute to the livelihoods  of the vulnerable settling farmers  through maintaining household’s food security and increasing household income
7.3.3  Strategies
The strategies  will be establishing farmers’ milk  collection, processing and marketing cooperatives  among wives  of the settling communities. The cooperatives  will establish liquid milk  processing and selling centers  equipped with milk  processing and marketing apparatus, so that the direct consumers, restaurants  and tearooms  can fulfill their milk  demand from the center.
Milk  in the project area will be produced from crossbred cows. Indigenous  cows  under improved management can produce more than 1.350 liters  of milk  oer lactation Moreover cross-breeding of indigenous  cattle in the settlement areas  ensures  steers  and cull animals for fattening. The crossbred cattle have relatively  higher potential for meal and milk production if managed under good conditions
1
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Thus, liquid milk  in excess  of calf and household consumption will be collected from the settling households, surroundrg farmers  and small-scale dairy  farms, and sold directly  to consumers  and retailers  In the big towns. The surplus  milk  exceeding the liquid milk marketing will be processed to prolong shelf life or turned into a variety  of foods, including cottage cheese, butter or ghee to fulfill the local demands  for milk  and milk  products Throughout the process, from milk  collection to marketing, strong emphasis  should be given to strict hygiene, since milk  products  can easily  transmit food poisonrng bacteria lo consumers.
7.3.4  Project Components
7.3,4.1 Establishment of Women's Milk Group
Milk  processing in the project area is  performed by  traditional equipment and carried out by the women. With lhe introduction of backyard fodder development coupled with breeding and selection for higher milk  production, there will be surplus  milk  production in excess  of household and calf consumption. As there are big towns such as Assosa and Nekemt In the project area, there is  more scope for fluid milk  and milk  products  marketing. Moreover, milk is  in excess  during the wet seasons  and gets  perished if not processed in to butter and cheese, which have longer shelf life and could be delivered to distance markets
To utilize this  surplus  milk, some 35 settling farmers' wives  will form one milk  collection group.which merge together to form primary  cooperative where all collected milk  will be processed and marketed. Eventually, the primary  milk  collection, processing and marketing cooperatives  could merge together to form milk  collection, processing and marketing union at project area level, which could establish a medium level milk  industry  The surplus  milk producers, situated outside the settlement area, can also sale their surplus  milk  to lhe collection center This  will ensure the maximum amount of milk  collection for processing and shortens lhe distance for milk collectors, possibly less than 5-kilo meters.
The members  of the milk  collection, processing and marketing cooperatives  will be wives  of settling farmers  and can be employed in milk  processing and marketing cooperative management by turn among them.
In India for over 2-3 decades, the scarce resources  of the country  were poured to increase the milk  production without any  success. However, when an efficient marketing system, involving lhe producers  was  established, milk  production was  increased to the extent of surplus and India Is the highest producer of milk in the world today (Hegde 2G05>,
T able 7.7 Phased development of primary milk collection cooperatives
Project year
Description
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
a
9
10
Total participants
130
260
390
520
650
700
910
1040
1 170
1298
MGG/Praject year
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
PMCC
1
MCG - Mik collection group, PMCC-
Primary rrntk collection cooDerative
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The number of participants, milk  collection group and primary  milk  collection and marketing cooperative to be established each year is indicated in Table 7,7. As can be seen from Table 7.7, about 40 milk collection groups  over 10 years will form one milk  collection and marketing cooperative, which will be formed around the settlement area.
7 3.4.2 Establishment of Milk Collection and Processing Center
The milk supply in the dry seasons is very low and the price per liter of milk goes up while in wet seasons, the supply  is  far greater than the demand and the price goes  down. This  high milk  yield and the tragedic  poor transportation contributed a lot for wastage of milk  Milk should reach the consumers  just within 3-4 hours  after milking and perishes  if delayer!. This nature of milk dictates the collection of fluid milk and the need for refrigeration until it reaches the consumers in the towns or processed into butler and cheese to prolong the shelf life.
To collect, process  and market quality  and hygienic  drinking milk  and milk  products  to local consumers, an establishment of milk  collection processing and marketing cooperative is vital. The milk  and milk  products  produced in the project area will have huge markets  not only  in local markets  but also neighboring country, Sudan Therefore, small-scale milk collection and processing units  will be formed in the command area and there will be a milk shop in the town Assosa Therefore, the need for the provision of milk  processing equipment and training to empower the women to process  and sell a range of dairy products  in distantly placed markets is very crucial.
The milk  processing centers  to be established in the seltlement area will have one milk collection and processing house, refrigerator and most required equipment and ulensrls together with trained women, who work  on shift basis. The number of livestock, milking cows and expected milk  to be collected is  indicated in Table 7.8 Table 7.8 also indicates  that the total milk  collectable per day  at the project full operation is  about 14.550 liters. About 28 per cent of the milk  will be cream separated using mechanical cream separator The amount of liquid milk  for sale, butter churned and cottage cheese produced at the project full operation (10* year) is estimated to be 10,480; 228 and 367 kgper day. respectively
Right after collection milk  destined for butter and cheese production will be cream separated and from the skimmed milk  soft cheese will be produced. After 3 days  of maturation, the cream will be churned in to butter which on the average contains  16% moisture and 80% butterfat. The produced collage cheese should be mixed with 1% table salt to increase the shelf life of the product While collecting milk  from producers, the hygienic  conditions  of the vessels, freedom from impurities  and smell should be checked using organoleptic  criteria, Each milk  producer is  expected to beer aluminum milk  containers all times.
Milk processing requires sufficient room to keep the nygienic conditions and safe storage The size of the processing house should be tOXIO meters and the floor should be concrete ano sloping 2% swards one side Moreover, sink for washing, refrigerator for milk, cream butler and cheese storage and milk-receiving 'oom with windows should be constructed in an appropriate place The milk house should be located in equidistance from milk producers* village, and proximity to road and water suoply is a prerequisite.
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Table 7 S Amount of fluid milk and milk products for marketing
Volume IV - Port lit Livestock Development Study Final Report
Project year
Total
Livestock
(TLU)
Lactating
cows
Total cow
milk
Milk
collection
per day
Fluid milk
cream milk
Cream
Butter
Cheese
1
1,456
700
351.000
2,340
151,632
58,960
5.897
3.302
5,307
2                         2,275
1,560
1,053,000
3.510
454,096
176,904
1
17.690
5,907
r -----------
15,921
13
1—1—
2,730
1,820
1,846,000
3.631
797.472
310 128
31,013
17,367
27,912
3,367
2,000
2.639.000
5.191
1,140,048
443.352
44,335
24,828
39 902
5
4,004
2,340
3.432,000
6.751
1.402,624
576,576
57,658
32.208
51,892
6
4,641
2,600
4,225.000
3.311
1,825,200
709,800
70,980
39,749
63,802
7
5.278
2,B60
5,018,000
9.071
2,167,776
843,024
84,302
47,209
75,872
a
5,915
3,120
5,811,000
11.431
2.510.352
976.248
97,625
54 670
87 062
9
6,552
3,380
6,604,000
12,991
2,052.928
1,109.472
110,947
62,130
99,852
10
7.189
3,757
7,397,000
14,551
3,195,504
1 242,696
124.270
69.591
111.843
Tolat
43,407
24.297
38,376,000
78,582
16,570,432
6,447,168
644,717
361,041
580,245
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7*3.4.3 Milk andMilk Products Marketing
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Dairy  improvement not only  demands  that productivity  is  improved but there should also be sound mechanism to support access  to milk  and milk  product markets  and sufficient capacity for processing of milk
To ensure uninterrupted milk  and milk  products  supply  to consumers  around the project area and far to Assosa and Nekemt, it is  strongly  required to strengthen the milk  collection activities  in the project area The milk  cooperative will supply  the consumers  with three types of products, namely, fluid milk, butter and cheese. All cow milk  in excess  will be processed into butter and cheese. Medium-scale factories, hospitals, schools, civil servants, big town dwellers. GOs  and NGOs  will be the possible clients, which will fetch a remunerative price and creates the bargaining power for the producers and processors.
The liquid milk can be transported to the marketing centers and sold fresh or the surplus can be processed into butter, ghee and cheese to increase the shelf life, which would be sold for individual consumer, restaurants  and traders  in nearly  or distantly  placed towns  Donkeys will be used for the transportation of collected milk  from households  and liquid milk, butler and cheese to the marketing centers, until the operators  are strengthened economically  and access  roads  become comfortable. The gross  profit from milk  collection and processing per collection center al the project full development will be Birr 63,579,923 per year, which is about Birr 4.002 per participating female per month.
7.3.4.4   Training of Project Staff and Participating Farmers’ Wives
Training will be given on the concept of milk  handling, processing and marketing technologies  and procedures  to the milk  collection cooperative group The orientation and in- services training will be given in either woreda capitals by the extension staff The duration of the trainings  will be 10 days. As  cooperative women are mainly  responsible for milk handling special training on milk  production, processing and handling will be arranged for 130 women in the project woredas  every  year Attention is  given to training of the technical staff in the programme areas. Moreover, onentation training on the overall improved dairy development programme will be organized to 45 technical and support staff from the prospective settlement area involved in the programme.
7.3.4.5   Credit Facilities
To bring about change in the livelihood of members  of milk  producers  and collectors, the group should be financially  strengthened to achieve a positive influence on the success  of the cooperatives  The credit will be used for purchase of equipment and utensils, which could be used to produce quality  mi!k  and milk  products  and transportation means, construction and to some extent running cost with credit duration of long-term repayment period Commercial bank, development bank, cooperative unions  and rural financial institutions can facilitate a long-term credit.
Th a credit re-payment schedule can be as follows:
■   Pre-pay me nt 20%
•    First year        1 □%
-    Second year    15%
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•      Third year         15%
■    Fourth year       15%
*    Fifth year          25%
7.3.5  Project Costs and Phasing
Volume IV- Part Ml Livestock Dovein^ment Study Final Report
Milk  collection and processing project involves  investment costs  such as  construction of milk processing house, milk  shop and purchasing milk  collection and processing equipment and utensils. The total investment cost over the ten project life is  estimated to be Birr 2,d84 million while the totaf recurrent cost per processing center per year is  about Birr 173,900. The cost items  for running costs  involve the purchase price of the milk, transportation, and iabor/management,
Table 7.9: Investment costs for milk collection and processing project
S/N
Description
Unit
Quantity
Unit Cost
Total Cost ('000/
J
Establishment of processing center
mz
375
2.000
750
2
Equipment
LS
LS
LS
180
3
Donkey cart
pcs
12
7.000
84
ri
4
Milk shop
pcs
8
15.000
120
Training
No
129B
1040
1.350
Total
2,484
7.3.6 Benefits and Beneficiaries
The direct beneficiaries are all settling farmers as well as their wives who are participating in the milk  production, collection and processing Other people who are involved in milk  and milk  products  marketing, restaurants  and hotel owners  in the major towns  in the programme areas will also benefit from the project
The financial benefit will be from the sale of cow milk for Birr 13per liter. The benefits of the milk  marketing system guarantees  reliable market outlets  for the milk  produced and collected from outside. This  also has  the advantage of saving time for many  farmers  who sale their milk in the big towns and villages This saved time will be used for other productive purpose which will generate extra income in other sector (feeding animals, crop production, etc). As slated above, the gross  profit from milk  collection and processing per participating female per day will be about Birr 136. which is Birr 4,082 per Month.
7.4    Cattle and Shoats Fattening
7.4.1 Objective
The general objective of the fattening project is  to finish cattle and shoats, which include
culled  animals  from  own  breeding  and  purchased  males  from  the  nearby  markets  for  4
months  using improved forage and fodder crops  from the backyard to boost thehousehold income of the settling farmersfrom the sale of finished animals  which could help contribute to the sustainability of households food security and food sei*-sufficiency
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7.4.2  Rationale
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Under improved feeding, health care and general management conditions, it is  quite possible to achieve higher weight gains  per fattening period.Fattening cattle and shoals  al small-scale encourage livestock  off-take, which will eventually  balance stocking rales  with natural fodder supply
Cattle, sheep and goats are the most rmportant livestock types in the project area and known by  their dual production of milk  and meat at the present traditional production system. Cattle
»n   the   project   area   are   known   for   their   larger   conformation   though   weight   and   growth characteristics  were  not  adequately  studied.  If  project  area  related  livestock  breeding  and improvement    programme    is    applied    with    appropriate    livestock    extension,    quality    and quantitywise   sufficient   feed   animal   health   services   and   production   management,   it   is believed to increase to the body weight range of 400 to 550 kg
Indigenous  peoplehave a long tradition for cattle and shoats  conditioning in the project area, which is  an asset to start this  fattening intervention.Some previous  studies  recommended cattle and shoats  fattening as  economically  feasible interventions  and all fattening stock should be purchased from the market However, culled animals  and steers  from the breeding programme will also be fattened together with purchased male animals from the market
The indigenous  people and settled breeders  often sell out draught oxen and males  right after the end of the seasonin fear of Trypanosomiasis. This  creates  a reasonable source of male animals, which will be fattened based on improved forage speciessuch as  Rhodes  grass, Elephant grass.Alfalfaand Lukina amassed from the backyard and supplemented byRhodes grass hay and noug cake
Thus, the settling farmerswill establish small-scale feedlots  since lhe nearby  towns  such as Assosa, Nekemt, and to the extent of Addis Ababa and neighboring towns of Sudan provrdes an excellent outlet for beef and shoats' meat.
7.4.3  Strategies
In the Ethiopian context, export markets  demand leanmeat whereas  when the target is  local market, fattened cattle are highly  preferred. Thereto re. lhe breeding, feeding and other management conditions  should be designed insuch a way  that the requirements  of the specific markets are met.
Thus, the local cattle breed s/types  of the project area.Arab and Oromogoat types  and locar sheep are the cattle and shoats  breeds  foreseen for fattening. Although definitive research information is  still lacking, the lowland-type, range-adapted indigenous  cattle and shoai breeds  are believed to have good potential for beef and mutton production Since these livestock breeds are the only cattle and shoal types dominant and well adopted in the project area it is  proposed to start the fattening program with these breeds  The requirement for lallening animats  will be covered partly  from own reproduction and partly  through purchase of male animals from the nearby local markets.
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A  settling  farmers  household  can  fatten  12  cattle  in  three  rounds.  The  culled  cows  and steers  (2)  will  be  fattened  for  4  months  based  on  green  feeding.  As  large  number  of  steers can  be  purchased  within  reasonable  distances  at  a  reasonable  price,  the  profitability  of  the fattening    venture    is    not    questionable.    Purchased    bullsfrom    the    nearby    markets    are introduced  at  about  300-350  kg  live  weight  and  be  fattened  for  120  days  on  zero-grazing basis  using amassed green  feed from  the backyard  and  sold when they  attain about  400  kg Target average daily gain is 700 gram per head.
Mutton and goats' meat is also of high value in the area, The production of mutton and goals meat through (he fattening of purchased males would be a profitable enterprise in 1he project area A household can fatten 12 bucks  and 12 rams  each year and has  to purchase all yearling males from the surrounding market and fatten them for 4 months
As   the   operation   is   based   on   high-quality   forage,   an   average   daily   gain   of   105
gram/goat/sheep may  be expected During the 120 days  fattening period, the total body weight gam may  well amount 13 kg /sheep or goal It is  expected that the average live weight of the kids/lambs on purchase will be 17 kg and the finished weight al the age of 14 months will be 30 kg. Young goat/sheep weighing about 30 kg is the most preferred finished weight in the Middle East markets  including the neighboring Sudan.The total cattle and shoals  to be fattened per 130 settling household in year one will be 1r560 and 3.120; respectively  while 15,576 cattle and 31(152shoa!s  will be fattened at the project full operation.
7.4.4 Project Components
The components  of cattle and shoals  fattening programme includes  fattening of culled male and female animals from own breeding herds and purchased bulls and male shoals from the nearby  local market, development of backyard fodder health care of animals  in fattening programme. Moreover, there will be a training component .which will deal with aspects  of animal fattening such as  feed production and feeding, health care and record keeping for settlers and technical staff.
7.4.4.1 Forage Development
To estimate the total dry  matter requirement per fattening animals  per year and the corresponding land requirement per family, a complete ration has  been formulated for each group of fattening animals  and the total feed requirement together with land accusation has been determined under section 9
Fattening cattle and shoals will be based on the backyard fodder, which will be produced on plot of !ands allotted for each type of feed at each household level (section 9). Green feed in form of Elephant grass  and Rhodes  grass  are the basal feeds  where exclusively  the cut-and carry  feeding system have to be adopted and supplemented by  Alfalfa andLeucaena In arge-scate feedlots, maize and oil extracting by-products  may  be introduced as  alternative
forages  of higher feeding value which would reduce the fattening period and allow a higher annual turnover of animals. However, under this  small-scale level fattening it is  strongly advised to depend on backyard green feed to reduce production costs  and increase sustain ability. To satisfy the mineral and other micronutrient requirement, mineral salt lick will be macle available. Clean water will be provided to the fattening animals, the tine
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7 4.4.2 Animal Health Services
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Diseases  coursed by  micro organisms, internal and external parasite, poisoning, nutritional deficiency, brand and mechanical injury are major causes of poor weight gain and consequently reasons  for low economic  return in animal fattening programmes.Therefore, it is  important that animals  in the fattening program receive adequate disease protection. Unhealthy  and unproductive animals do not make good use of scarce high quality forage.
Moreover the freedom from major contagious  diseases  of livestock  such as  Fool and Mouth Disease (FMD)r Rinderpest. Pasteurellosis. Contagious  Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Contagious  Caprine P/europneumonia (CCPP), Peste des  Petties  Ruminants  (PPR) are regarded globally  as  prerequisite for world trade of live animals, animal products  and by products. An annuat direct loss  due to mortality  is  25 per cent for the calves, 13 per cent for yearling and 5 8 per cent for adult together accounting for about 2.4 to 3 million heads  of cattle (hedge. 2005)
Deworming against gastro-intestinal parasites  for fattening cattle and shoats  should be carried out before the fattening begins. The use of broad-spectrum anthelmintic  drugs  such as  Albendazole and Fa&inix  are effective to deworm roundworms, Moniezia and liver flukes (ESGPIP (2008) Thus, vaccination against major diseases  and drenching and spraying against endo-and ecto parasites  will be carried out al the time when (he purchased animals enter the fattening programme Moreover, to prevent the cross  border incursion from Sudan, vaccination and prohibition of cross  border movement of livestock  is  necessary  to keep the current livestock demand in the Middle East and other countries.
The   following   steps   will   be   taken   to   safeguard   the   health   of   animals   in   the   fattening programme; -
•      Animals  which  are  healthy  and  have  no  obvious  physical  defects  will  be  selected. This applies to both purchased animals and cull oxen from the owners herd,
•      If  the  vaccination  history  of  the  animals  is  not  known  with  absolute  certainty,  they should  be  vaccinated  against  all  of  the  major  economic  diseases  (eg  anthrax,  black leg, FMD pastreulosis),
•      The  animals  will  be  drenched  with  a  broad  spectrum  anthelminthic  at  the  beginning  ol the fattening period to maximize the weight gain,
•       Non-performing,   animals   and   sick   animals   will   be   culled   immediately   and   isolated from   the   group   and   veterinary   assistance   will   oe   given   The   animals   will   only   be returned after they recover.
However, most farmers  have limited or non-existent access  to veterinary  services  and perhaps  as  much as  80-90% of livestock  diseases  can be controlled through the simple means  of anthelmintics  and acaricides  These drags  do not have administered by  trained professionals, but can be properly  administered by  trained farmers, paravets  or Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs).
It  seems  appropriate  to  include  a  veterinary  clinic  near  the  project  area,  preferab-y  arouno each settlement site to improve (he livestock health conditions for the settling farmers This
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can be situated around the residential block  together with facilities  such as  clinics  and schools. In close co-operation with the veterinary clinic, trained farmers and CAHWs can promote animal health and nroduclion effectively.
7.4.4.3 Training
Settling farmers togelher with development agents deployed to the project area will receive basic  and advanced training on animal breeding and improvement, animal husbandry practices  covering by-product utilization hackyard fodder development and haymaking, fattening, health care, livestock breeding and improvement and general management of local and improved animals.
Improved veterinary services and backyard fodder production in the irrigation scheme create a favorable condition for fattening business. Development agents deployed in the project area settling farmersinvolved in the fattening programme will be trained about techniques of fattening such as  housing, feeding, watering, heallh care and marketing, which are the fundamental capacity building elements.
Moreover, about 130 households will be trained each year throughout the project life to be Community Animal Heallh Workers. They will attend a 10-day training course which will be organized in a nearby vrllage or wereda capital. Assosa, Bambasi or Menge, The training will be very  practical and participatory  in nature, allowing practical skills  to be thought and practiced in a familiar environment This will include an examination of a sick animals, use anlhelminbcs and acarisides, dress wounds, trim feet, castrate and keep records.
The regional, zonal and wereda Agriculture and Rural Development Bureau veterinary officers and project office will supervise the training programme jointly. The project will help the CAHWs to start drug shops in the project areas, and thereby ensure the continuity in the supply of drugs after the end of the project.
7.4.5 Project Costs and Phasing
Animal fattening is a lucrative business in the project area as there is reliable domestic and foreign market, readily available animals for fattening from the surrounding local markets, all year round green fodder supply  and reasonable fattening knowledge by  the settling communities in lhe area Fattening involves investment costs such as fodder establishment, construction of barns; purchase of equipment and tools but it is the sustainable enterprise to improve the living standards  of the poor farmers  and foreign currency  earnings  of the country.
Forage development, veterinary services/medicament, management, housing & labor are lhe major recurrent cost components of the fattening project Based on these assumptions the investment costs, operating costs and revenues of the proposed cattle and shoals fattening have been calculated and presented in tables 7 10 and 7.11.The total operating cost per project year is about Biir 7,760.000 and Birr 776,000 is required for settling farmers in each year
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Table 7,10: Investment costs for cattle and shoals fattening project
S/N
Description
Unit
Quantity
Unit Cost
1
Establishment of feedlcls
m
126.166
250
31.541
2
Loading and unloading ramp
pcs
2
50.000
100
3
Cattle weigh
pcs
2
35,000
70
4
Perimeter fencing
m
1,421
120
5
Forage development
LS
0.363
6
Animal health services
LS
560
7
Tralninq
LS
Total Cosl('OOO)
171
385
Total
N.B irrigation costs are not included
Table 7.11: Operating costs for cattle and shoals fattening m the command area
41,190
SN
’1
Description
Operalinq Cosl/Projecl
year
Fattening stock purchase
2
3
Forage Development
Animal health services
14.000
Total operating
Cost/Project life
67.496,000
1,189 UU0
7,760,000
140,000
5
Salary of techn. Stuff
6.749,600 118.900 776.000
Total recurrent cost
7,658,500
76,585,000
7,4.6 Benefits and Beneficiaries
The direct beneficiaries are all farmers participating in the programme. Other citizens who are involved in livestock  marketing, butchers  and hotel owners  in the major towns  of the programme areas and elsewhere in the country, will also benefit from the project. At the end of the project year 1,298 families  involved in cattie and shoals  fattening will be benefited from the sale of 12 cattle and 24 sboats each year Moreover, about 22 technical staff and I.SSfifarmers will be trained during the programme Me.
7,4.7 Implementation Schedule
The implementation schedule is designed for ten years of the project fife span breaking by yearly bases considering the quarters of the year. The average fattening period is assumed to be 4 months.
About 130new households  would be participating yearly  in the fattening program Participating in the irrigation-based forage development is the prerequisite to run a fattening programme in each settlement area Each household would establish and develop about 1.5 hectare for irrigated backyard fodder and haymaking. Thus, it is stipulated that starting from year one and up to the 10in year a total of 1.947 hectares of irrigated land would be devotea for backyard fodder production Each participant would develop 0.46 hectare Elephant grass, 0 1 hectare Alfalfa, 0.94 hectare Rhodes grass far green feeding and haymaking and plant leucaena seedlings  on 0 001 hectare in his  backyard. Thus, each year. 130 new settling households  would develop an additional 59.8 hectares  Napier grass, 13.0hectares  Alfalfa and 122 2 hectares o Rhodes grass for green feeding and hay making and 0.13 hectare for
f
planting leucaena trees
Wa te r Wof ks De si gn .nd Supervision Enlerpn
110
JanuaryMinistry of Waler, Irrigation and Energy 
Volume IV Fart III
□abus Irrigation Study and Design Project_______________________ Live stuck Development Study Final_Rgpon_
7.5    Apiculture Development
7,5.1 Rationale
Honey  contains  much of sugar, which can be readily  absorbed by  the body  and mostly useful for children, working adults  and sick  people. It can be used for food and drink sweetener, to treat malarial* gastric and cough diseases, generates high economic value per units of inputs Wax is also a product of apiculture, which is used for the manufacturing of cosmetics, candles* medicines, and polishing, as a result, there is potential market for it in the country and abroad In addition to this, bees have the advantage of cross-pollination of pollens from crop to crop or from trees to trees leading to an increase in crop and forage yields. Honeybees  can pollinate about 80% of Lucerne through cross  pollination and the remaining 20% are pollinated by selfing (NDDB, 2002)
According to honey  and bee’s  wax  development and marketing plan of MoA (2003), the woredas  falling into the project command area —  Assosa, Bambasi and Menge - are categorized as  high potential zone forbeekeeping due to floristic  coverage and diversity, number of bee colonies and beekeeping experiences of the people The current homestead garden and forage development under irrigation scheme creates  favorable conditions  for beekeeping in the area This circumstance makes the areas conducive for honey production using intermediate beehives followed by hands on practice training for settling farmers and development agents deployed in the area.
The average honey yield (5kg) obtained from the traditional hives, hallow woods, riverbank cliff is very small compared with the average honey yield (20 and 12 kg/hive) from modern
and transitional hives under the provision of modern production technologies.
Extension activities  regarding beekeeping in the project area is  almost non-existent and technical assistance from either the government or NGOs is at its rudimentary stage. The yield of honey and bee s wax can be increased through establishing apiculture extension system mainly  by  training the stakeholders  and farming communities  and provision of modern production equipment. This  could give important enhancing knowledge of keeping honeybee colonies  in hives, protection of existing honey  floras, cultivation of fast growing and multipurpose bee forage plants in the irrigation edges, and efficient extension services and capacity building. This will contribute to household food security and the reduction of household poverty to the faming livelihoods with minimum effort
The major beekeeping sector constraints identified through wereda, kebele and household level survey include: (a) low level of awareness and predominance of traditional practices (b) lack  of improved beehives, materials  and budget (c) forest fire: (d) lack  of technical expertise in apiculture, and (e) prevalence of diseases,wax moth.rats insect pest, bird pest, spider and monkey are among the majorhoneybee pests in the area
Therefore, apiculture extension with main emphasis of deploying technical experts, training the local honey  producers  and stakeholders, prevention of forest fire, provision of apiary equipment and accessoriesto the settlers  through close supervision and monitoring is :ustified to increase the apiculture development in the command area
Wald Warks Design and Supervision Enterprise
111
January. 2015Mlnwiv Wttur rtHjhlkir mil Snwrgy
Mm Hffgnftcfp fThjifg wd > '***thjr ’’■•‘•iFHi:
7 5.2 Objective
f> mf^T|jirflw,’1 •           •■ s< ■ « ■■»
The main cCfecfwe .if apiculture rtevetopment onwtf n to row* 1w hmwy *•>* wax production totocshhe household rccmMcd HUfriflawl llWiie f 'r^rt^irr' r-*
pr-iHa<f which :nuM coninbufe "n 'h« poverty aflwvlidlorr >rd frhwci* <xwf «r *4’^
r
7 5.3 S!rat**gi*?n
T?e stnrtegm for the aptcuftur* development ?r® Tarring *h© soffbrg tormcvs ah; rferested to bn involved and manaq*> meuffure development dfefr^uh* Tarsihor^
hives and teekeepirg equipment to those who                 showed ntgresf v j *rtpr ard agriculture   scecjailstsand   ctewtapment   .Kjerfs   it   settlement   arsa   to   irafer^**   *
ra
-
supervision and monitoring the apieuttur* tevetopmerf adivrtfee E skapflelrting ■ ■? « / »r d bees  wax  iriarkeftrg system bv  rdr/?dujils  jrd/nr :orcwshv«s  will Ex* oddfwewd 'ig^rr** with other westock ard product? marketing
n*e development nlervenbon wtii tie implementod ^n fh© wWem*^* arewe Penw^trng t <9flfnmiHesof different ethnic'groups The owwkeepirq equipment will h*» pcovK^d or *wch b*>eheecer hpusehcldand proiwct area skiff Fourbnwkeepirq technician© w4) pe Tetrad rrd
assigned >n the settlement area Moreover ievetopment agents (DA) mil
today achviSw© at each settlement area Each participating houeenofd Aril be jnc| mjinaqnmmt, honey and wax prucossirq rind ’iter■xj*’
7 5 4 Project Components
i-37
the   mn>n   compcinwntn   of   apiculture   development   programme   mchidw©   JinTOU^r   J beehives and accessories to settling households training Mdktmoidnrs
igarK  werwdo   duff  and   beneficiaries   onhoney   extraction  proce^^rxj  and  storage  an*’ marketing
7 5 4 1 Distribution of Bochlvoa and AccoMorto*
Honey  ind beeswax production and marketing in the project irea © merely prm-4?ve and
back worded Settlingformerson th© irrigation scheme creatm favorite
organizing. training, impute and credit supply monitoring and ©valuation
’ emer? will jrow different snrifils. putsen vegetabies and toiler tpe^ies Ah«:r
ectar and ouileri for foraging been To use these opportunities in© f.wmn i t r.© * .pp- •*£• wtin 5 !■ in nition a I hives with accOASorlOQ
fhr» total ditmbulwn of Kenyan Top Bar intarrnndMto hives will d tx s tov 
nousehold) The farmers will bn jtle to manage beekeeping using jr ins r-anai Jwm x-t *tms trained before the project commences and the full pacxagrrz of 3p-,"urt.<r*-
equipment will be distributed !o each nouswhoid Them tEnms >ratx^
oeehivewith mve stand, hiv© shed,bn© cotoraee, bee suit, bee giov© r>w «eii ^JMber smoker water sprayer beekeeperncnisei bee brush piaabc s-w honey 
.;;3nrurer honey container bees wax honey presser memr-j ^-.i
*^r T*©
•
i.jfur Aukl -lirtHjH Jivj FnfWpilM
-VJrtRfr/    ^f    '    'mt^Hirn    w*ef    crmqv 
’•H-hi r*ipfirr *huty r»c! migr
7 5 4 2 Tr^ning
Aj bereflctary swifting farrners wer*<ta xrrj
hmstork ^^rcraH experts
>vsMircr'*nt agents  >cfovnd ta rhe protect in** will ^wcanes  sr •♦hwuwtb/w ard practice Turing r the inux  if bee bfofoqv  honey  3rd mt production proca-wnrq rd SfoTWX’ nadrefirq devefocmert bee forige md fowrlirq honeybees  *rd *»>*’ ~:*rarp*mf't activities The duration of training for bereflcwies will be 15 "1*37*1 wr-»i« *r rtereiw* 'rwmq of d«v«»fccfrerf >q*rts  and wemd-s  ivestock  expert wHI hove 3 training pared r« month The framing will b* jrgarized each /ear only for the settling *ar^er^ *rd the werwia stuff Anil be framed once at the beginning of the pr?i**rt ooeraficn Mcrscver ntrxiu^s bylaws Jo protect the forest from burning <k II building m modem beekewomq such ** • xw-- n?anrg hives  mahmg. honey  processing and packing provide *“d ~iorwy/'-,rwtff fo rMtete modem beekeeping. establish honey  processing and marketing ccoperatw* mk  *■’**■ f*« market. provision jf water supply supper* private bow colony multtphcarior jtJ mar**fir g -f income generation and facilitate eiposure visits  w»ll iho jnmr tfue cmpn>^*: dur-rq Timing
7 5.4J Marketing
The current once for crude honey and wax m Assess Nakemt Addm Aooba and sther
n ^eghbcrrg countries like Sudan s very attractive for beekeepers n the pnec? area
There also exist big market opportunities for processed horny and >•’! wax n me ^&f,r
country and others the collected honey and wax shall be processed and pouttad rfo sm-od
.•untamers with a capacity ranging from ha/f to one kg, which will add purtv and
"c
•be product Moreover, the containers have to be labeled to ndreate the onpn if the prxXr’ 3rd other rwfovant information Io lhe consumers
Table .* 12 Training cos! estimation for apiculture development
- --------------------
" iFB* ’ ilw                         — ■-
Year
Number of
frjiriwnn MH)
VlrdfKhll Cost
Pur trainee
Training
1 Jays
T.i jirrtm
Parti lem/cftiy
Ti.ufwr F'wr
dltsm/tUiV
Totai &rr
T
2
J
4
5
M/
14/
147
'■I1
14/
•■’ 25 25
.« 25
15
15
15
15
15
15
100
100
100
100
100
200                    >2 M * 2 .’3                    22’/ ‘ " J0O
22- 1
e                 14/
25
too
/
14/
25
B
9
14?
25
14/
25
IS
15
TS
100
. j.;
200
we
22 '*■ * ’*•
►------- --- - -i 22 ’ '1 ’S
1Q0
100
200 ■ •* *j-
20C                    2^ ’ 7
10               144
25
15
I0U
j\Q
J:* 1
Totel
i -16a
- --------
15
Tide 7 13 Investment costs tor beekeeping protect
S/N .
Description Beekeeping equipment
I Participant UM .
• *-** r
-’•
B0 aoo              2 244
;           ,■
2           Training
Total
/■/ jler Ao ” >           *> a I-jo ji ■ I jilpei^'l'O r i■ i-irpi rid
*L3’jWiwtri ifw-thir r^riTU’r* HAfflW
Mb* r-gtfrr Slwty *•!
'
'         _'
;r^twi ^fy ’-W*^
7 5 5 Project Cosr* anrf Phasing
&H>keecng m the project w i torg trwfltar though
An **^*9^*^ ?f
rxjpfion   scherr*   Mill   *nMte   >r   additirral   OPOOriurrltV   rnr   xHculture   r>/®hcr^H   r    J    «*
DTOierf  r»4  p^n*<*c»rq  nvciVes  mv^fmenf  costs  for  pumhomng  ^M^u?M©irg  o*yapm«^f
4rd hives ®-?r4ti'*iFn’<arf of hiv« sheds srd inHrmg costs Mhlr-h may ~of be
1 rcftvtdual fom*er evei total ny*>«jfrnenf cost for t JO fetWng ' j/**’**i w-d sr»*
cf honey processing center s estimated to be 9ir 2’ *W5 mdficr Pte •ctel tecurerf
**
r
tamity per project year »es bv Pirr 2.J67 rhe nyMstmenf cost s gttem n jFi«s
7 5,6 Benefits ind Beneficiaries
The jrcss  profit from apiculture development it the end of ’he oro^or.t ife oil >m 7.836 r 34 which a about Birr 5.963 o-r pertidpafing farmer ;te* /ear Th^ dksc* benefleanes  jre the settling liinren nvotvwd n apiculture Jevteopmerf scTrv*?«s  •«=
berefit wHI oe from the sale of the honey rd bees wax produced About 25 «q C<
sre
2.5 **9 bees wax will be produced from an ntwrmediate b«ehfve per /«ar *e Curtert 2/
of hcrey and tees wax .wound the project area has beer user! TO
from sales Based on this estimation, each oarfrcipatmq farmers m»u >/r/« >
*r*e
if
about BirT5.88Jper /ear the quality and quantrtywise supencr crop p«ld due •© zrz** pcHInatton by honeybees s another important benefit of the settling SQTO postorofeste r BTO|ecl wen
7 5 7 Implementation Schedule
fte mplementatlon schedule is focused on the distribution of ptodue’ior framing gt ^xpwitn DAs end beneficiaries of the intervention The nforventjor tabulated m f abte “ M
fable * bl Participating farmnis aver the protect /ears
tre.
c *
Project Year
IT ~[ ~ ~n — »
HPGrt*rc>ted year
*—
1
------
-
---------
21
P »ifi<r»pnr'tn           1 !()
H
1 io
1i
. »Honey prod                sip fp 1 Wei participants
7 6 Tabla Egg Production and Marketing 76 1 Rationale
l 1 :u> ret
4 1 Ml
tl
5 no 1i
0 no
’1
f
■■- L.’-1
k» -
S i it J t.:
tjo (no ; QS
>=- ► *
L.'-
IU 15
IS
-      +T14# ns*
■
Poultry  production  m  tha  proiect  area  is  characteru’ad  By  wail  flocks  at  exai  are:  <«v.'  '•.
almost  ailhousahalds  fh«  Bertas  and  other  seUersdo  consume  Both  poultry  "c*1   a   -jc=-:-i
Moreover the en^ugwi Renaissance Dam employee tuning » ,•«
p_.
pokier and the ftmergmg towns with hotels and restaurantscreate ’'igrer te.- i 4 »
meat and egg Even it the current low population the towns Assoia flames *^s M • are facing a marked shortage in egg and poultry meat Therefore pr^pcfcJ production will provide ideal business for smaJlbu.der producer'.
,. -
■*Wni A < i .’tt-u jr )i n|
!
"Sufiir 1 « -i fnfeikj
r> -.’I
-Hu* ‘j’tsf’jv
7w
’•♦bits t^jrtHrrt Shnty #nf '•'tirjr ’
“r**”!
r-W
-tfr------ ---
<’Jh
7 6 2 Objective
7*yi main abjective ’b*1 poultry  nferventlon i *o rcreasw *hw %ri cr if cgy  pradixdw *Hh aocroonafe aqq weight. shell fhir)tr»ss  arrt /oik  cokjr fhf **‘4S :or^um*r» r he
•r*eirjirg -i^rkefs ro ncretiw the inMmiwHid rruirtrinrial status of the :cUd cnrtrtjutfc to ’b*1 covert*/ ilMvmticr and »*rfW» food w:urty
fbrmltet
imcrovirtg pcuftr/ orodurfrcr r the nroiec? sree has 'he Mkrwtrig wronjiiry TbfFcbw^s
•    Partially IWfiW ft** crotem Jemord of the wnprny« of *he *rrw?nj ‘wrs hr^xjr increasing egg and cxiurtr/ -^eat production
■ Addittcr^i rtinl Amcloym^rf opportunity
•    Additional ncome aenembon to the setting 'amiHw thus standard of IN mg
7 6 3 Strategies
r h*
Commercial productton business demande hKjh yi**ktinq pure Dmcte «ucn □?
Leghorn ir synthetic strains like Govan Grown However these txseds may not be
u the required rime and quantity and scant*/ f supplied crom the neighboring AWOT j? --
Omme Regions As the result. Powe Poultry Multiplication Center s the only 
far ibis protect Currently as described under sectton 5 6 J 5. Pofchofetreom Koofceeft s Tre
□nly breed miimplied >n the center The breed as characterixnd «n the breeds > wwre               * an etceitorl dual purpose free raiKjmq chicken with excellent layTng ~apoMNles wwt js a
wery large structure For meat production Potchefstroom kookoefta are ahx> known
’‘jrnfairirq good r»qq production wn with poor quebty or insufficient Med.-ng Tn# r/er'jge production Of I9H* 8 1 nggs per yntir was reported by the breed>r*q ecmpacw
fhttp //sn wikipndid orcjAwikJPotChefslroom Kookonk)
Since the indiqnrious  poultry  types  ousted are gerefteaHy  tow Ridders  ! s  ?hu» 'tfcomrnended tn distribution Potchefafranm Koekonkbrnads PotcneMroom * :*5'<bree-^
which are duel purpose exotic chicken breed with marked adaptation
moderate
rnanagemenl with 1h« ratio of 5 to 2*» will be distributed To I JUfjfarmmq r?ouxcneid& cwCSrq around each settlemenl arnu This involves 2 setilernent are^s and about *>49 *nu$e?xxS* r each settlement area
Thus trnaib scale poultry enterprise with low cost home grown frreds ard hMfih care w-.» increase the household income of settling farmers Thws<? opportunities are ^ncouraqrrxj j rd a re an asset for 'he implementation of poultry production nterytneor n *he setrtirghouseholds in the project areas The xarwt and respective woreda l|yest$£k development agents and a total of 1 lOfarmers wilt oe traired each yew
Egg production by Potchefstroom Ktwkoek breed wilt be tmpfOMSd wm
increased by supplementar/ feed combination of maoa and sorghum, wh-ds art? &vy jqricuifural produce using the small icata/TracFinorW ram feu aghcutwe struts ard leucaena The combination of these feed types can pr j ^Je mmewnr nufrertt -jy Mt* ME) crude protein (CP) '-rude fiber [CF) :>sm rteuMornn calcaum am
Based on this it is believed to ger an average of 1 j'j Jiffltr          Dasigii irirJ1
^-.yt pWir c<5 4.^^ wdy* w*
*•
rnfwipirii^WriHlty •< * iftpr
Osfriin r'goitar -h.-rfy ir<! 'rt-ifjr •-!*•!
IjWJt+w-JJ
i-prmri “r*i**f 'f’**
average «gg werght of around 56 am r>< rterv^rttor prunes □r *w
V ■'>' 11
1 a'w
Tctiqh  Tar?  8  ’’evitnlltV  to  prcduc*  Tirfcwr?  far  meat  omdMdfar  Oy  t’M?*  rhw^ed  teT.ri; ^ouaehchis as ce^ the demurd '^r f
£ otcNHstrbcm Koekoek breeds w»H pw purxh^s^d from Paw® PouKr/ Wt
J
r «rfwr x
Sftemoftveh/ Severs frrm the ”«>;»n*st -^qirrai poultry amrs such « Amhiar« ord/or Qromux 
r
Th? *cr--OLt av-rx and cock «•» t» charged -och /-or « hutcNrxj cNc*> ewrg *xa* her or ar rruhntor < not a '•witte advice at ’hie ••/•)
The eggs *11 t» marketed to the reartry ’owns and to the PeruwjMnce Ocm worker* Currently the regional capital town Assosa « acirg a Portage n ^oct/ t< wth
r
Teat and eggs ard or egg s marketed at the rate of J B,rT *h'<* * ‘‘'a
zty
Addis A&aba Te crce « about 2 40 Birr per <*qg As the result. txMittr/ >4«<r«<rc *41 Mr attractive to settles
7 6 4 Project Components
7 6 4 1 Distribution of Pullets and Cockorwto
The poultry  enterprise with low cost hem® grown feeds. promising ard *arx» -^ar«e*rg contort and health earn will boost the household income of settling formers  '*«w opportunities  im nncouroqing jndwe an asset For the imptomentoticn >f poultry  prxMx^cr ntorvertion n the protect area to use these opportunities thn termers wUl be supptwd wrtr- 10 dual pur ms® Potchefstroom Koekoek breeds with the sex iafio if 5 25
Fbe total dtotitbution of J,900 Koekowk  birdsfrom the regional multiplication center s required each /ear Thn settling farmers will be ubk» to manage improved poultry breeds eft they are trained before the protect commences and the Ml packages of poultry production
*»gu>pment will be distributed to each household These items include housing.
Ar jfarng aquipcnenl
7 6.42 Feeding
l jck of poultry fnml bath in quantity and quality ts a major constraint n poultry p» .xtix?-»iri r- the project uoa The major source of poultry 'wed is the mjtenai that the chicken ucavenge it the backyard and from around the neighborhood The ch'cns are jenerstty ?ef! ’o p*-< whatever available on their own Consequently thin extremely ■ifjlfc feed enwcjv*en> brought about an unusual hardiness m them thus tbetr productivity »s very cw they are small- sued they lay small eggs and th© number of eggs per Jutr.n n also small Tc become brood / over a lang period of time after laying i Uulcn of 1CM2 mcplementation of the feed of the improved Dreed-, and their :r >-«e8 » ?>rw at ■** activities of ’be poultry production component of the Imeetock :-'<r.<iepmert Protect
end
1
Sc
As  stated eHewhere in the document the tet’.’inq farm«ri wHl <|<r.w darter r.>-« gr^wr farage ipeoee especially  alfalfa and leucaena. which *upc<y  *e*r» faed errered Lt* protein and vitamins  The energy  requirements  of the bird* wilt :cver%d ©anety  *>- Tjjze and wrghum purchased from the local markets  Th», . 3 -K ;Ccceu-.r« to -fe> » production coets  and help .mprove the profitability  0* me pc., m. - verprew TS» V^uMfed radon ha-1 wan indicated under section i ■'.
?/ iiiir >Vi.i <1 _ *wgr» and
:-a(H^r4ii3.u-* EiitargnadCHWT-f Hwtjritirg "J*!* 1* ^Tr| thofB ^rtti»rlr(j *d!’ pQUttr/ P*T3^.r’uvr c© fttf .t= trxcircja ?f*he fcirfii tagi?rher W* Htwr esn W «d or-h*r wr:e 'hr W^rq
!
* ‘lut»
is® biidtSrtj
that
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t®Ministry of Waler, Irrigation and Energy
Dabua Irrigation Study and Design Project
' able 7.15: Investment costs for poultry production project
VolurTpo IV - Part ill Livestock Development Siudy Final Report
S/N               Description
Uni!
Quantity
Unit Cost            Total CostfOOQ)
Equipment
set
sei
set
3/46
2          Housing_
M"-
7,708
80
649
3           Training
No
1
1 298
1.134
1,472
Total
5.567
7.6.6 Benefits and Beneficiaries
The direct benefits  of the project emanates  from the sale of eggs  and poultry  meat to emerging towns and Renaissance Dam employee The average egg production per chicken is believed to be 160 eggs per year. A total of 1.298settling households will be beneficiaries of this intervention with a total egg production of 6,308 eggs per family per year.Wom-out layers and cocks will also be sold at the end of the production year and replaced by the new purchase from the aforementioned center. Some households  may  benefit from hatching of eggs  to produce chicks  to be sold to other users using hay box brooder and local hens, which will be another opportunity to maximize income
Waterworks Design and Super/is'on Enterprise
119
January 2015Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy 
Volume IV -Pah 1,1
Dabus Irrigate Study and P*-vgn Project__________________________ Uvvsl-ock Orretcpment StudyJ^gjjgggn.
8- FORAGE DEVELOPMENT INTERVENTIONS
As  was  shown in lhe rangeland assessment oart, the project command area is  a natural grazing land for indigenousfarmers  during dry  and wet seasons  and characterized by insufficiency of livestock feed manifested by shortage and poor quality of forages, especially during dry  seasons.This  situation was  further aggravated by  climatic  hazards  lack  of adequate extension support in the areas of livestock and grazing land management forage development and feed preservationtechniques
Improved feed development, water supply, increased veterinary  services, introducing modem livestock  husbandry  practices, genetical improvement of indigenous  breeds, extension and creating market infrastructure can be planned to overcome the low production and productivity of the indigenous livestock in the project area Livestock production can be increased through increasing the output per animal and the productivity per unit area of land Major factors in increasing livestock productivity will be the improvement of animal nutrition and feed supplies, especially in the case of improved breeding and fattening.
To overcome these bottle necks, a comprehensive feed development strategy is required. A strategy  for feed developmentin the project area would incorporate year round supply  on quality  and quantity  feed, disease especially  tryoanosomosis  control so that animals  can realize the benefits of improved nutrition, improved feeding management techniques such as fodder conservation, feeding fresh forage using the cut-and-carry  methodand improvement in potable waler supply  Secured forage and water supply  means  secured livestock population at any time of the year, which leads to prosperous livelihood through sustained income generation.The production of fodder from improved grass  and legume species  in form of backyard fodder and conserved feeds is the basis for the production of milk. beef, mutton and goats meat.
8.1    An Approach to Compensate the Lost Dry and Wet Season Grazing Areas
As stated in Table 1 6, the total households lost their dry and wet season grazing areas accounts for 1,298 and the corresponding livestock population is estimated to be 1.36OTLU, which is about 30 percent and 56 per cent of lhe households and livestock population of the kebeles falling into the project command area
Regarding the area sufficient to produce lhe required feed for the farmers' livestock, in different irrigation development projects, besides  lhe usual recommendations  which are merely too general, the proposals are unanimous. So many studies approached the issue in different ways Table 8.1 summarizes the most prominent studies suggested so far
Almost all previous  studies  in pastoral areas  contained proposals  for irrigated forage and pasture development. Halcrow (1975) proposed a 1,300 ha irrigated pastures  on lhe irrigation scheme and the development of extensive rangelands  of ARedegn plains  for Angelele and Bolhamo irrigation project using crossbred improved zebu for meat and milk production and in a later studies (1986} he proposed the use of Boran breeds rather than zebu cross bred cattle for beef production According to this study, the Afar settlers are Io be permitted to graze 2.5 TLU per family on irrigated Rhodes grass pastures and a 0 5 ha
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irrigated pastureland for each family was recommended, which was to be managed in >0 ha blocks, accommodating lhe livestock  of 20 households  (50 TLU) Here only  productive animals were to be allowed on the pasture with milk, teef and fat tailed sheep as the desired products The extensive rangelands were to be developed through Lhe provision of additional waler sources and the establishment of holding grounds, which would be carefully managed and improved to accommodate as many as 3 LSU/ha
Nedeco (1982) rejected the Halcrow's  proposals  because they  had underestimated lhe problems  inherent In lhe settlement of pastoralists  Instead they  proposed lhe provision of 612 ha of irrigated pasture plus  a further 700 ha of tail water irrigated pasture As  an alternative, Nedeco proposed to replace lhe grazing land lost by irrigated pastures yielding an equivalent amount of forage (612 ha). The 612 ha of irrigated pasture with a net dry matter yield of 7.5 ton/ha would produce 4,590 ton dry matter per year sufficient to sustain the farmers livestock for 200 days a year According to this study, irrigated pasture yselds hardly any profit and the calculation was based an an allowance of only one lactating cow plus one follower (1.5 TLU) per settler in a unit,
According to NEDECO (1902), the irrigated pasture rs certainly not economically feasjble but it is socially desirable. In their 1986 report on the same project NEDECO recommended part of the irrigated pastures would have to be stored as hay. In view of the traditional year round grazing habits and the required skills for haymaking, it appears preferable to compensate for the wet season requirements  as  well In that case, approximately  1,000 ha of irrigated pasture would be needed.
MackDonalds (1987), for Kessem Kebena irrigation project, estimated the total area required for irrigated pasture to compensate the lost natural grazing area to be 3,200 ha. The assumption was based on the estimation of the lost natural grazing area of 20,000 ha, which could produce 24,000 tons of dry matter if irrigated pasture yields 7,5’tone/ha/ year
The Third Livestock Project (1996, ref 19, in MacDonald, 1987) proposed 3,000 ha irrigated pasture on which to settle approximately 1,500 temporarily Afar pastoralists Each pastoralist family would be allowed to hold a maximum of 10 mature cattle ar their equivalent in LSU on the project area at any  one time. Pastoralists  will be encouraged to keep their most productive stock on lhe irrigated pasture, particularly breeding cows and their calves, and three to four year old oxen for finishing before marketing Goals  and camels  will be discouraged.
Based on a dry matter requirement of 2.4 ton/year/TLU and an annual dry matter yield of 26,000 tones (1.3 ton/ha/year), WWDSE (2005) estimated the total TLU to be 10,833, which would require 650 ha irrigated pastureland (40 ton /ha/year) for Kessem Kebena Dam & Irrigation Project. On the other hand, taking the 2005 population estimates of 15,205 (3 168 families) utilizing the project areas and keeping a livestock herd of at least 11 86 TLU per family, the total livestock  holding was  37.572.5 TLU and the total irrigated pasture development area required would be 7,514 ha. which can be managed rn different blocks preferably 10 ha blocks, accommodating the livestock of 20 households (0.5 ha/ family).
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Table 8 1 Areas recommended for pasture development by different studies
Volume IV - Part II!
Area proposed for
S.N
|
Source
Year
Assumptions
p aiture deve Total area
cement (ha)
Area per
HH
1
Halcrow 5 proposa- for Angelele and 9olhamo feasi cilily study
1975
Proposed brocks o! irrigated pasture based on the 10 ha irrigation unit, which wilt be grazed communally by animals belonging to 20 families
1300
0.5
2
Nedeco's proposal for Angele le and Bolhamo feasibility study
1982
Estimated the total irrigated area leguircmenl, whlcn enables Lhe full compensation for the 4.&00 tones dry mailer loss to maintain the slalLs quo of the 3.550 TlU if rrigaled pasture yields 7 5 Ion DM/ha/year
612
-
'3
Halcraw’s calculation of me total 1LU based on the 15 Tl.U-family and assuming that two third of this to
come Horn irrigated pasture (1D TLU/taini-'y|
1989
•      Total Afar population - 100.000
•  Household number (families) = 20.COO
•      Livestock population - 300 COO TLU
20.000
10
4
MacDonald el al Kessem Kebena irrigation project
1987
•     Area of natural pasture lost = 20,000 ha
■ Annual DM production - 24.000 ton
•  Yield of irrigated pasture - 7 5 ton DM/ha/yr
•      Total population = 12.000
•      Household size = 5 persons
3 200
t 33
5
WWDSE A WAPCOS India LTD Kosse in-Kebena Dam & Irrigation Project. Livestock Development Draft Final Report
2005
•      Aiea of natural pasture lost = 20.000 ha
■ Annual DM production = 26,000 ton
•      Livestock population = 37.572 5 TLU
•      TLU to be maintained on 26.000 ha - 10 833
•      Human population ■ 15,205
•      Household number (families) =3168
•      TLU/Famtly - 11 66 (TLU/person - 2.58)
•  Carrying capacity of irrigated pasture = 5 TLU/ha
•  Compensation for natural grazing area * b50 ha
650
02
7.514 5
2 37
------
—T
6|
WWDSE 4 WAPCOS India LTD Tendaho Dam and Sugar Project, Livestock Final Report
2005
•      Tola! population = 13.750
■ Area of natural pasture lost « 60.000 ha
•      Livestock population = 30,000 TLU
•      Household   2 500
a
•      TLU/HH = 12
•  Carrying capacity of irrigated pasture = 5 TLU/ha
6.000
24
7I
PCDP (2006>; Watershed based integration development study in pastoral areas of Ethiopia. Volume I!. Agriculture
2006
•      3,750 households fattening 5 cattle nnd?or camel 12 aheep and/or goals on irrigated pasture per year
3
•      Fattening period   3 months
•      Number of cycles per your • 4
1 Ki
121
January. 20t5
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The study carried out on Tendaho Dam and Sugar Project by WWDSE (2005 ‘ estimated the tolnl TLU Io be sustained on (he 72,000 tons dry matter lost to be 30.000 calculated m the same way as the Kesem Kebena Irrigation P'oject n 2005. On the other hand, taking the 2005 population estimates of 13750 (2.500 families) utilizing the project areas and keeping a livestock he'd of at least 12 TLU per family, the total livestock holding was found to be 30.00C TLU and the total irrigated pasture development area required would be 6.000 ha, which can be managed in different blocks, preferably by 10 ha blocks, accommodating the livestock of 20 households
As can be seen from Table 8 1, almost ail the studies approached the issue of compensation ol tho lost wet and dry season grazing land both by reservoir and command areas c the projects  m pastoral areas  by  different ways. These studies, however, have the following basic limitations:
•     Some considered only maintenance requirements of ‘he animals while estimating the feed   requirements   and   supply   conditions   and   neglects   the   productive   and reproductive  performances  of  the  indigenous  animals  Even  though  the  productive and reproductive performances of the animals are disappointing, they do yield some 2 liters of milk per day grew and give birth to maintain the herd m a states co Thus it  u  quite  erroneous  to  undermine  this  aspect  and  consider  only  maintenance requirements
•     Most studies have estimated the feed supply and requirement 'or mamtenar-ce and found  out  that  there  Is  deficit  in  feed  supply,  which  did  not  satisfy  even  the maintenance  requirement  However,  when  calculating  for  the  land  requirement  ftr irrigated  pasture  development,  they  considered  the  already  defied  feed  production from  rangelands  just  to  maintain  the  status  co  (Nedeco,  1982.  MackDonaki  1937 and WWDSE 2005)
•    The previous recommendation of t 33 to 2 4 ha for each family is mear-t to develop irrigated pasture for grazing and all the rest options such as hay making backya.-d fodder production and the possibilities of introducing the cut and carry s.stem <w ? totally forgotten and there were no partitioning of lands for such j- atematrve
(WWDSE. 2005)
Similarly, considering the carrying capacity of irrigated pasture to be 5 TLU h i "e teca and
requirement for in-gated pasture development in the currant study would
272 ha which m quite a small area as compared to the area required to produce suffoent tariiijo to Teed the proposed dHlry stock and rattenom year round Morec.e —.gated pasture is considered by many tiudtes as economically not feasible arxt technically 
i«n vt Nedeco, 1982)
a t»ut
the use ol backyard fodder development will definitely reduce the area fr.tu.re-.: for imgaten pasture dvvelupmeni. which line higher biomass yield per unrt area mo i«se: Vfrl loss as >t
lM i. K the wMtdije caused by grazing, trampling and selective graz ■ ;
H .muiMle inw amount 0| feed requirement for the proposed !,wst-.,
,
fanvl
I I tl U indigenous cattle for cross bleeding Io produce crassbmd he-f t, -^all-scate u,. /1 j n phase I stage, 4 9 TLU for milk prodtictmn m phase it stai^ r, suom$ indMinistry of w«rtm Irrigation ond Energy
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Volume IV - Part III Livestock De\totopmen1 Study Frnal_Report
2.8TLU  bulls  for  fattening  and  a  donkey  for  transportation)  and  (he  corresponding  a ea  for
r
backyard forage development, a complete ration has  been formulated The nutritive requirements  of animals  for both maintenance and production and composition of the available feedstuffs have been worked out first The components of ration for each group of animals  include Elephant grass. Rhodes  grass, Alfalfa. Leucaneaand Rhodes  grass  hay from the allotted plot on the backyard. The overall approach to estimate the feed and land requirement is given in the following section
8.2   Recommended Forage Speciesand Herbage Yield
Sustainable livestock and crop production is dependent on dramatic changes of the system The key  components  of this  change as  indicated by  Alemayehu (2002) is  a shift towards more intensive feeding system, with more emphasis on cut and carry and gradual shift away from uncontrolled grazing This undoubtedly needs dentificatson and use of high yielding and nutritious  forage plants  The productivity  of these plants  however varies  with soil, climatic factors and topographic conditions of the area Forage plants performing nicety under certain agro climatic condition may not thus do well in other Considerable variation exists within and among species in lhesr morphological growth characters yield and nutritional quality
Early  studies  recommended contradict each other Halcrow (1975) recommended two species  of Cynodon C dactylon (Bermuda grass) and C ptectostachyus  (Star grass) for their adaptation to local conditions  of climate and soil However Nedeco (1981 and 1932i disagree with this proposal as tropical fodders are among the most difficult crops to cuftivate and to manage and proposed Rhodes grass and Alfalfa
Efforts  have been made to obtain such data from responsible research centers  such as Asson Agricultural Research Centersdunng the field visit However, ragearch is  lacking to identify  adopted grass, herbaceous  legumes  and tree legumes  to the project areas  or meager if any  As  the result, recommendations  of other research centers  with sir far agro- ecological settings  (lowlands  below t500 masel) were reviewed and incorporated <n the recommendation of adopted forage species for the current study area A brief cfescnption of the recommendations  of the research centers  and that of the Ministry  of agrcuWe are presented here under
8.2.1 Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center (ATARC)
Summarized informuiicn obtained from the reports of Adami-Tulu Research Center ideates that lever al Forage species have been recommended for rhe central Rift Vaitey areas However the report is lucking detailed information with i aspect to cutting frequency seeding rate s<nrd yields and agronomic practices \T.iblu A2)
8.2.2 Melkassa Agricultural Research Cantor (MARC)
Observation made at MeDtuseu Agricultural Reuoaidi Canter for two yean ,2000 >00 > cn IZ accession, of grus'* and 28 herbaceous legume accessions betangmg to 5 aM li
»P4OM. respectively untie, ram «d
f       4nd *upptementaiv I’Hiatwn revealed a gnat vanaw-ty 
<n all lh» Iwts -Jbamved (growlh habit loi .Kje yield tlW)
number of Oj[T nq
nodulatlon) At shownm table A3 and A4 ,y .ttw, md leg^es  eva<uat«l for two subaequent years  under supplementary  nqatw JCOtand 2001.1062) and for one flute.' WwU DetagfiMinistry of Water, Irrigation and Energy Dabus Irrigation Study and Design Project
Volume IV — Pad III Lveslock Dg^ogmcntjtudy Final Report-
year under rain fed condition (2001-2002) The area is  characterized by  sandy  loam soils with moderate to low water holding capacity and the average annual rainfall cf the center is 750 mm with mean annual temperature of 20.6*0 (MARC. 2002)
This  preliminary  evaluation trial on adaptation and yield of different annual and perennial grasses  and legume species  with their accessions  indicate that herbage yields  vary  with observation years and averaged 10.5 kg DM per ha in 4 cuttings for Chloris gayana. 14.8 kg DM in 3.3 cuttings for Pennisetum purpunem and 13.3 kg DM in 6 5 cuttings for Medicago saliva The results under rain fed evaluation reviled that fodder yields and only one or two cuttings were achieved per annum Irrigation was given as supplement to plots assigned for it two times in a week during dry season (Table A3 and A41
8.2.3 Melka Werer Agricultural Research Center (MWARC)
Research is lacking to identify adopted grass, herbaceous legumes and tree legumes to and and dry land areas in the country, which could be developed under irrigation schemes. To address  this  problem, Melka Werer Agricultural Research Center has  undertaken lowland forage and pasture crop research for several years  Based on the results  of the 34-year research, the center recommended various  forage species  for the dry  land areas  (Table A5) Here yields are given oer hectare and year as opposed to other sources which referred an average dry matter yield per cuttings.
8.2.4 Ministry of Agriculture (MoA)
The characteristic features of forage species suitable to hot dry lowlands (rangeland) have also been compiled (romrecommendations  of Alemayehu Mengislu (1997); MoA (199land 1989) and given in (Table A6).
8.2.5 Assosa Agricultural Research Center (AsARC)
The adaptability  trials  conducted by  Assosa Agricultural Research Center (AsARCr 2012) indicates that all accessions of Elephant grass and Chloris gayanawere well adapted to the Assosa conditions. Accordingly, the total DM production of Chloris  gayana accounts  for 94 10 and 33.7 ton /ha in the study  perrods of (2005/06-2006/07 and 2006/07-2007/08). respectively.Moreover, the screening trial indicates that Elephant grass has the highest total DM production of 69.2 ten/ha (AsARC, 2012)
As can be seen from Table A2, A3, A4, A6, A7 and A8. several types of legumes and grass species can be used for backyard fodder development, being either herbaceous, shrubs or iree legumes. Pemsutum purpurium (Elephant grass), Chlonse gayana (Rhodes  grass). Medicago saliva (Alfalfa) and Leucaena Lecocephala (Lukina) are the preferred species to be developed in Dabus Irrigation Project area (AsARC, 2012). The multipurpose leguminous tree species will be alternative forage species for planting around the homestead (backyard) or along the borders of each family and paddocks.
8.3 Nutritive Values of Recommended Feedstuff
The  nutritive  values  of  same  recommended  forage  species  as  compiled  from  different sources are given in Table 8 2
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Tabie 6.2: Nutritive Values of recommended feedstuff
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jjy^tock Development STUCty Final Report-
Fodder species
DM
(%)
ME
(MJ/Kg
DM)
DCP
(gram/Kg
DM)
TDN
(kg/ kg
DM)
Maximum
Level
Rhodes grass medium
20
a. 00
55 00
0.53
<25%
,,
Elephant grass (< 1 mi
Rhodes grass medium >f  grown)
33
6.30
30.00
^42
20
8.25
8000
0.55
Elephant grass (1-2 m)
25
7.20
36.00
043
<25%
I iicern® young
IB
9 00
104 00
0 50
._"j; „
r■
Green Lucerne fu I flowering
,
25
7 20
120 00
0 48
<25%
Cow milk
12.8
21.67
250
1.33
Sheep milk
19.3
24 3
247
1.61
Leucaena
20
7 20
120.00
0 48
Rhodes grass hay (early cut)
05
7.35
23.00
049
Rhodes grass hay (late cut)
85
6.30
6 00
042
- ----------- —
Source ’« USAID (2000). ' = IPC Livestock Oenkerk (1993)
8.4   Nutrient Requirements for Different Classes of Animals
Livestock feed requirements depend on many factors. The most important are live weighl. physical activity and level of productivity. Requirements for feed are determined by nutr.ent demand and feed quality To determine the feed requirement, energy and protein needs of the animals to meet its maintenance and production requirement is the base This is belter expressed in Metabolizable energy (ME), and Digestible Crude Protein (DCP) in the case of ruminants and Crude Protein (CP) in the case of poultry and swine nutrition Metabolizable Energy is the energy contained In the feed (gross energy) less the energy excreted in feces, urine and methane gas Metabolizable Energy for maintenance (MEm) refers to lhe amount of ME required to maintain zero energy  balances  when animals  are maintained under minimum voluntary physical activity Tables A9 to A13 and Table 8 2 give the daily nutrient requirement of lhe proposed livestock  population and lhe nutrient composition of the proposed feed stuff, respectively
8.5   Ration Formulation
The success or failure of livestock enterprises depend on sufficient feed supplies of the right quality  and quantity  throughout (he year.Rations  for fattening animals, milking cows  and other animal species  can be formulated using acombmation ot available feeds  including home-grown forage, serials  and agro-induslrialby-products. A balanced ration formulation requires nutrient requirements for different class of animals and nutrient composition for the available feed stuff.
The availability of feed stuff in the project area, especially in association to irrigation scheme development breaks lhe seasonality of feed supply. As green feed is produced year round lhe livestock  will depend on green fresh forage amassed from lhe fields. Based on this conditions  ration for lactating cows, dry  cows, heifers, male and female weaners, calves, breeding stock  and falteners  have been formulated. Donkeys  will be supplemented with Rhodes  grass  hay  and crop residues  Tables  A14to A28 give lhe formulated ration for different classes of cattle.shoats and poultry.
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The feed mix or ration would consist of fodder tree leaves (Lcucaenu), Rhodes grass bay, green feeds such as Elephant grass (Penisetum purpenum), Rhodes grass (Chtoris gayana) and Lucerne (Medicago sativa). maize, sorghum and noug cake depending on the lyp*is of animals  to be fed. Crop residues  from garden and irrigated crop production areas  can be utilized at the time of eed deficit.
r
Cattle are essentially  herbivorous  animals. They  have a capacious  stomach and have Ihe ability to derive nutrients from bulky fibrous materials with the help of rumen micro flora This makes  cattle, sheep and goats  a very  useful animal for mankind, Nutrients  contained in fodder are normally cheaper and therefore, rearing mostly on forage will help reduce the cost of feeding In good quality  roughage, distribution of nutrients  is  more balanced and by feeding it alone, a medium type of cow can be maintained in good productive state* Only high yielding animals have to be supplemented with concentrate.
Poultry  competes  with humans  as  their ration depends  mainly  on serials  The main ingredients, besides  serials, include milling and oil extraction by-products  such as  noug cake, linseed cake, wheat shorts, etc  Ration for commercial layers  can be formulated al farmers household level as there are feed Ingredients such as corn and sorghum, which are grown in the area and luckina and alfalfa green feed can be produced by  the farmers themselves  while others  should be purchased from the nearby  markets. Alfalfa will be amassed and transported from the backyard daily and givento layers at the rate of about 20- 30 gram per hen per day to augment the carotene, protein and essenlial amino acids
Quality  and quantitywise sufficient feed production and supply  is  a priority  task  in any livestock  development endeavor. Thus.a complete ration has  been formulated for each group of animals  and the total feed requirements  together with land accusation has  been determined and are presented in an Annex Tables A14 to A28. The formulated rations can be evaluated in terms  of nutrient supply  and demand for each class  and age groups  of animals  considered The slightly  over and under supply  of nutrients  is  caused by  rounding up/down of figures.
8-6 Forage Production and Feeding Regime
As  described in the resource assessment section, the most limiting resource for livestock production in the project area :s  forage and water. To alleviate the prevailing livestock development constraints, especially  the feed shortage arid quality, and to realize benefits from the sub sector, prioritized livestock  feed development strateg'es  with special emphasis on semi-intensive farming system is vital in Dabus Irrigation Project command area
The settlement of farmers  around the irrigation scheme will inevitably  call for intensification of livestock  and crop production Here only  high yielding livestock  species  will be kept and the livestock  ventures  should be profitable to offset Ihe higher investment in the irrigation development Thus, in order to meet the high quality  livestock  feed requirements, the following are considered essentially: 1) producing green feeds  for stall feeding using improved fodder crops such as Rhodes grass, Elephant or Napier grass and Alfalfa; 2) hay making; 3) preparation of concentrate mix  for poultry  from locally  available serials  and by- products from oil and flour mill agro-industries
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8.6.1 Green Feeding
8.6.1.1 Objectives
The main objectives of green feed production is to make the settling farmers be acquainted to green feed production at large-scale, which will permit a year round green feed supply in form of cut and carry or zero-grazing system and improve the production and productivity of farm animals by reducing costs and losses resulting from trampling by grazing animals.
8.6.1.2 Rationale
High milk  production on the basis  of natural pasture is  practically  not possible due to insufficient supply  of dry  matter as  well as  the corresponding nutrients, which are low in quantity  and quality  More common, however, is  lhe production of milk  and meat on the basis of grazing on improved pasture in combination with stall feeding.
However, irrigated pasture has no significant role m the country s livestock feeding, probably due to repeated failures of projects that in the 70-S0s pumped huge funds and efforts The evaluation made by lhe Afar National Regional State Rangelands and Water Development Study (2001), reads as fallows The inventories show that most Irrigated pasture schemes failed to meet the objectives on lhe sustainable basis Although solid data are missing, lhe gathered information suggesls that the schemes worked one to three years, and then failed due to poor design, planning and management (PADS, 2004),
As  the result, backyard fodder development strategy  has  been proposed far the current project The zero-grazrng ar cut-and carry  system of feeding has  marked advantage over irrigated pasture in that it is simple to mange, has higher biomass yield, low feed Fosses due to selective grazing and trampling and can be managed by household labor
Green feeding involves the process of cutting green forage in the field and transporting II to the tethered or penned livestock Green feed production in form of field forage or backyard fodder production is a common practice in areas where grazing land is limited A cut-and carry  system involving improved forages  is  more economical for commercial dairy  farms, feedlot cattle finishers, calves and growing animals with higher returns in farm of milk and meal, and holds advantage for small ruminanl feeding as well. Green fodder crops can be annuals or perennials, cultivated as pure crops or as intercrops.
Under this system, the total feed required will oe amassed and brought to the animals kept indoors or tethered at the backyard By doing so, the land requirement per family wilt be strongly reduced and the weed and bush problem can be avoided from the land. Moreover, as compared to grazing the feed wastage while mowing and transporting is minimal
The field fodder production can be integrated with crop production under irrigation scheme. Forage crop production will also be integrated into lhe crop production system through Inter cropping or under-sowing with sorghum, maize or cotton. The current study proposes field faddei production wuhin me land allotted far fodder pi eduction where fodder species are managed in a separate plot/strip Rhodes  grass, Elephant grass, and Alfalfa will be developed in pure stand. The multipurpose leguminous  tree species  will be alternative forage species for planting around the farm plot or along the borders of each paddock
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Therefore to increase the productivity of the livestock by increasing palatable and nutritious feed and thereby  increase the production and productivity  of the livestock, green feedproduclson must be incorporated with other irrigated crop production in the project command area Moreover, the cut-and-carry  feeding method would be practiced to take advantage of the system's efficiency and effectiveness in terms of avoiding herbage wastage during mowing, transporting and feeding
8.6.1.3 Recommended Forage Species for Green Feed Production
Generaliy.green feedprcduction is  meant for cuPand-carry  system of feeding to productive animals. High producing dairy  animals  fatteners, calves, sick  animals  and chicken (Alfalfa) can be suoplied with amassed green feed, tethered indoors  or around farmyard. Several types of legumes and grass species can be used for this purpose, being either herbaceous, shrubs  or tree legumes. Penisutum purpunum (Elephant grass). Cloris  gayana (Rhodes grass) and Medicago saliva (Alfalfa) are the preferred species to be developed in the Dabus Irrigation Project command area,
A) Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum)
1)    Description
Besides legumes, which supply nitrogen to the soil and provides high protein forage, there is a need to grow Elephant grass  which is  the main source of energy  and the bulk  of dry matter to the ansmals  These fodder species  will be stall-fed all year round for especially dairy  cattle to balance the energy  obtained from green feed and hay  with protein sources amassed from the field.
Pennisetum purpureum commonly  known as  Elephant grass  or Napier grass  isa vigorous grass suited to intensive management as back yard forage and also used for biological soil conservation In the hill-side closures, gully  control or contour strip planting The mam characteristics of Elephant grass are given in Table A2 and ASand further details are given below.
2)     Adaptation
Elephant grass is a robust perennial reaching 450 cm in height under favorable conditions. It adapts to low to medium highlands where the rainfall is above 900 mm and to a wide range of soils  It is  often sensitive to frost and water logging but tolerant todrought. and remains green long in the dry season The herbage of Pennisetum purpureum can be fed green or used to make silage It grows tall but does not lodge and the number of tillers is more (30- 40), which have well branched stems  with broader and longer leaves  Under favorable conditions, the dry matter yields per hectare per year reaches 50 to 70 tons
3)     Establishment
The common method for establishing Elephant grass is to plant stem cuttings of 3 nodes and it is  important that 2 nodes  are placed in the ground so that one node comes  above the ground levei It is planted al spacing of 50 cm between cuttings when planted as back yard forage and at 30 cm between cuttings for soil conservation.Elephant grass should be planted
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at the beginning of the light rain The lancf preparation requires two to three ploughings with corresponding ridges  and furrows  The green yield ranges  between 300 to 400 tons  per hectare per year.
4)     Management
Irrigation schedule can best be organized in such a way that the plant gets water at lhe time of planting, a! third day after planting and once every 10 days thereafter. The first harvesting Will be done 90 days after planting and the subsequent harvestings will be every 45 daily intervals.
5)     Fertilization
Elephant grass responds well lo application of manure or compost. Applications of 100 kg di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) at the time of planting are essential for germination The application of compos! at the rate of 10 tons  per hectare four times  per year (25 quinta I s/ha/cutting), by side dressing after each cutting, is sufficient to supply the required nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium
6)     Forage and Seed Production
The stem-cuttings  will be supplied from project own local nurseries. About 40.000 stem cuttings or rooted splits are sufficient per hectare with spacing between rows and cuttings of 1.0 m by  0 5 m. With respect to biomass  production, the screening trial of forage grass species at AsARC indicates that Elephant grass has the highest total DM production dT 69 2 torVha (AsARC. 2012J.
7)     Suitable Strategy
Elephant grass is a multipurpose grass species. It is best suited as back yard forage where
there is a possibility of manuring and lorage strips where cut and carry system is lhe mair*
form of feeding. Elephant grass is usually cut arid fed fresh to animals where it is cut
frequently before it produces coarse stems and becomes unpalatable to lhe animats 
Elephant grass should be cut dawn at a height of 50 cm. It can also be used for silage
making in which it should be mixed with maize or molasses to increase the payability and
the formeniatrve process. Lt is especially useful for erosion control, if planted art sail bunds 
und stock exclusion areas 
3) Rhodes grass (Claris gayana)
Rhodes grass is more popular in the country and its management requirements have been well established Moreover. there are different sources  of seed suppliers  in the country including farmers and specialized seed producing enterprises As the result. Rhodes grass is lhe grass of choice for both green feed and irrigated pasture development interventions and its agronomic practices are discussed below.
1) Description
Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass) is a perennial, slolomferous, creeping grass of 0 5 - 2 0 m tan The stem is fine and leafy, erect or ascending, occasionally rooting a| the lower nodes.
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The inflorescence is  digitate ascending to spreading spikes  of 4 - 15 cm long. The spikelets are green or purplish.Rhodes  grass  Is  a short - day  plant flowering throughout or at the end of the growing season depending on cultivar The caryopsis  is  fully  ripe within 25 days  after flowering.
2} Varieties and Adaptation
Rhodes  grass  (Chloris  gayana) spreads  by  stolons, which often root at the nodes  Io form an open turf. Two distinct habits  are found depending on the degree of development of the stolons: a prostrate carpet-like form with wide spreading stolons, and a more tufted form with short slotons  (Halcrow, 1975). Although vegetative propagation is  possible, seed normally propagates it.
Rhodes  grass  is  an extremely  valuable grass  for a range of environments  and forage development strategies. It is  a tropical grass  that suits  to warm climate of the towland and medium altitudes. It is  more tolerant to low temperatures  than most other tropical and sub tropical grasses. It adapts to an elevation range of up to 2 400 m and a minimum rainfall of 500 - 600 mm, is  more drought and salinity  tolerant, and survives  frosts  It grows  on a wide range of soils  from heavy  clays  to sandy  loam so long they  are well drained However, it does  not tolerate flooding or a prolonged high water table. It produces  best on fertile loams of medium texture, but on the other hand, it does  better than most cultivated grasses  on poor, sandy soils Optimum Ph lies between 4.5 and 7
Rhodes  grass  has  some four cultivars  among which Callide and Samford are widely introduced to Ethiopia during the golden era of forage extension, the project penod of FLOP. Both verities  purchased by  FLDP and introduced to the country  are of Australian origin and of which Callide Rhodes  is  the most distributed and popular cultivar. Callide Rhodes  is  a very  productive and versatile cultivar for most areas. Someford can be used at higher altitude (>2100 m).
The grass can be utilized in form of grazing, cut and carry green fodder and haymaking and tolerates severe defoliation.
3)  Establishment
Rhodes  grass  can be propagated from seed and stolons  It establishes  on a well-prepared, clean and firm seedbed but will establish even on a rough seedbed. The field should be ploughed to a depth of al least 20 cm about 5 to 6 weeks  before planting Seed purity  is usually  not more than 20-35% with germination of 30-35%, Because of vigorous  spreading habit, the seeding rate is  low; less  than 1 kg/ha in exclusion areas, 2-3 kg/ha tn grass/legume mixed pasture and 6 — 8 kg/ha in pure stand sown broadcast. It combines well with many erect and climbing legumes. It can also be sown in rows at a rate of 3 to 4 kg/ha The rows should be 40 cm apart at a spacing of 20 - 25 cm within the rows Seeds tend to stick together so that, for even distribution it should be mixed with a carrier such as soli The seed should be sown at □ depth of greater than 2 cm and the field polled to assist germination and early growth. Seedlings do not compete well with weeds and field should be weeded as necessary.
1
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4)     Management
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The nutritive valuesof Rhodes  grass  depends  entirely  on the method of pasture management, Rhodes  grass  at its  early  stage (before flowering) contains  a high propoilton of leaf and has  the highest nutritive value Therefore, to maintain lhe quality  mowing should be finished before the grass is matured.
Establishment is  rapid and given good conditions, ground cover is  complete in five months  al lhe most and usually  in three to four. In order to ensure rapid development the field must be kept as  weed-free as  possible since in the early  stages, Rhodes  grass  does  not compete well with weeds
5)      Fertilization
Rhodes  grass  responds  well to application of nitrogen Applications  of 100 kg Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) at the lime of sowing and 50 kg Urea could be applied per ha by broadcasting after each cutting and immediately  prior to an irrigation application since rapid volatillzalion takes  place when indigenous  fertilizer remains  exposed or the soil surface. However, this  may  be uneconomical to the settling farmers  Io make the use of chemical fertilizers  in forage crop production. Instead of chemical fertilizers, manure or compost can be used Io reduce cost of forage development and the rate of nutrient depletion from soil.
6)      Forage and Seed Production
According to MWRC (2003), the total dry  matter production of Rhodes  grass  in the Middle Awash area accounts  for 42 tons  per year while a preliminary  observation on adaptation and yield of different annual and perennial grasses  and legume species  made al Melkassa Agricultural Research Center for two years  (2000-2002) under rain fed and supplementary irrigation revealed that herbage yields  vary  with observation years  and averaged 10.5 kg DM per ha in 4 cuttings  for Chloris  gayana The results  under rain fed evafualion reviled that only one or two cullings  were achieved per annum. The average dry  matter yield achieved under rain fed conditions account for only 4 8 ton in 2 cuttings
The results  of lhe adaptability  trials  conducted by  AsARC (2012), indicates  that al! accessions  of Elephant grass  and Chloris  gayanawere well adapted to lhe Assess conditions  Accordingly, the total DM production of Chloris  gayana accounts  for 94.18 and 33.7 ton /ha In the study periods of (2005/06-2006/07 and 2006/07-2007/08). respectively
Rhodes  grass  yields  good seed and more than three harvests  with irrigation are possible. Seed production is  very  good and may  amount to 500 kg per hectare per year. Under conditions  of Dabus  Irrigation Project area, the seed harvesting can be carried out by  hard cutting and after drying, threshed onto a clean floor Slash or graze heavily  immediately  after each harvest and the standing hay can be used as bedding material.
7)     Suitable strategy
Rhodes  grass  has  a versatile application form It is  a suitable grass  for grazing haymaking and soil conservation because of its  quick  vegetative spread It can be used for mrxed pasture establishment, in stock exclusion areas, for gutty control, some backyard plots and
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especially useful for salty areas. Rhodes grass can be cut at 4-6 months after sowing hut too frequent cutting reduces vigor. Cutting stage should be at the beginning of flowering (50/o heading stage) The best time for harvesting seed is at the early stage of seed shading when the stems and heads turn light brown.
C) Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Since, the proposed fodder grasses (Napier and Rhodes grass) are pure stand, there is a need to develop legume species :n pure stand for cut and carry feeding system The most promising legume for low land irrigated areas  is  Alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Alfalfa is  a perennial legume, which is best adapted to warm and wet climate and non-acid soils and can be grown in many places under both irrigation and rain-fed conditions In the mid-allitude and lowland areas such as Melka werer and Adami-tulu, alfalfa is doing excellent under irrigation At melka Werer, alfalfa matured for harvesting within 35-45 days, and is usually disease free and very productive (Getnet Asefa et al, 2006).
1)    Varieties and Adaptation
Alfalfa is a deep-rooted perennial herb that demands sunshine and adequate lime status of the soil. It lolerates  high temperatures  but not high humidity  The species  is  the most important of all pasture legumes and it is widely cultivated in tropical countries Medicago saliva is known with two common names; Lucern and Alfalfa and has four cultivars. Hunter River, Sequel, Sinver and Hairy  Peruvian (paravivo) It is  a long-lived perennial legume, which is highly nutritious and very productive under good management
Alfalfa adopts in a wide range of ecological settings ranging from low altitude to 3,000 m and above It tolerates extremely hot. extremely cold temperatures and is very frost tolerant It requires 600 mm rain for good production and is ideal for irrigated fodder development It adopts a wide range of soils, but prefers good drainage The yield is very high on deep fertile and well drained soils but very low pH should be avoided
2)     Establishment
Alfalfa should be sown on a well-prepared seedbed, and requires 8-10 kg/ha and 5-6 kg/ha
for pure stand and in mixture, respectively An early weeding is essential and row planting
has advantages Sowing depth should be 0 5 - 1 0 cm on heavy soils and 1 0 - 2.0 cm on
light soils.
3)    Management and Suitable Strategy
If irrigation is available it is excellent for small intensively managed plots Alfalfa can be cut every 30-40 days intervals or cut at about 10% flowering. The herbage dry matter yield is about 55 tons per ha and about 0 times cutting per year is possible though 9-12 times cuttinq was reported by MoA (Table A6).
4)    Fertilization
Alfalfa requires  and responds  very  well to manure fertilization as  with Elephant grass Applications of 100 kg Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) at the time of planting are essential
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for germination. The application of compost at (he rate of W tons  per hectare, four limes  per year (25 quinlais/ha/harvest), by  side dressing after each cutting, is  sufficient to supply  tne required nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium
5)  Seed Production
Il is  always  advisable to establish seed production areas  with bee-keeping units  to maximize the seed yield. The seed yield ranges  between 16 and 48 quintals  per year per ha and the average lies by 24 quintal.
8.6,1.4 Forage Yield and Land Requirements
To estimate the total feed requirement foriive stock  species  and age groupsfor year round feeding and the corresponding land requirement a complete ration with different options  has been formulated for each group of animals  and the total feed requirement together with land accusation has been estimated under sections 9 7 of this study
Livestock  production, especially  milk  production will be based on different kinds  ofgreen feed production, which will be produced on plot of lands  allotted in the backyard around the settlement areas  Green feed In form of Elephant grass. Rhodes  grass  and Alfalfa are the basal feeds  where exclusively  the cut- and- carry  feeding system have to be adopted and supplemented by hay.
The total amount of green feed required from Rhodes  grass. Napier grass.Alfaifa and Leucaenais  estimated to be 59.05ton, 73.60ton, 19.82 ton and 0.12ton, and lhe corresponding land requirement per household is  about 0.48ha 0 46 ha, 0.10 ha and 0.001 ha, respectively. The total area required to develop sufficient green feed for all groups  of livestock  is  estimated to be 1.04 ha per household (Table 9.5). To be on the safe side, about 10% contingency  has  been included in all feed and land requirement calculations  This  is required to offset the reduction of the biomass  production due to technical uncertainties  and loss due to feed transportation.
8.6.1.5 Project Costs
With regard to investment costs  for green feed production, there will be about ETB 6,084,240 for initial phase seed purchase as  well as  fodder renovation and an operating cost of ETB 7,19Q,271over 10 project years. This, however, does  not include the costs  for land preparation and irrigation infrastructure as  it involves  higher cost. The recurrent cost excludes  the cost of irrigation water The total cultivation cost for! 90 880 ton green feed production accounts  for ETB 14.074.511 and the cost per ton green feed is  about ETB 70 80.
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Table 8,3: Cost of production for green feed production (ha)
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Operation
Unit
Quantity
___________
Unit cost
Total cost(HH)
Total cost
Investment cost
Rhodes grass seed
ky
9.2
80
736
955.328
Elephant grass seed
Cutting
18400
0 15
2.760
3,582.480
Alfalfa seed
kg
1
120
120
155,760
leucanea
kg
0.05
20
1
1.298
Fertilizer
quintal
1.5
800
1,200
1,557.600
Fodder renovation
5
5.934
Contingency         J
482
625.840
—
Sub-total IC
5,304
S.BS4.240
Operating
cost
Machine cost
3,317
4,976
6,458,199
Labor
2
30
60
77,880
Contingency (10%)
504
654,192
Sub-total
5,540
7,190.271
Total cost
10,843
14,074,511
8.6.2 Hay Making
Hay  collected from natural grazing land in the project area is  insufficient to the livestock requirements  due to its  poor quality  as  it is  lignified and unpalatable A daily  rations  for fattening animals, milking cows  and other animal species  can be formulated using a combination of available feeds  produced under irrigation scheme including conserved feeds such as hay.
Hay  making can be defined as  the process  of reducing the moisture of forage plants  to the level at which plant tissues  are dead or dormant without affecting the quality  of original material Generally, an annual and perennial pasture grasses  are used for haymaking where the moisture content of hay is kept between 10-15 per cent.
It Is  the most commonly  stored fodder on the farm and used to level-out the feed supply throughout the year. Hay  is  generally  the most convenient and processed form of storaae and an appropriate forage conservation method for small-scale farming Well-processed hay is  the cheapest form of feed during the non-grazing season and feed supplementation Hay is the most preferred conserved feed in livestock farming and should be used even there are ample grazing and green feed. Moreover, haystack  is  the best-feed reserve for the time of hazard and can be used even for browsers al the rime of rhe dry seasons.
8.6.2.1 Objectives
The main objective of haymaking is to reduce the water content of herbage so that it can be stored safely  for long periods, which can be used at the time of forage shortage nutrient supplement and bulk feed supplied together with green feed and pasture grazing
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In the project area, the feed supply  is  even not sufficient to maintain the animals  throughout the dry  season resulting in weight losses  and decline in yield during this  period One of the main reasons  that the feed production and requirement in the project area, as  it is  also true for other farms  elsewhere in the country  is  that the surplus  forage during the rainy  seasons cannot be utilized at the time when it is  young since haymaking in the rainy  season is  a difficult activity. Dry  'weather is  essential for haymaking. If it starts  raining after lhe grass  has been cut for haymaking, the cut material invariably  will lose quality  and several highly nutritious components are washed out of I he material, and molding of the grass may occur.
8.6.2.3   Recommended Forage Species for Hay Making
The components  nt haymaking include the use cf appropriate forage species,procedures  .or haymaking, facilities  for hay  storage and land requirement. Hay  is  another bulkier feed for ruminant feeding The fodder crops  suitable for haymaking should have Ihin, soft and pliable stems  Forage species  with thicker stem do not get dry  as  rapidly  as  leaves. The most suitable grass  species  recommended far hay  making include Rhodes  grass, oats  and buffel grass. Rhodes  grass  (Cions  gayana) gives  relatively  small losses  in the field when haymaking is  done The stem of this  grass  is  slender so it dries  quickly  while the leaves  are more flexible resulting in acceptable losses  (IPO, 1999) The agronomic  practices  of Rhodes grass have been detailed under section 9.6.1.3.
Rhodes  grass  is  more popular in the country  and its  management requirements  have been well established. Moreover, there are different sources  of seed suppliers  in (he country including farmers  and specialized seed producing enlerpnses. As  the result Rhodes  grass  is the grass of choice for this irrigated forage and pasture development intervention.
ThuSj Io meet the overall demand for about 1.272 bells  of hay, a household will grow Rhodes  grass  on about 0.46 hectares  of land together with areas  destined for green feed production. As  with silage making, it is  practically  possible to make hay  two limes  per year, at the beginning or the dry  season (October) and beginning of the rainy  season (May} using irrigation water
8,6.2.4Method of Haymaking
There are two methods of haymaking adopted all over the world; namely, barn drying and sun drying. The method of barn drying incorporates the drying of forage crops under sheltered roof where the weather e*fecl does not disturb the process. The method of bam drying are very costly hence not the technology chosen for this project. The most common practice of hay making all over the tropical environment involves the method of sun drying. This is associated with ample sunshine hours with low humidity except during rainy seasons throughout the year in the dryer areas of She country. In these conditions, the grasses and other forage mixtures can be dried directly in the sun. which is the Sow cost method of making hay.
Haymaking, especially ir. lhe tropics is associated with a loss of most nutritious part lhe leaf Most leaf fractions can be lost at the time when hay is collected and baled. This'happens because the material for haymaking is steamy and requires a longer period to dry than aras* leaves and conversely, the leaves become brittle by time the stem has well dried
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8.6.2.5Land Requirement
The need for backyard fodder production for year round green feeding and estimate of the conserved feed (hay) is  indicated on Table 9,5. According to MWRC (2007). the number of possible harvest per year for Rhodes  grass  is  6 cuttings, indicating that 8 weeks  growth period is  sufficient for harvesting. Considering the 6 months  of rainy  season in the area, where haymaking is  impossible due to heavy  raining, hay  can be made in the remaining 6 months. By  the dry  matter production of 35lons  per hectare per year and a loss  of 10%, 3 total of 16.1 ton dry  matter or about 1,272 bails  of hay  from 0.46 hectare per year has been estimated. Thus, the total area in the project command destined for hay  making using sown Rhodes grass is about 0.46 ha per household.
8.6.2.6 Project Costs
The investment cost for haymaking at initial phase is  estimated to be ETB 4,127,640, The total operating cost will be ETB 5 146 419 and presented on Table 8.4 The costs  involve only  recurrent costs  and excluding the cost of irrigation water The total cultivation cost of Rhodes  grass  for hay  making accounts  for ETB 9.274,059over 10 project years  and the cos! per ton and per bell are about ETB 375 and ETB 5.60, respectively.
Table 8 4 Cost of cultivation of hay making using Rhodes grass (10.5 ha)
Operation
Unit
Quantity
Unit cost
Total cost per
household
Per project years
Investment cost
Rhodes grass seed
xg
46
BO
308
477.664
Fodder renovation
2,012
3 649,976
Contingency (10%J
Sub-total IC
3,180
4,127,640
Operating cost
—
Machine cost
3.974
1.828
2,372,796
Labor
2
30
60
77,880
Sub-total
1,888
2,450.676
Contingency (10%)
189
245.068
Sub-total OP
3,965
5.146,419
Total cost
7,145
9,274,059
8.7 Total Feed and Land Requirement
The success  or failure of livestock  enterprises  depend on sufficient feed supplies  of the right quality  throughout the year Full utilization of roughage can only  be realized when they  are appropriately  combined to form balanced diets, Rations  for fattening animals  milking cows and other animat species  can be formulated using acombination of backyard fodder crops The ration would consist of Rhodes  grass. Elephant grass. Alfalfa fodder tree leaves  and Rhodes  grass  hay. Ration formulation requires  nutrient requirements  for different class  of animals  and nutrient composition for the available feed stuff.Based on this  conditions  ration for lactating cows, dry cows, steers, heifers, male and female weaners, calves, cattle and
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shoals fattening have been formulated. Tables A14 - A28 explain (he formulated ration for different classes of cattle and shoals.
As can be seen from Table 0.5, the land requirement sufficient for the total feed production io phase I and II level accounts for 1.5 and 1.12 ha, respectively. The land requirement al phase I stage is a bi! higher than phase II due to the fact that in former stage higher indigenous cows are required to produce cross heifers for the subsequent milk production from crossbred dairy  cows  As  the result, the relatively  more ’and for improved feed production in phase I stage will be used to produce more feed for sale, which will augment lhe income of the settling farmers further and make the livestock venture more profitable and reliable.
As stated under section 5.9.7.1, each settling 'amily rs entitled to keep 9 3 TILL Based on this  proposal, lhe recommended 9.3 TLU has  been changed into herd structures  to determine feed and land requirement for fodder production and off-take percentage estimation. Breeding catlie will produce some animals for fattening. Il will also guarantee lhe household demand for milk and milk products consumption and additional income through sale of milk and milk products. To maximize the household income, each family is expected to fatten 10 purchased bulls and 2 culled cattle from own reproduction. 24 male sheep and goats each year The livestock breeding and fattening will be managed on backyard fodder together with some purchased feed ingredients from the nearby market.
Table 6.5: Total feed and land requirement per household and per command area
Dry Matter Requirement
(ton)
Land Requirement
Feed Ingredient
Per
Household
Per
Command
Area
Biomass 
production
(tDM/ha)
Per
Household
, Per Command
Area
Rhodes grass
16.53
22.066 00
34.05
0.48
619.32
Napier grass
10 40
23.681.74
40.00
0.46
597.04
Alfalfa
3.96
5,192 00
40.00
0.1
128.65
Leucaena
0.02
3127
33.00
0.001
0.95
Rhodes grass hay
1622
21,051 02
35.00
0.46
601.46
Maize
0.45
584 10
-
-
Sorghum
015
194.70
-
-
-
Nnug cake
5.46
7,087.08
-
-
-
Salt
001
12 98
■
Limestone
011
142 78
-
-
’ Whole milk
242
3.141.16
-
-
Sub Total
1 500
1,947.425
The total feed and the corresponding land requirement for livestock  population recommended for each settlingfarmer in lhe project command area are given in Table 9 5, The total feed requirement for indigenous cattle breeding and milk production, sheep and goats fattening has been calculated based on the requirements for each class of animals. Donkeyswill sustain on crop residues and hay.
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T able 8.6: Total feed and land requirement per household in the phases
Volume IV - Part III Livestock Developmen£Study F~inal Report
Phase 1
Phase II
Feed Requirement
Land
Feed Requirement
Feeding Regime
Total
Feed
(ton)
With
10%
contin
gency
Dry
Matter (ton)
I
Biomass production
(tDM/ha)
-
requirement
with 10%
contingency 
(ha)
Total
Feed
(Ion)
with i
10%
contin
gency
Dry
Matter
(ton)
Biomass 
production
(tDM/ha)
Land
requirement
with 10%
contingency 
(ha)
Green Feeding
Rhodes grass
53 68
59.05
16.53
35.00
0.47
42.77
47.04
13.17 |
35.00
0.38
Napier grass
66 91
73.60
18.40
40.00 I
0.46
5629
61.92 |
1548
40.00 |
039
Alfalfa
18 02
19.62
3.96
40.00
0.10
10 89
11.98
2.40
40 00 |
0.06
Leucaena
0.11
0 12
C02
33 00
0.0007
0.11
0.12
002
33.00
0.001
Sub total
■
1.0307
-
-
0.831
Conserved Feed Production
Rhodes grass hay
17.35
19 06
1622
35.00
0.46
10 68
11 74
9 98
35.00
0 29
Concentrate Mix
I Maize
041
045
-
0.41
0.45
-
Sorghum
0.14
0.15
-
-
0.14
0.15
-
L
-I
Noug cake
4 97
5 46
-
-
3 78
4.16
-
Sall
0 01
001
•
•
0.01
0.01
-
Limestone
0.10
0.11
-
-
0 10
0 11
Whole milk
2 20
2 42
-
-
1.09
1 20
-
-
Total land requirement
1.4907
1.121
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Volume IV- Part III Livestock Development Study Draft Recoil
Improved grasses, legumes, tree species, and lheir agronomic  practices  recommended by Melka Werer Research Center, Adami Tulu agricultural Research Ceneter. Mel asa Agricultural Research Center and Assess  Agricultural Research Ceneler are indicated in Tabte A2 and A3. Moreover, the adoptability  trial of forage species  conducted by  Assosa agncultural Research Ceneter varies  greatly  between years  and cultivars  and as  a result the mean values were considered in biomass estimation.
As  can be seen from Table 9 5, to sustain breeding and fattening cattle, sheep and goals at household .'evel per year, a total of 1.5 ha cultivated land per settling farmers  household is recurred on whrch Rhodes  grass  for green feeding and hay  making; Elephant grass, Alfalfa and Lukina for cut- and carry system feeding will be developed. The allocated bloc* of 1 5 ha will be used exclusively  for forage developmental which 0.48 ha. 0.46 ha, 0.1 and 0 001 ha are used for the production of Rhodes  grass, Elephant grass, Alfalfa and Leu^aena respectively  The total area estimated for backyard forage development is  1,947 ha. which will be located inside the command area within close proximity  to the settlement areas  The area estimated for Leucaena is  very  small and as  the result it can be produced in form of hedges and forage strips around the paddocks and fences.
8.8   Forage Seed Requirement and Supply
Improving animal nutrition using improved forage species  is  an important step in supporting and improving livestock  productivity  in rural areas. Sowing a new pasture or planting backyard fodder crops  requires  a reliable source of seed or vegetative material of forage species recommended and adopted to the lowland areas.
The allocation of each settling family  with backyard fodder production areas  is  cruciEilly required to improve and manage their own livestock  feed production areas  sn the best interest of themselves and future generations
The establishment of backyard fodder for livestock feed in the project command areas,
demands a large amount of seed or vegetative materials in form of seed and stem cuts.
Quality and quantitywise insufficient supply of seeds in the country coupled with gradual
settlement necessitates the sustainable availability of planting materials in the nearby areas 
of the settling communities.
Seeds and seedlings will be given free of charge only for the first time when the farmers are
settling. Thereafter he or she is expected to maintain or cover his own seed recuirernent
The total seeds and seedlings required for each project year are indicated in Table 8 7
Every  year a total of 130 new irrigation-based forage development project participants would require about 611 kg Rhodes  grass, 2,392,000 Elephant grass  cuttings. 130 kg Alfalfa and 7 kg Leucaena basic  seedsto plant on about 194 7 hectare of land or 1.5 ha per each family
For sustainable implementation of the settlement programme however forage development nurseries  have to be cslablished to access  settling communities  for seeds  and seedlings  of fodder trees  and shrubs  which can be supplied m form of grass  and legume seeds  root splits arid cuttings for different forms of fodder production at family level In this strategy
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about 1.298 settling farmers' households witling to maintain the herd number at the proposed 9.3 TLU/family (4.9 dairy stock. 1 donkey. 4 fattening stock of cattle and 8 shoals) an
willing to produce and manage irrigated backyard fodder, will be embraced throughout 1 ie project phase. The others can be strongly attracted to the scheme by observing the benefits gained by settled farmers and will be the next to settle.
Table 8 7 Forage seed requirement per settling households per year
Seed requirement
cost
Forage seed
per settling
household/year
per project
life
per
household
per project
life
Elephant grass (cutting}
18,400
23,883,200
2,760
3,582,480
Rhodes grass (kg)
9
11 942
736
955,328
Alfalfa i‘kg)
1
1.298
120
155760
Leucaena (kg)
01
65
1
1,298
| Total
18,410
23,896,505
3,617
4,694,866
Introduction of improved fodder species  in an irrigation system of Dabus  Irrigation Project area requires  sufficient and quality  forage seeds  al easy  reach and lowest price, However, most of the grass  and legume seeds  have been purchased from abroad since a long time. As  the result, the prices  are expensive and the quantity  distributed is  insufficient to meet the demands  of farmers  and other individuals. Forage seeds  are scarce due mainly  to its  low productivity  per unit area and intensive management requirement from planting until cleaning and packing. Relative to other forage crops  perennial grass  seed production is  more difficult. Seeds  of these grasses  are very  small in size and usually  covered with caryopsis, which is often difficult to remove and lhe inflorescence maturity  is  also not uniform (Getnet Assets  et al. 2006), Thus  seeds  of most species  to be used can be produced in the project area with minimum expenses.
Forage seed production sites  must be accessible and as much as possible located within the areas  suitable for irrigation The area must be free of noxious  weeds, pests, diseases  and given adequate space to make 'solation from cross-pollinated species  Access  to irrigation to make multiple harvests  as  much as  possible and guarantee against erratic  and undependable rainfall is a prerequisite for lhe selected site.
The seed multiplication centers  may  not have significant importance when backyard forage development is  fulty  established because each farmer could produce his  own seed and even he can sell seed to other settling farmers  directly  This  method of approach guarantees  the sustainability  of forage development in the project areas. However, the seed setting and threshing ot some forage species  is  difficult and requires  especial training The training and support activity  can be carried out by  the project stuff until the end of the project life Thereafter, the grazer s  cooperative or union will take over the activity  of seed production which could be an income generating business for the community
Foundation seed for nitiating forage seed multiplication in lhe project seed multiplication centers  may  be obtained from International Livestock  Research Institute (ILRlj and Ethiopian institute of Agricultural Research (EARO): viz. Holeta, Debre-Zoit AsARC and Melkassa Agricultural Research Centersfor high reliability of forage and seed yield and to build m
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conf dence in the program.Though in the initial stages  of forage development program, the planting material would be resourced from ILRI, Assosa Agricultural Research Center and other seed providing agencies, the major responsibility  for availing sufficient and good quality  seeds  seedlings  and stem cuttings  in the long term rests  on the seed multiplication nurseries  that would be established in each settlement area, preferably  together with plant cane propagation s»te
8.9 Fertilization of Fodder Crops
Fodder plants, especially  elephant grass  and alfalfa require fertilization by  either chemical or organic  fertilizers  Fertilization of alfalfa can best be applied in a band along the rows, where young seedlings  benefit immediately  from the fertilizer, while the problem of weeds  in between the rows  is  reduced. Elephant grass  cuttings  can be fertilized in the same manner as  with alfalfa. The cuttings  can be planted and fertilized with DAP for lhe first time io help establishment where, usually  two cuttings  bearing 3 nods  are planted together and DAP is applied around them and covered with shallow sori
Under irrigation system, lhe green feed production throughout the year is  guaranteed, even though lhe cost of nitrogen fertilization is  very  high However the use of chemical fertilizer (Urea) just after every  cutting is  not something in reach of settling farming communities Thus, the search for other cheap and reliable source of fertilizer is  crucial The cheapest, easy  to access  and sustainable source is  the use of compost in backyard fodder production areas. This  will maintain sufficient organic  matter in the soil, which improves  structure and structure stability  of the soil, reduce losses  of soil due to runoff and improve soil fertility  and overall productivity of the rangeland biomass production.
Each settling family do keep at least 19.7 TLU all year round. One TLU can drop about 25 kg r resh manure every day and 9 tons per year. Assuming 100% of the dung is recovered as all animals  are leathered; the total collectable dung will be 90 tones  If properly  conserved and applied this  will supply  an equivalent of 109kg nitrogen or 6 quintal DAP, which is  sufficient to fertilize 6 ha of fodder production land. This  will save some 4 835 Birr, which could otherwise be spent to purchase chemical fertilizers. The surplus  dung or manure can be delivered to nursery  sites  in the project area. Composting can also be made in the nursery site Compost can easily  be prepared at the farming communities  of each settled family  and nursery  site in the project area because there are plenty  of farmyard manure, crop residues and feed rest, reliable waler supply  and family  labor However, education on lhe importance of using manure as  fertilizer and practical demonstration of its  use must be undertaken in the project area.
8,10 Water Requirement for Livestock and Fodder Development
8.10.1 Water Requirement for backyard Fodder Production
Tne possibility  of achieving higher yield and multiple cuttings  per year by  introducing adapted and improved forage species  will require the supply  of additional water in the dry seasons  Water plays  the important role in plant life Water profoundly  influences photosynthesis, respiration, absorption, translocation and utilization of mineral nutrients  anti cell division oes.oes some other orocess. Providing water timely and adequate moisture with
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no  toxic   effects   by   saving   water,   labor   and   energy   is   termed   as   water   management  It includes irrigation and/or drainage (Yadavendra and Patel, 1995)
In general, pastures  require more frequent waler application and a higher amount c  water than tnos! other crops. The movement of water over a well-established pasture sward is lower than over or through arable crops  and the rale of infiltration of water into J  e soil is more rapid A considerable larger head of water is  therefore necessary  to ensure high irrigation efficiency  The objective of irrigation is  to apply  enough water to replenish the root zone without applying to much. Excessive irrigation is  wasteful of water, leaches  nutrient below the root zone, while soils  become waterlogged, which will encourage the growth of rushes and sedges (Halcrow. 1975).
The term water requirement include the amount of water for meehng the needs  of evaporation, transpiration and metabolic  activities  (consumptive use), losses  during application of irrigation and water needed for special operalion such as  land preparation, transplanting, leaching etc. 90% of water applied is  used in evapotranspiration while hardly less  than 1% is  used in metabolic  processes. Evapotranspiration depends  upon the integrated effect of various  meteorological parameters  like solar radiation, temperature, wind velocity  and relative humidity. The amount of water actually  used by  the plant is  lost again through the leaves; this  is  called the transpiration of the plant The biggest source of loss  is through direct evaporation from the soil (IPC, 1993)
The climatic  data obtained from the Climatology  and Hydrology  Report of Dabus  Irrigation Project (2013)ha$ been used to estimate the irrigation water requirement for backyard fodder production and hay making
Air temperature regulates  the rate of most biochemical processes  in the plant and plays  an important role in crop development and production In some cases, lhe metabolism of the planl will come to a complete stop above or below certain critical temperalure levels  It is therefore useful to know the temperature fluctuations  in the command. The annual minimum and maximum mean temperature registered at Asosa for the last 26 years  is  18.1°C and 32 5°C. respectively  (Hydrology  and Climatology  Report, 2013). The monthly  mean maximum temperature varied from 27 9°C in July  to more than 37°C in March followed bv Aprtl&February, the monthly  mean minimum temperature varied from 16.6°C in January  to 19 5°C in April. The monthly  mean maximum and minimum temperatures  of lhe project area are given in an annex Table A29.
Similarly, the monthly  rainfall (mm) ranges  between 0.4 mm and 247 mm and lhe average lies  by  1,042 mm The dependable rainfall was  taken as  that with 80% (The 1 in 5 dry  year rainfall has  been selected as  the dependaDle rainfall) probability  of occurrence. The rainy season spreads  through May  to October The effective rainfall was  derived from the dependable rainfall using the USSR method The dependable rainfall and the effective rainfall are given in an annex Table A30
The mean monthly  relative humidity  (RH) in the project area is  in the range of 55 to 82 percent Generally, RH values  were highest In July, Juneand September and lowest in February  RH is  normally  high m the mornings  and decreases  towards  the afternoon The mean monthly  sunshine hours  in lhe project area varied from a low value of 4 5 hours  oer daydunngjhe month of July to a high of 8.6 hours per day during December
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Table B B Water requirement for all fodder craps at Dabus irrigation Development Project Area SCHEME SUPPLY
Volume IV- Part Hr Lvesfcck Development Study Flnjl Report
LTo station Assosa Kain station:
Cropping pattern: Dabus
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Precipitation deficit
1. Turf grass warm
136.9
132.4
132. &
113, 8
63. B
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
43.2
97,0
125.2
2. ALFALFA-perenn i a 1
154. 0
149.3
151.6
130. 3
70.0
1.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
6.1
45. 5
114.4
Net   scheme   lrr.   req,
in mm/day
0.7
0.8
0. 7
0.6
0.3
0.0
0.0
0.0
0. D
0,2
0.5
0.6
in nur'roor.th
22.1
21.4
21.5
IS. 4
10. 4
0,0
0.0
0.0
0.0
6.5
15.0
19. 9
in 1/s/h
0. 08
0. 09
0.08
0. 07
0. 04
0. 00
0. 00
0. 00
0.00
0, 02
0.06
0.07
Inigated        area
16.0
16.0
16.0
15.0
16 0
1.0
0.0
0.0
00
16,0
16.0
16. 0
(X of total area)
Irr.    req.    for    actual    area
0. 52
0. 55
0. 50
0. 44
0.24
0.01
0. 00
0.00
0.00
0. 15
0.36
0.47
(l/s/M)
t‘i ^wal 8. 0 Efua
0
2/03/14
6:28 02
PM
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Wind speed data are used for eslimating evaporation and evapo-lranspiration. which require
wind speed measured at 2 m height Wind speeds in the project area are generally medium
The maximum wind speed (196 km/day) occurred in February and the minimum was 84
km/day in October
Regarding the method of irrigation, there are four principal method of irrigation, viz. surface
irrigation system, subsurface irrigation system, sprinkler system and drip irrigation system
The surface irrigation system has again four methods, which includes the systems o> flooding (blind flooding), border, basrn and furrow irrigation (controlled flooding) The flooding
system is the most inefficient method of irrigation as about 20% of water is actually used by 
the plant. 1he rest is being lost as runoff, seepage and evaporation, and the water distribution
is uneven and crop growth is nol uniform.
Rhodes  grass  plots  can be irrigated by  flooding or border irrigation while Alfalfa and Elephant grass  are planted in rows  to facilitate furrow irrigation Leucaena, which will be planted using seedlings  from nurseries, will be planted in form of hedge and alley  cropping could use basin irrigation.
The irrigated forage crop water requirement for developing 1,947 ha of land (15.94%) in the Dabus  Irrigation Project area were computed using lhe CROPWAT 8 0 software developed by  the FAO and given in Table 8 8 Accordingly, 80% dependable rainfall data has  been used for the analysis  and the Annual Irrigation Water Requirement at the field excluding the conveyance loss  is  1,352 m3/ba/year and the total water requirement of the areas  delineated
for irrigated forage crops in the project area (1,947 ha) is 2.632,344m J/year (2 63 Mm3). The peak  duty  at the head for backyard fodder development is  in the month of February  and lies by 0 55 lilers/s/ha and the monthly average duly is 0.27 liters /s /ha.
8.10.2 Livestock Water Requirement
Water is  more vital for the maintenance of animal’s  life than any  other component. It is  the mam constituent of all body  fluids, being essential for the transport of nutrients  to body tissues  and the excretion of waste products  through the urine and feces  In addition, body water plays  an important role in the animal’s  thermoregulatory  mechanism (Parno, and Pieper 2000) Water makes about 70 per cent of an animal s or plant’s body and 87 per cent of milk  The waler content of the animal’s  body  vanes  with age. Newborn animals  consist of 75 to BD per cent water, whereas mature fat animals may contain only 50 per cent or less
An animal has two sources of water supply: drinking water and non drinking water sources. Animals acquire water by drinking free water, by utilizing the waler lhat forms part of the food 'hat tney consume and occasionally may manufacture small quantities of metabolic water through the oxidation of fat within their own body. All domestic animals require access to free water, some daily and some at less frequent intervals. Callie are not generally as tolerant as camels and sheep, but their requirement for water varies with type Bos indicus breeds require less water than most Bos laurus breeds when managed in the same environment. However, Ndama an indigenous Bos taurus breed from west Africa rs likely to be as tolerant
r
of dehydrations as any Bos indicus breed (Williamson and Payne, 1978).
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Most livestock  have to drink  at least every  other day  to be productive and every few days to survive. In most herbivores  in sub-Saharan Africa, the major function of water is  to dissipate internal or absorbed heat by  evaporative cooling through sweating or panting (King. 19S3). The provision of water is therefore of prime importance m all animal production system.
In the dry  tropics, the decreasing water content of the available forage increases  the animal's  demand for water at a time when surface water resources  are diminishing and the animal has  to walk  further to obtain it. At the same time ambient day  temperatures  rise during the dry  season, with a consequent further increase in the animals  water requirements (Pamo E. T and R D Pieper, 2000). This  makes  it easy  to use a well-planned water development program for a sound and sustainable range management in areas  such as  the current project site.
Water consumption is  related to feed dry  matter intake. The larger the proportion of indigested dry  matter the greater is  the loss  of faeces  and waler along with feaces. Waler requirements  increase with the level of roughage intake. In general, waler requirement in the tropics  varies  between 3.0 to 6.0 liters  for each kg of dry  matter consumed by  the non- lactatlng animals, depending upon the ambient temperature varying from 5°c  to 42uc. These amounts  are higher in pregnant and lactating animals  and an additional allowance of 1 liter per kg milk produced is given (Prasad. 2005)
From this  it can be deduced that a non-lactating tropical animal weighing 250 kg and feeding 6 25 kg dry matter for maintenance (2.5 per cent of body weight) will consume between 19 to 38 (average 28) liters  of water per day. This  amount is  much lower than cattle under temperate zone. Leitch and Thomson (1944) sited by  Prasad (2005), calculated an approximate daily  water requirement for milking cow. idle cattle and work  ox  of 31,8 kg plus 3.0 kg per kg milk  produced, 22.7 kg and 318 kg, respectively. Moreover, he indicated that the ratio of dry feed to water requirement is 1:4.
Similarly. King (1983) estimated the theoretical maximum, mean and practical guideline values for drinking water intake by African ruminant and is given in Table 8 9.However, when planning a water supply, the capacity  is  usually  designed to meet the maximum
requirements  of its  daily  requirement and the amount it can drink  at one visit (King, 1983). Based on this  proposal, the total annual water requirement for livestock  in the project area is estimated at 404 911m3 or 1,109 m3 per day  as  shown in Table 8 10. The average daily water requirement for one TLU will be about 54 liters  and a single settling household will utilize about 767 liters per day for his livestock.
Table  8.9:  Estimated  daily  drinking  water  requirements  for  non-lactating  livestock  under
African ranching conditions (King (1983)
Livestock species
Weight (kg]
Daily Drinking Water R cqu i remen 1 litresJheadl
Mean
Goal
30               2.0
Theoretical
maximum
Practical guideline for
develooment
|_Sheeg _            _ Zebu catlie
5.4
35
50
350             16.4
1.9
■ Camel
500
5.2
56.1
1B.4
34 0
50
25 0
|_Equirte
175-
-
...
* = Fielding (1*596)
27 *
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Volume IV - Port III Liwestock_Deve?Qprrtent Study Final Report^
Livestock
species
Total
population
> number)
TLU
Number based on
recommended
weight*
Daily 
allowance
(lite rs/ti ead I
Goaf
15,576
1,558
12.980
5.4
Sheep
15,576
1,558
11,126
5.2
Zebu cattle
23,024
16 537
16,874
56 1
Donkey
1,298
649
927
27 0
Poultry
38.940
389
0 25
Total
*
20,690
-
■
404,911
“able 8.10 Total dnnkinq water requirement for grazers and browsersin the Project Area
Annual Waler Requirement
______ mJ______ 25,584 21 1 I7
345.520 9,137 3,553
* = see table 9.21 a neve
The total annual water requirement for livestock  and irrigated forage development in the project area is  estimated at 3,037,255m3. or 8.32 I m3 per day  as  shown in Tables  8.8 and 8 10. As  seen from Table 8.10, the drinking water requirement for livestock, as  compared to waler requirement for forage development, is  significant and lies  by  13.3% while irrigation water requirement for forage development accounts for 86.7%,
The year round availability  of commendable water in the project area creates  the possibility to offer year-round drinking facilities  for livestock  along the penmeter of the settlement area. Concrete drinking troughs  with a permanent flow-through system can be constructed in the shelter. Overgrazing and the resulting erosion can be reduced by  allotting each family  with backyard farm plot and of course the watering and feeding facilities around the grazing area.
On the olherhand, different classes  of livestock  have different tolerance to saline water. Camels  are the most tolerant of all livestock  for salt content in the water. They  can tolerate drinking waler containing up to 5 5% salt (King, 1983).
Highly  saline water or water containing toxic  elements  may  be hazardous  to animal health and may  even render the milk  or meal utility  for consumption. Considering factors  limiting waler use for livestock  and lhe need to avoid any  risk  of economic  loss, the National Academy  of Sciences  (1972) established that, from a salinity  standpoint, livestock  drinking water with an electrical conductivity  (ECw) less  than 5 ds/m should be satisfactory  under almost any  circumstances  (Ayers  R S and Westcot, D W , 1989). According to the water quality  guide for livestock  and poultry  use of National Academy  of Science (1972 and 1974 m Ayers, R. S. and Westcot, D. W„ 1989), the water salinity  limit of 5.0 - 8.0 is  satisfactory for livestock and poultry. 8.0 — 11.0 has limited use for cattle and unfit for poultry and 11.0 — 
16 0 has very limited use for livestock
Fable 8.11. Tolerance of salty drinking water by different livestock species (King, 1983)
Livestock species
Camel Goat
% total salt in drinking waler
5.51
Sheep
Cow
------- --------------- .
1.5 13       9 n
DonKey
-------------- --------                      ---------- l .U 1 i-J
I - — d. u ?nir
Horse
.
"l 0
t Pig
-----    —------------------ -----------     - ---- -----------  u y i — —-------------------- .— 
n 7]
oT]
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According to Environmental Impact Assessment Study  (2013), the quality  of Dabus  River has  been described as  low saline (71.0 pS/cm or 0.071 ds/m) and close to neutral and well below the highest recommended permissible concentration. The PH value ofthe samplelies by6.97 and confirms  the above statement. This  study  indicates  that the PH value for Dabus River is  within lhe recommended (6.5 —  8.4| normal pH range and the concentration of other substances  or toxic  ions, which causes  toxicity  in animals, is  well below the toxic  levels recommended m Dabus River.
Though not classified in to ammonia hazard classes, the results  of the water quality  analysis indicated that ammonia concentration in the Dabus  River is  beyond the permissible limit of 0.2 mg/| and Ires  by  0 51 mg/l Ammonia through its  denvates  - nitrate (NO ) and nitrite
3
(NO2J  - affects  respiratory  system of animals  either by  inhibiting cellular metabolism or by decreasing oxygen permeability  of cell membranes, which is  extremely  toxic  to fish. The results  for nitrite indicated trace in samples  taken from Dabus  River while the concentration of nitrate is  above the permissible limit (0.6 mg/l). which indicates  a probability  of nitrate hazard
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9. ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
The Dabus  Irrigation Project will have its  head office in Assosa, the capital of Benshangul Gumuz  Region, with the necessary  support sluff. The sub-project offices  will be established in respective settlement areas. These offices  will have the necessary  technical and administrative stuff that can facilitate the implementation of project activities  with the help and direction from head office staff. The overall direction of the project would be the responsibility  of the Regional government. The program would also require strong technical and logistic  support. Il will be essential that the majority  of the staff deployed to respective settlement areas is able to speak a reasonable amount of Arutam language.
The breeding, fattening, hay  and backyard fodder production activities  'will be supervised by a project manager and assisted by  livestock  and forage development unit managers, field supervisors, extension supervisors  and extension agents. The major responsibility  in the project area would rest on the Assosa project management office, which in turn would work very  closely  with the respective Agriculture and Rural Development Coordination offices  of Menge, Oda Buildiglu, Assosa and Bambasi weredas  The offices  would be responsible for the livestock  and forage development project implementation and would collaborate and guide the technical support and extension activities  The field extension agents  would undertake the actual dissemination of the innovation at the farm level.
The successful implementation of the envisaged project would require an efficient human resource and sufficient material and other resources. The organizational set up of the project management is  shown in Figure 9.1 & Table 9.1 The Livestock  and Forage Development Department under the project coordination office constitutes  the unit managers  and three senior professionals: namely, senior livestock  development expert .senior forage development expert and a veterinarian In addition, three livestock  development and forage developmentsupervisorsas  well as  a veterinarian would be stationed one at each settlement areas  and would bo accountable to the livestock  and forage development department heads at each settlement areas  Moreover, seventeen development agents  of livestock development, forage development, animal health assistant,animal health techniciansand Al technicians would be deployed in each project offices at each settlement areas.
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Figure 9, 1. Organizational Chart
&G REGIONAL
STATE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
I -fV*
Regional Project i 1 Coordination Office
atAssota
! * Project Management Office
at respective settlement areas (2}
1
’’
■ _z t •
i
1 . Forage. ' .<J
;
i
Audit |
Development
Department
Administration &
Finance Service
1
p-W’-- -
J• Livestock'*1
p.r
| ' Animal health
.
[ development-head .
) service head ?
Forage
development head
I
■
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Mm.slry of Water, irrigation and Energy
Daous Irrigation Study and Des gn Project
fable 9. V Manpower Requirement o( the Livestock and Forage Development Project
Volume IV - Part 111 Livestock Development Study Final Report
r
II
| SIM
Job Title
Educational background and experience
No
Monthly
salary
10%
provide
nt fund
I
Total salary
Annua)
salary
1
Manager, livestock development
MSc or PnO in animal science and 10 or 0 years experie respectively
nce1,
6.000
360
6.360
76.320
12
' Unit managers, Livestock, --P--o--r-a-qi—e and Veterinary 
BSc in animal science and DVM with 6 years relevant experience
3
5,500
330
5.830
209,380
3
__
1 Senior Animal husbandry expert
BSc an animal science and 5 years relevant experience
1
4.000
240
4,240 I
50.380
4
Senior Forage development
expert
BSc in animal science and 5 years relevanl experience
1
4,000
240
4 240
50.000
5
Veterinarian
DVM and 5 years relevant experience
2
5,000
300
5,300
127.200
nj
Animal husbandry expert
Diploma m animal science and 5 years relevant experien
ce 2
2,000
120
2.120
50.880
7
Forage development expert
Diploma m animal science and 5 years relevant experien
ce 2
2.000
120
2,120
50,880
8
Animal health assistant
Diploma »n veterinary science and 5 years relevanl experience
4
2,000
120
2,120
101,760
9
Animal health technicians
Diploma in veterinary science and 3 years relevant experience
4
1,500
90
1,590
76,320
10
Al technician
Diploma m Al ano 4 years relevant experience
5
1,500
90
1,590
95,400
Total
l. 25
33,500
2,010
35,510
890,400
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10.   IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The proposed livestock development interventions include lime schedule for the planned activities with sequence of tasks, list of inputs required, strategic issues that should be considered for successful implementation and institutions that should be responsible for implementing the proposed interventions based on the existing government structures an authorities.
10.1 Phasing and Implementation Schedule
The livestock  development program has  to be implemented in a phased manner together with settlement and forage development programs  The first forage blocks  for the first year settlers will be developed a year before to attract fresh settlers Generally, sufficient fodder production should be guaranteed before the commencement of settlement and the actual livestock development activities A total of 2 settlement areas with complete facilities such as animal health clinics  and posts, Al unit, etc. 40 milk  collection group, one processing cooperative and 130 honey  producers  group will be established over 10 project years. Generally, adequate and hands  on practical training will be provided before the commencement of settlement and large-scale irrigation in the project area. The first year of the livestock  development activities  will be much devoted to capacity  building, purchase of equipment and establishment of improved forage development plots  and a milk  processing house. In subsequent years, it will be possible to take-up other interventions simultaneously.
It is estimated that the livestock development program needs at least ten years to establish the settling farmers  in new agricultural and animal husbandry  practices. Such a prolonged implementation year is  required to establish a mutual trust with settlers  The lessons  of previous  settlement and livestock  development achievements  must be assimilated and applied Therefore, the implementation period is proposed to be 10 years and by project year 10 some 1,298 households will be embraced by the livestock development programme. For the first year, for the 130 settling farmers the corresponding 195 ha land should be planted with improved forage species and ready for use when they are settling. This will encourage the first settlers  and motivates the followers  to settle thereafter The breakdown is indicated on Table 10.1
Regarding management of the breeding program, the full and voluntary  cooperation by settling farmers  and the development of their own institutions  gradually  to take full responsibility Is vital. The settlement of the 1,298 households would be effected in a phased manner over 10 consecutive years.
One care should be given while organizing settlement plan and forage development. Farmers  may  see the backyard forage plots  as  compensation for all the farmers  who have lost their dry and wet season grazing ;and due to establishment of the irrigation scheme if all farmers  have access  to lhe scheme, the irrigated fodder will soon be overgrazed by  the larger number of livestock, and there will oe fighting over the remnants  of the forage and water Therefore, the forage development plots  have to be allocated to each settling farmer with emphasis to long time relationship between neighboring partners
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1 able 10.1* Planned activities by implementation timelines
Volume IV- Part JJI livestock Development Study Final Report
I
S/N
Activity by component
unit
Total
plan
Implementation timelines by year
1
2
3
4
5
6
7r
8
9
10
Project oarticipants
No
1,298
130
260
390
520
650
780
910
1,040 '
1 170
l 1 298
I1
Production of crossbred heifers
No
3.094
390
390
390
390
390
390
390
390
_
390
384 '
2
backyard fodder development
ha
1,345
135
135
135
135
135
135
135
135
1
135
133 '
♦ Establishment of Elephant grass
Ha
597
60
60
60
60
so
60
60
60
_n
60
59
« Establishment c  Rhodes grass
1
Ha
619
62 4
62.4
624
62.4
624
62.4
62.4
1
62 4
62 4
61 41
• Establishment of Alfalfa
Ha
129
130
13.0
13.0
13.0
130
13.0
13.0
13.0
13.0
12.8
♦ Estaonshmern of Leucaena
La
01
0.1
0.1
01
01
01
0.1
Oil
0.1
01
I—
3
Haymaking field
ha
601
59 6
53 B
59.8
59 9
59.8
59 8
59.8
59 8
59.0
50 9
Forage seed production sites
No
2
2
I
14
5I
r ‘------ r sI*
Establishment of milk collection group
No
40
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
«
7
-
Establishment of honey producers qrouo
No
130
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
I 13
13
Establishment of Al and health pests
No
2
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
*
10
Trained settlers
No
i.29fl
130
260
390
520
650
760
910
1 040
1.170
1.298
11
Monitoring and evaluation
No
2
L^
I_ u
1-,1
l
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Volume IV - Part III Livestock Development Study Final Repod
Moreover the backyard fodder production plots together with individual garden units s oc.
be located inside the command area. However, as the livestock feeding deoencs on c-t an
carry system greeri
(
feeds such as Elephant grass and Rhodes grass are difficult materia s o
transport, the location of fodder development areas should be around each settlerr.eri< areas so that the settlers  access  the green feed within the shortest distance possible. The settlement area will be established al the periphery  facing the natural pasture and areas destined for irrigated forage development and garden plots so as the boundaries o> cropping fields are not crossed and destroyed.
10,2  Implementation Strategies
For a project to work communities must be consulted, trained, and made responsible tor its implementation and the local government involved. The isolation and geographical features of the area, the extremely difficult logistics, and the relationship between the different ethnic groups  must be properly  assessed before any  project is  implemented Implementation involves translating the agreed plans into the actual on the ground. Specific implementation strategies involve the following.
10.2.1   Extension
Agricultural extension can be defined as  any  set of learning experiences  designed to facilitate the voluntary  adaptation of agricultural practices  conducive to sustainable agricultural production.Farming in the project area is  dominated by  crop production, while livestock  production contributes  draft powerand livestock  products  for household consumption. Modern system of livestock  production and fattening using backyard fodder development is a new technology and requires an intensive extension work. The community should be told the merits of cattle breeding and improvement and cut and curry system of feeding prior to an endeavor to settle and start a new way of life.
The extension activities focus on the fallowing aspects:
•    Teach settling farmers about the different strategies of cattle breeding and growing improved forage crops that are suitable to the area,
•    Teach farmers about improved livestock management.
•    Provision of seeds/seedlings of promising and recommended forage species that fl
the farming system,
•    Teach farmers Io grow crops, which are complementary to livestock production.
10.2.2   Community Participation
The preservation of the ecosystem, its resources and its livelihoods will not come only from micrO’projects. Decision-making power for the communities  must be established to work hand-in-hand with the project management
in implementing the settlement oriented breeding, fattening and backyard fodder production program, community participation is very much important. The stake holders such as all lhe levels  of officials  of Agriculture end Rural Development offices, elders  and kebeie association leaders and cooperatives should participate in ail aspects and at all levels of the project implementation
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1
The direct participation and handling of community basedcalUe breeding, seed mu lip «ca .
feed processing and preservation is very important and the settling farmers shou ear a responsibility for its upkeep. Each family should do everything for itself Amass ng o er or haymaking or green feeding does not require mechanization and can be accomp >s ie y 
hand mowing using sickles by family labor.
10.2.3  Formation of Cooperatives
The establishment of irrigation scheme abolishes  the shortage of moisture and favors  all year round forage oroduction. This is a great opportunity tor farmers to abolish their yearlong strain to get sufficient forage and water for their livestock. Farmers involved n The use of backyard fodder production can make use of this opportunity oy getting ’hem organized in form of “Dabus  CattleBreeders  Association, milk  collection and processing cooperative ard Beekeepers association '.
These cooperative members will take over the activities of cattle breeding and forage seed multi plication center at the end of the project life and be assisted by the project implementing stuff membersfor technical backstopping and providing facilities  such as  breeding stock, farm inputs, training, irrigation and marketing of produce They can exploit the opportunity by producing seeds of high demand forage crops to sell to users elsewhere in the country.
10.2.4  Incentives
The best performing settlers have to be awarded every year to motivate other farmers and The settlers themselves. Incentives could be in form or material or moral awards Some other incentives such as free veterinary cure, free supply of dewormers, equipment and advice on management, health care and forage seed should be extended. It may become necessary to provide direct financial incentives to the farmers who cooperate in recording the performance of progenies of bulls used for breeding and improvement of the herd.
Furthermore as the climate and the living conditions are not comfortable in the rangelands, creation of sortable working environment like special payments, different allowances  and incentives for best performing workers must be planned.
10.2.5 Capacity Building
Ail beneficiary farmers, wereda livestock and forage and pasture development experts and development agents deployed to the project area will receive an exhaustive and practical training in the areas  of animal breeding and improvement, feeds  and feeding livestock, conserved feed production, health care, forage seed production and processing, fattening cattle and shoals, milk processing, bee biology, honey and wax production, processing and storage marketing, development of bee forage and feeding honeybees  and hive management activities. The maximum duration of training for beneficiar.es will be 15 days while an intensive training of development agents and wereda livestock experts will have a training penod of one month. The training will be organized each year only for The settlina farmers and the wereda stuff will be (rained once at the beginning of the project operation
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Livestock Development Study Final Repori
10.3 Implementation Cost
Indigenous  livestock  cross  breeding and improvement endeavor through selection and breeding is  costly  but it has  lucrative returns  in the future generations  by  providing nigh yielding, fertile and environmentally  sustainable livestock  species.lt involves  costly  inputs such as  progeny  testing selection, purchasing elite sire species, heat synchroniza. onand the general management and health care related activities  As  a very  simple rule, every investment made should be paid off from the increase in animal production. However the endeavor is to settle the poor farmers to help start a new life and improve the production and productivity of the local breeds adapted to the harsh environmental conditions thiough cross breeding.
Hence, the costs  of irrigation scheme require considerable technical support from government and the costs are also very high and expected to be covered by the government and/or international development assistance Thus, only prominent capital and running cost items  have been considered. The cost estimates  for the Livestock  Development Project, spread out over the lifetime of the project is presented on Table 10.2.
The project involves investment costs and recurrent costs, and the overall project cost is about Birr 353.735,000 of which Birr 259.990.000 is  investment and Birr 93,745.000 is operating cost. The major investment costs include purchase of initial breeding stock and equipment, training and running costs, establishment of project offices with corresponding animal health clinics  and artificial insemination centers, salaries  of professional sluff, irrigated backyard fodder development, milk collection and processing house together with equipment and initialoperaling costs  for fluid milk  purchaseand beekeeping equipment, which are expected to be established around each settlement area.
Table 10.2: Estimated costs for livestock development interventions over 10 years (*000)
S/N
Livestock venture
Investment cost
Operating cost
Tolal cos!
1
Crossbred herfer production
139.053
16.986
206.049
2
Cattle and shoals fattening
41,190
76.585
117,775
3
Milk collection and processing
2,484
174
2.658
4
Poultry production
5 567
r
0
5,567
5
Apiculture Development
21.686
0
21,686
Total
259,990
93,745
353,735
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11. BENEFITS AND BENEFICIARIES
Volume IV — Part III Livestock Development Study Final Report,
The direct beneficiaries of the livestockand backyard fodder development interventions are the settling farmersand lheir wives  involved in cattle breeding fattening, milk  collectlonand processing.poultry production.and apiculture development activities The benefit w»H be from the sale of finished cattie and shoats. liquid milk, butter and cheese, egg and poultry meat honey  and bees  wax, which is  a result of year round quality  and quantitywise sufficient forage production and potable water supply.The beneficiaries  of the livestock  development ventures  will also include small scale and commercial farmers, traders, seed producers, processors, manufacturers  consumers, researchers, policy  makers, development workers NGOs, and donors in the region, and other local and international institutions
The indigenous livestock cross breeding program will lead to an increased milk production from 1.6 to 10 liters per day per cow and a further increase by about 1.5% per annum with substantial weight gam is expected Moreover about 25 kg of honey, 2.5 kg bees wax and 6.388 eggs will be produced from an intermediate beehive and a dual purpose poultry breed per year, which will definitely fetch a lucrative income for the participating households. The cattle and shoats  fattening business  where 12 and 24 cattle and shoats  are fattened on home grown quality and cheap fodder together with milk collection and processing venture will also have lucrative returns for participants of the program
Based on this  estimation, each participating farmer will have a gross  incomeof about Bird31.207 per year from an overall livestock development venture, which amounts to about Sirr 10,934 per month excluding the family labor income. Apart from this, an increase in milk and meat production through breeding and improvement is  the most important long-term benefits in the project area The quality and quantitywrse superior crop yield due to cross pollination by honeybees is also another important benefit of the settling households in the project area.
Table 11.1 Estimated income from overall livestock development interventions per family
S/N
livestock Venture
Recurrent
cost
Gross profit per
Rcvpnue
Household/
year
household/
month
1
Cattle breeding and improvement
47,922
73,000
25.073
2,090
2
Cattle and shoals fattening
75,967
120.000
44.033
3
Milk collection and processing
3,669
134
49,117
48.983
4
Poultry production
4 082
6,695
13,925
7.230
5
Apiculture Development
, 603
2,367
8,250
5,083
Total
133,085
•190
264,292
131,207
10.934
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_Dabus Irrigation Study and Design Project_________________ ______ _______ Livestock Development -4u(-.y—»—_!—P _
12,  ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
As the rangelands are no man's land, the problem of communal grazing system is apparent. It leads lo overgrazing, increased erosion, environmental degradation, loss of palatable and nutritious grass and tree species.
Therefore, proper grazing management is  required to control sod erosion and land degradation Breed improvement program will bring about an increase in the productivity of animals, as a result of cross breeding, performance testing, selection and mating the best sire with the best dam. which will definitely  force the farmers  to reduce the number of animals they keep.The improved forage development on the other hand is assumed to offset this concern and therefore, there will not be negative environmental impact that bring about as  a result of implementing the anticipated project. In the long run, the change from traditional cattle management to intensive, irrigated fodder crop production based management will further reduce the number of animals kept per household, which wilt have a positive impact on the environment
Therefore, there will not be a negative environmental impact that bring about as a result of implementing the anticipated livestock  development projects, rather it will have a positive impact through maintaining the ecology and preserving biodiversity
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13.    MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Project  monitoring  and  evaluation  can  be  defined  as  “the  continuous  collection  of  data concerning the implementation and impact of a project and the periodic review and analysis of  these  data”  Routine  data  collection  for  monitoring  purposes  should  form  part  of  ’he normal operation of the project. Regular evaluation will also be earned out by the project staff, with periodic evaluation carried out by other staff acting as external auditors. This may emanate from another organization, either of a supervisory nature, or of the funding agency It is common for regular and formal reviews to be held at significant milestones such as mid term or completion.
Thus, the monitoring and evaluation system would be an integral part of the whole program Quantitative data will be collected by regional and we red a project offices based on targets and achievements Number of crossbred heifers raised, land developed for backyard fodder production, number of participant farmers  and wives  m fattening, milk  collection and processing, beekeeping, training activities and numbers (rained would be important aspects of the monitoring and evaluation achievements. Evaluation of the project would be the responsibility of the Regional Project Coordination Office
Moreover, in order to properly  evaluate the monitoring results  and take the necessary aclions m time, it is recommended that the monitoring results are reported to the project proponent, line sector and regulatory bodies at different levels.
Costs  for monitoring and evaluation activitiesfor the effectiveness  of lhe livestock development projects, which are formal reviews to be held at mid-term and completion, were estimated at Birr 150 000.
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14,    CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
14.1   Conclusion
A study was conducted to assess and friterveningihe livestock and feed resource basest Feasibility level in Dabus Irrigation Project area Poultry, goals, cattle, sheep and donkeys dominate the mixed farming system. The livestock industry in the project area is constraint
by mainly disease especially trypanosomiasis, feed shortage induced by lack of awareness and extension support! poor genetic potential, poor livestock husbandry and range management practices, lack of farming system based breed improvement less trained and inexperienced manpower, poor infrastructure and marketing route.
Natural pasture and crop residues were the most commonly utilized feed resource in shifting cultivation and permanent farming systems. Allhough, natural pasture was  providing significant amount of feed for the society, nowadays the contribution and also productivity of this  feed resource was  deteriorating from time to time mainly  by  exoansion of crop production at lhe expense of grazing land. Crop residues  were also used for fuel, construction and source of cash income besides  serving as  a source of feed. Improved forage species, agro-industrial by-products  were less  available in lhe area The marn sources of water for livestock in both farming systems during the dry season were rivers followed by springs and pond.
To resolve the above mentioned constraints, lhepnontizedlivestock  development inierventtonsproposed for the current irrigation development project must center on indigenous cattle cross breeding to produce cross herfers to establish small-scale dairying, beef and mutton production, milk collection and pro cessing .poultry production, beekeeping and backyard fodder developing in form of Elephant grass, Alfalfa and Leucaena on 1 5 ha plots For each settling farmers where the system of zero grazing is employed Hay production is  also recommended on each farmer’s  holding attached to the backyard forage development with an area allotment of 0.46 ha All livestock development projects except dairying are designed to use indigenous stock such as local cattle and sheep species, Arab and Gumuz goats for both milk and meal production
Irrigated land should be exploited with high yielding grasses  such as  Rhodes  grass  and Elephant grass: legumes such as alfalfa and lukma so that land requirement per settling (armersbe reduced.
Thus, from lhe livestock Development Study it can be concluded' 1) that the cattle cross breeding and improvement programme will boost the milk  and meat production and productivity of the indigenous cattle and increase the incomes of the settling farmers which will be augmented by  cattle and shoals  fallenins. milk  collection and processing poultry production and beekeeping ventures. 2} that lhe provision of backyard fodder production and hay  making would significantly  increase !he livestock  production and productivity  in the project area, 3) that it is  technically  possible to irrigate 1,947 ha for backyard fodder development using a combination of irrigation methods; Hooding, border irrigation and furrow irrigation and 4) that no major adverse environmental impact is foreseen from such a
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This farming symbiosis between intensive livestock production with their valuable bi pro uc s such as milk, meat, egg and honey and backyard fodder production as well as mar e or
their livestock and livestock products draws the settling farmers attention positive y 
irrigation scheme and help commence a new and prosperous mode of life.
In spite of the above mentioned limitations  however, without exception ail communities consulted have shown sympathy to the upcoming irrigation project and wished to he m p ace without any  delay  However, all of them expressed their concern regarding the rampant diseases  especially  trypanosomosrs, which could be a threat to the upcoming livestock development venture.
Under irrigation schemes, potable water for humans  and livestock  will be brought to farmers  doorstep Quality  and quantity  wise sufficient green and conserved feed will be produced and supplied year round. Job opportunity for the whole family in form of permanent and casual laborers  and out grower associations  is  a few to mention However, with no access  to irrigated agnculture, livestock  development, forage and fodder production, fertilizer, credit for input and agricultural extension services, the prospects  for settling farmers in the project area is not likely to prove successful
14.2 Recommendation
The livelihood of the majority of the people in the project area wheremixed farmingdominates the farmrng system is  directly  associated to extensive livestock  production. The grazing lands  of the project area is  however, straining from bush fire, intensive collection of fuel wood, charcoal, building materials  while the agricultural activities  are more and more expanding into the grazing lands.
An establishment of Dabus  IrngationDevelopment project in Menge, Oda buitdiglu, Assosa, and Bambasi weredas  will affect the inhabiting farmingcommunily  significantly, as  lhe area envisaged tor the irrigation occupies  entirely  the area which has  been used by  farmersfor wet and dry-season grazing.
In lhe event of the project occupying the grazing lands, without providing an equivalent amount and value from irrigated forage development, the economy of the poor farmers will virtually  collapse and lhe entire livestock  population of the area would be thrown back  to smaller lands in lhe catchment. The result would be very rapid denudation and erosion of the immediate catchments of the Dabus River and constant incursions into the cropping fields by livestock in pursuit of water and green crops. Thus, lhe economic, environmental and social consequences of either of these events would be extremely severe
1. To ameliorate the above mentioned problems, the farmers should have settlement
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employment opportunity, irrigated forage development, access  lo bi-products  such as  crop residues  to feed their livestock. However, this  demands  a careful settlement planning whereby the settlement area is situated inside the periphery of the command area within a short distance to access the abovemenboned benefits from the scheme,
2  The  Dabus  River.  Ondel,  Oreya,  Daka,  Bimbo,  kimbuand  other  tributaries  supply the region and the country at large with delicious fish meat This part of the country has    especial   resources   for   riverine   fishery   and   aquaculture   deve’opment Moreover,   the   construction   of   reservoir   and   Irrigation   main   canal   creates   a conducive environment for fishery development A possibility for fish farming is also another  opportunity  to  be  exhaustively  utilized.  An  integration  of  all  these  options into  the  Dabus  Irrigation  Project  will  definitelymaximize  an  income  and  improves the livelihood and nutritional status of the poor farmers in the project area.
In spite of this rampant resource base, however, the ToR and Technical Proposal did not consider the fishery  development aspects  and overlooked this  immense resource base of the Dabus  Irrigation Project area Thus, it is  the consultant s strong belief that given huge fish resource base and fish production and marketing enterprises, which are active in fish production and marketing activities in the area, there exist favorable conditions  for both capture fishery  and aquaculture development in the envisaged project area.
Hence, based on thorough study  of the resource base, the consultant strongly recommends  fishery and aquaculture development, which could be integrated with the irrigation scheme or encourage other investors  and cooperatives  in the sub sector This  requires, however, a separate fishery  and aquaculture development study to be conducted in the Dabus Irrigation Project command area.
3, A successful project implementation would require a strong organization of lhe community  in the form of cattle breeding and improvement, milk  collection and processing cooperatives  and honey  producers  group based on lhe common interests of the participants These are the one to take over lhe future livestock and feed development activities as well as marketing of products, and need all rounded support.Moreover, provision of saving and credit sarvrcesfor livestock production input supply and training is also of paramouni importance,
4.    lhe  Project  Management  offices  al  Assosa  and  respective  settlement  areasand their technical support and extension division staff should be kept abreast with the latest  knowledge  about  the  issues  of  animal  breeding,  fattening,  beekeeping  and milk processing aspects and lhe envisaged interventions.
5 Women play a leading role in livestock management and family welfare. Therefore, women   led   projects   and   women   empowerment   is   essential   for   successful development interventions m and around the project area. Thus, the involvement of women  in  the  milk  collection  and  processing  interventions  from  start  to  end  is crucial  and  hence  it  should  be  promoted  through  skill  development,  training  and establishment of women mi k groups and cooperatives.
6.  As  in  the  case  of  most  newly  introduced  innovations,  there  is  a  chance  that  the target  groups  may  be  slow  or  resistant  io  adopt  the  livestock  breeding  and improvement project Establishing backyard fodder prior to settlement is critical to
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Volume IV - Pen Ml Livestock Development Study Final Repprt_
the sound performance of the project.The use of backyard fodder in form of cut- and-carry system is strongly advised as the system involves less feed loss, higher yield and is manageable at farmers level,
7.  The  use  of  chemical  fertilizers  at  settling  pastoralist  level  is  unthinkable  as  it involves  high  cost  and  not  at  easy  reaches  of  farming  communities.  Rather  the farmers do have the cheapest bio-fertilizer resources at their homestead the dung and feed rests, which can be processed m to compos! The process of composting should be strongly encouraged and supported by hands on training,
8     Establishing  Artificial  Insemination  Center  together  with  iqurd  nitrogen  producing plants at Assosa. which will cater for the distribution of semen, liquid nitrogen and other consumables, is a priority callingtask.
9     Establishing  different  livestock  breeding  and  improvement  centers  such  as  goat, sheep  and  cattle  is  also  an  important  task  to  be  accomplished  in  the  next  few years It is also strongly recommended to establish additional poultry breeding and multiplication centers and satellite brooder station in strategic areas in the region
10  The implementation of cattle crossbreeding to produce crossbred heifers fattening shoals  and  poultry  production  using  dual  purpose  breeds  demand  an  intensive health care, especially trypanosomosis control and eradication. For the control and eradication  of  trypanosomosis,  vector-traps  and/or  sterile  male  techniques  should be  employed  together  with  prophylactic  and  treatment  measures  as  has  alredy been setout by Assosa Agricultural Research ceneter
11   Careful  attention  should  be  given  to  evaluate  the  sustainability  efficiency,  and impact of intervention activities in the settlement areas proposed.
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Summery

Summary of Dabus Irrigation Development Project - Livestock Development Study

Dabus Irrigation Development Project - Livestock Development Study Summary

1. Introduction

The Livestock Development Feasibility Report is part of the Dabus Irrigation Development Project in Benshangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia. The study aims to assess livestock resources, identify constraints, and propose development interventions.

2. Background

National Context

Ethiopia has the largest livestock population in Africa
Livestock contributes 30% to agricultural GDP
Low productivity due to diseases, poor feed, and management

Regional Context (Benshangul Gumuz)

Total livestock population: ~476,519 Tropical Livestock Units (TLU)
Main species: goats (45%), cattle (37%), donkeys (7%)
Low productivity due to trypanosomiasis and feed shortages

3. Project Area Description

Parameter	Value
Location	Assosa Zone, Benshangul Gumuz Region
Area	17,330 ha (gross), 12,215 ha (net irrigable)
Altitude	1,000-1,300 masl
Climate	Uni-modal rainfall (1,042 mm annually), 5-month dry season
Soil Types	Vertisols, Luvisols, Cambisols, Fluvisols, Luvic nitosols

4. Livestock Resources in Project Area

Population Estimates

Species	Population	% of Total
Goats	6,718	65%
Donkeys	2,497	24%
Cattle	612	6%
Sheep	525	5%
Poultry	9,481	-

Livestock Holding per Household

Average: 0.56 TLU/household
Wealth stratification:
- Better-off: 7.92 TLU
- Medium: 3.96 TLU
- Poor: 2.14 TLU

5. Major Constraints

High prevalence of trypanosomiasis (especially in cattle)
Feed shortages during dry season
Poor livestock management practices
Limited veterinary services
Weak marketing systems

6. Proposed Interventions

Intervention	Description
Cattle Cross-breeding	Introduce dairy breeds (Holstein, Jersey) through AI
Milk Collection & Processing	Establish cooperatives and processing facilities
Livestock Fattening	Cattle and shoats fattening programs
Apiculture Development	Introduce modern beehives and management
Poultry Production	Introduce improved breeds (Koekoek, RIR)
Forage Development	1.5 ha/household for fodder production

7. Implementation Plan

Total investment cost: ~ETB 354 million over 10 years
Expected income/household: ~ETB 131,207/year
Land requirement: 1,947 ha for fodder production
Proposed forage species: Rhodes grass, Elephant grass, Alfalfa, Lucerne

8. Recommendations

Integrate livestock development with irrigation scheme
Establish cooperatives for marketing
Improve veterinary services
Capacity building for farmers
Implement trypanosomiasis control measures